Cracks in Basement Floor

Cracks in your basement floor are much more than just an aesthetic problem. This damage allows water to enter your basement, potentially causing mold growth and compromising your home’s structural integrity.

Here at The Basement Guys, we have the experience and expertise you need to solve this issue. Homeowners in the Greater Cleveland metro area have trusted our basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and other services for over two decades.

Discover more about basement floor cracks in this guide.

What are the Cracks in Your Basement Floor?

A crack is any separation, breach, or break in your basement concrete flooring. These often occur when external pressure pushes your concrete out of alignment.

Concrete floor cracks are common and don’t necessarily mean your home is about to collapse! However, it’s essential to call in experts like The Basement Guys to identify the root cause of this issue and stop water intrusion and further cracking.

Why Do You Have Cracks in Your Basement Floor?

Basement floor cracks can happen for several reasons:

Concrete Shrinkage: New concrete can shrink as it cures. Uneven shrinkage causes narrow cracks that allow water to enter your basement.
Heavy Loads: Storing heavy items in your basement can put pressure on your floor, leading to cracks.
Soil Movement: The soil under your home might shift because of moisture changes over time. Cracks can form when the foundation settles.
Expansive Soils: Certain soils — especially clay-based soils — expand and contract when they get wet or dry out, cracking your basement floor.
Hydrostatic Pressure: Water beneath your basement exerts upward pressure that deteriorates concrete, making cracks widen over time.

We’ll identify the real reason for your cracked basement floor during an inspection. That will help us determine the right repair solution for your home.

Can You Fix Cracks in a Basement Floor?

Yes. Thankfully, you don’t always need to replace your basement floor when cracks appear. However, you need the right professionals to solve this problem.
The Basement Guys understand that floor cracks vary in size, severity, and position. So we offer customized basement repair services based on your unique needs.

How to Repair Basement Floor Cracks

Here’s how we help homeowners in Ohio fix cracks in basement floors:

Detailed Assessment

Our team will start by assessing every crack in your basement floor. We’ll note each crack’s length, width, pattern, and location and identify the cause of this issue. Experts will also evaluate the soil under your home and the state of your foundations.

Stabilization

If your basement floor is sinking or is uneven because of shifting ground, we can use foundation piers to lift and level it, improving stability.

Wall Repair

Basement wall cracks often occur alongside floor cracks, so we might recommend wall repair solutions such as wall anchors, steel I-beams, and carbon fiber straps.

Interior Drainage

We’ll install an interior drainage system with a sump pump to divert water from your basement, defending against hydrostatic pressure and excess moisture.

Why You Should Act Quickly on Floor Cracks

Fixing basement floor cracks now can reduce the chances of major repair jobs in the future. Here’s why you should resolve this issue as soon as you can:

Cracks can quickly expand from constant pressure, encouraging mold growth and allowing water to enter your property.
Ignoring cracks might cause sinking floors that cost thousands of dollars to replace. The longer you wait, the more you’ll have to pay for repair costs.
Your home is only as stable as its foundation. Don’t wait for cracked floors to cause structural damage to your property.

Fix Floor Cracks With The Basement Guys

While a cracked basement floor might not seem like the end of the world, putting off repairs can lead to more serious issues, such as severe mold growth and weak foundations. So why not call in the experts now to protect your property and your family’s health?

For more than 20 years, The Basement Guys has provided homeowners in Ohio with superior basement repair solutions. Contact us for a free, no-obligation inspection.

FAQs

Are basement floor cracks settlement a problem?

Hairline cracks less than 1/8 inch wide are not a major concern, but they should be routinely monitored for widening or other changes. Wide cracks, especially those accompanied by uneven floors or tilting walls, may indicate foundation settlement. Contact The Basement Guys® for a free inspection to ensure your basement cracks are not a safety risk.

Are basement floor cracks dangerous?

Most basement floor cracks don’t cause immediate danger. However, large cracks or those showing movement can compromise the structural integrity of your home. Remember, cracks allow moisture seepage, and water leads to mold growth and other concerns. Contact The Basement Guys® for a free inspection to ensure your home and family remain safe and secure.

Can I fix basement floor cracks on my own?

Small, hairline cracks can be filled with concrete patching, but larger cracks or those linked to foundation issues, should be addressed by a professional. The Basement Guys® provide free inspections to assess the damage and recommend repair solutions that address the underlying foundation problems.