Are Cracks In Concrete Foundations Bad?
Concrete Cracks
I often get asked about cracks in concrete foundations. Many home owners are nervous when they see cracks in concrete and wonder if they are bad or dangerous. While it’s a natural reaction to be concerned when you see something cracked the reality is that 95% of cracks in concrete are harmless and nothing to worry about.
Why Does Concrete Crack?
Concrete cracks when it is subjected to tensile stress (forces that pull apart on something vs forces that push together something). Concrete has very strong compressive strength and very poor tensile strength. That’s why concrete is reinforced with steel reinforcing called rebar. So you end up with a composite material, the concrete takes the compressive loads and the steel rebar takes the tensile forces.
There are many factors that cause concrete to crack. Some of the factors that can cause concrete cracks are:
- Drying Shrinkage – as concrete cures and goes through it’s chemical reaction between the water and cement particles it begins to “dry” out. As with most materials that dry out they begin to shrink causing hairline cracks to appear.
- Thermal Shrinkage – all materials shrink and expand with changes in temperature. As concrete cools down (the chemical reaction that’s created when water and cement is mixed creates heat) it shrinks. The shrinking from cooling down can also cause hairline cracks to appear.
- Restraint – This topic is a bit harder to explain but it’s caused when concrete is confined and prevented from moving due to the structure. If the concrete wants to move due to loading, thermal or other effects and it’s restrained from doing so it will crack.
- Settlement – If the ground around a foundation settles it can cause the concrete to crack. Settlement can cause significant damage under certain circumstances.
- Loads – As I mentioned when concrete is subjected to loads that cause tension it will crack the concrete. Tension can be caused by many different loading conditions and it’s best dealt with by designing reinforced concrete that uses rebar.
- Corrosion – When steel rebar corrodes inside of concrete it expands and causing the concrete around it to crack.
Which Concrete Cracks Are Bad?
Obviously this is a topic that has many answers and not easily answered in a simple way. However, what you need to know is that ALL concrete cracks. In fact, reinforced concrete must crack before the rebar can take hold and do it’s job. Most cracks are so narrow that you can’t see them unless you look very closely with good light.
So which cracks are bad? Typically if you see a concrete crack that’s less than 1/8 inch wide then I’d say you can totally ignore it. If you find a crack that’s between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch wide it is most likely nothing to worry about. In this situation it’s important to look at the concrete on both sides of the crack and try to determine whether or not there has been any relative movement between the sides, up/down, left/right, in/out. This would be an indication of settlement and therefore a potential problem.
If you have a concrete crack that’s 1/4 inch wide or wider then I recommend you contact a local structural engineer. Cracks of that width indicate significant movement within the foundation and warrants further investigation.
Minor Concrete Crack Repairs
Minor cracks in concrete can be repaired easily by DIY home owners. Concrete cracks can be filled / sealed using a number of products. I happen to like concrete crack fillers from Sika. You can also use hydraulic cement (it expands slightly as it cures) to fill cracks. The idea behind filling the cracks is to seal them up to prevent moisture and air from moving into the concrete.
Summary
Cracks in concrete are a fact of life. ALL concrete cracks and you should understand this issue and realize that most concrete cracks are safe. If you find a wide crack and evidence of movement then contact a local structural engineer for further investigation. I hope this article has cleared up this confusing and mis-understood subject.
Todd, great post. Your descriptions of crack sizes and things to worry about are a great reference.
Happy New Year and good blogging in 2009!
I am very concerned,I am buying a home and i noticed that in my living room my concrete floor has some major cracks in them.I can feel them under my carpet.we purchased our home in 2004 so its less than 5 years old..if anyone can give me advice please do so..Thank You
@ EJ – It really depends on how wide the cracks are and what type of construction. Is it a slab on grade? If it’s a slab on grade and there are no signs of settlement affecting the structure then you can fill the cracks the next time you change the flooring.
I have a big crack right up the right hand side of my concrete front stoop, from the bottom step to the top. I would say the crack is about 1/4 inch, no shifting up/down, front/back- none of the walls in the basement or the house indicate that there is any kind of foundation or structural problem as far as I can see, do you think the crack in the stairs in cause for concern?
@ Liz – Do you have any photos?
I’m out of town but I will put some pictures up next week
I’m a young First time home buyer and after our home inspection our inspector noted the following on the house’s slab on grade concrete foundation: Common minor settlement cracks were observed in the foundation. This implies that some structural movement of the building has occurred. Cracks of this type should be watched for any sign of additional movement. In the absence of any sign of ongoing movement, repair should not be necessary.
Is this something we should be concerned about or something that should stop us from buying this place?
thank you so much!!
@ 1st Time Home Buyer – Sounds like nothing serious. Without seeing it myself it’s hard to say. Minor cracks are almost never a problem.
Hey Todd I am a 1st time home buyer and the house that I am interested in had just been built. The concrete slab foundation has a crack in it the total width of the house. You can see it from the outside and it travels from there through a bedroom through the family room under the fireplace to the other end of the house. The crack is not wide, but this is a serious concern for me because I am a 1st time home buyer. Will this be a problem down the line considering the weather (rain, coldness, etc).
@ Juju – Almost every concrete slab has visible cracks in it at one time or another. Without seeing your crack it’s hard to say definitively if it’s bad or not. However, if they crack is less than 1/4″ wide and the concrete on either side of the crack is level then it’s most likely nothing to worry about. If you’re still concerned then I would recommend speaking with a qualified home inspector or engineer. Best of luck!!
