3 Things to Look for When Diagnosing Foundational Concrete Cracks
Foundation cracks can happen within a few years of construction for your warehouse or other industrial facilities. They usually form around windows, in corners of floors and walls, and longer sections of the foundation. Although most cracks in concrete flooring are a small matter, you need to fix the crack if they spread. Here are a few different crack types and how to know when to fix a concrete crack.
Crack Types
Vertical and Diagonal Cracks
A vertical or diagonal crack indicates settling in the concrete. Concrete shrinks as it cures and causes. They’re called shrinkage cracks. If cracks are close to a corner and wider than ⅛”, have a professional inspect it.
Horizontal Cracks
Horizontal cracks indicate a severe issue. Caused by water pressure, they can lead to failure in the foundation. Sound engineering means foundations manage water and soil pressure. Cracks can form from additional pressure from flooding or heavy rain. If you see water seeping through a crack, it needs repair as soon as possible.
When a Foundation is Beyond Repair
Some foundations are beyond. That’s the case when repair like concrete floor patching adds no value to the property. Often there’s irreversible damage, such as foundations collapsing.
Look for Signs
Some signs indicate future problems. In each case, you need industrial concrete repair products that help you fix the problem.
Here are signs to look for:
- Cracks changing direction
- Bulging walls
- Weak and sloping floors over the foundation
- Vertical cracks wider at the top than the bottom
- Able to fit a dime through a crack
Repairing Cracks
Small cracks, especially vertical/diagonal ones, aren’t too much of a concern. Horizontal cracks, on the other hand, need monitoring. The less knowledgeable technician or DIY-er may decide to fill cracks with hydraulic cement. It is a patchwork solution as the new cement never bonds with the original, and the crack eventually resurfaces.
The safest way to manage cracks is with epoxy injections with products like KwikBond. Epoxy welds cracks, restoring original strength and loading of concrete. This industrial concrete repair reinforces the foundation, making it impervious to water, air, chemicals, debris, and other unwanted contaminants.
Find out how Kwik-Bond concrete repair products can repair your industrial concrete floor. Call Capital Industries at 631-298-6300.
Capital Industries, Inc. is a leading supplier of commercial and industrial concrete repair products. For over 30 years, we have proudly serviced contractors, factories, warehouses and distribution centers for industrial, institutional and commercial customers. We carry a full range of concrete repair materials, including those specifically designed for low temperature areas such as freezers and coolers. Our floor repair products are rapid hardening, allowing you to reopen repaired areas with minimal downtime. All of our products are designed to be used by in-house maintenance personnel and come with an ironclad 100% guarantee of satisfaction.