Todd,
I purchased a home that has a crack 360 degree halfway up all of the walls inside the basement. The previous homeowners had it epoxy injected but it still has small cracks apearing near the original crack (5 years later) 1/16 – 1/8 “. An engineer stated that the rebar is most likely causing the crack. He said that the home is structurally sound. We are considering finishing the basement after we have a drain tile system put it to catch a small amount of that leaks through during HEAVY rains. Is this rebar corossion a major concern? SHould it keep up from finishing the basment. The home is 50 years old.
@ Dave – Without seeing the home it’s hard to say what the cause is. However, a horizontal crack as you describe is most likely caused by corrosion in the rebar. It’s really hard to say how the rebar will act over the next 50 years. It is possible that the corrosion will continue, as that happens the crack will likely continue to grow. In a perfect world I’d suggest digging around the foundation (outside) and installing a very good water proofing system. If you eliminate the water that is causing the corrosion you may be able to stop the cycle. However, that would be extremely expensive and there is also the possibility that the crack may be very stable now.
It really comes down to how much money are you going to spend in the basement and how many years are you looking to enjoy that space? Your situation is a bit complicated and it’s really hard to say what the best approach is.
IN THE OLD BUILDING ON LAST FLOOR A CANTLEVER BEAM AND SLAB PORTION IS DETORORATE AND DAMAGE . REINFORCEMENT IS CORRODE AND CONCRETE BOND IS SEPARTED.FOE THIS QUESTION WATE REMIDAL MASURE TO ACTION TO OVER COME THISE CASE OR TYPES OF MANITANANCE TEQUNQIUES.
Esayas – Sounds like you need to hire a structural engineer to evaluate the problem. Cantilever beams and structural slabs are not something for DIY.
I have been repairing my basement as a result of a sump pump backup. I am replacing all 2x4s with Bluwood. When I removed the first part of the load bearing I noticed the bottom stud plate was rotted with mold underneath. I cleaned the concrete slab floor and let it air dry. Now I see hairline cracks with slight water seepage (wet areas) around some of the cracks. I supposed the buidling structure has been applying pressure to the slab for so many years that it cracked over time. (The house is 40 years old). What would you recommend to fill the hairline cracks? My plan was: Hydraulic cement the paint over the bottom plate area with Zinsser Watertite paint followed by a stud vapour barrier then the bottom stud plate.
Thanks as always! Your site is fantastic.
Norm – Sounds like a fun project. Those cracks may well have been there for 40 years! Sometimes slabs get hairline cracks almost from day one. If there are no signs of significant settlement then I wouldn’t worry too much about them. I would use any type of urethane concrete crack sealer that’s able to deal with hairline cracks. If the cracks are really narrow it’s likely that paint will be the only option.
Good luck and have fun with that remodel.
I had a home inspection kept asking about the cement floor and a small crack in the garage in 1/4 slab section, told unevenness of floor in home was poor workman ship and the owner of the company came to visit after I put the inspector over the coals. he came out told me he does not see an inpressions, and to put rug over the linoleum then I wont feel anything, the small hairline crack in garage not a real concern, the impression all over the living room, the lumps and impressions and in a 9 foot span he found as much as 3/8 inch off. Telling me to put a rug over it does not sit well with me. our opinion, the home is only 5 years old.
Without seeing the situation its impossible for me to speculate if you’ve got a problem. All concrete cracks it’s just a matter of if the cracks are caused by shrinkage, settlement, or a serious structural problem. Typically, if a crack is narrower than 1/4″, it’s seldom a structural problem. I know that probably doesn’t sound reassuring to you, but hairline cracks are not something to worry about. If all else fails, you could hire an engineer to evaluate. Good luck.
I am building a new home Acadia Builders, The concrete slab was poured about a month ago, I have a crack extending across the entire house it appears to be getting wider. The builder states all concrete cracks. My concern is that is runs across the middle of the entire house and is getting larger. I am deeply concerned and feel I may need to pull out of the project, should I be concerned, how do I know they will fix the crack correctly, if he offers?
Tonya – First off, it is true that all concrete cracks. Without seeing a photo it’s hard for me to say if you should be concerned. My first question would be, did they install control joints in the slab? Was the sub-grade compacted properly? Any chance you’ve got photos?
Hi
My apartment steps have a big crack on bottom side n we r worrying a lot.the building was 5 years old. Concrete patches falling down.is it dangerous? Plz respond.
Hard to say without seeing it in person
Hi Todd,
Is there a direct email where I could send you a picture to show the cracks which we have found in our apartment floor?
Thanks
todd “at” frontstepsmedia “dot” com
Hi Todd,
We are looking to buy a house in the Boston suburbs and had the home inspected today. We were told and shown a vertical crack in the foundation, seen only on the outside at the basement( above ground) and measures 1/4 inch in width. The house was built in 2007. What will be your advice in regards to the house? Is it ok to go ahead with the purchase?
Thank you.
Without seeing the home I can’t give you that advice. However, if the crack isn’t visible inside the basement, and the house has no signs of visible settlement, it’s likely not a big deal. If you’re really nervous I’d hire a local engineer to inspect it. Good luck.
Hi Todd – first thank you so much for writing this, it was incredibely helpful. I’m wondering if you might be able to weigh in on some cracks in the floor of my parents’ garage.
The house is older (built in the 60s I believe) and my parents are not quite sure when they first noticed them. There seem to be about 4 of them, all narrower than 1/4 inch (the widest one is close to 1/4 inch). One goes pretty much all the way across the floor with a small break in between.
I will email you a few photos to the address you posted above, if you wouldn’t mind taking a quick look. Thanks so much.
How many vertical foundation cracks are acceptable? We were looking to purchase a home of 4200 square feet in Massachusetts.
The foundation had 3 foundation cracks in the back that went all the way thru and were filled, so I couldn’t tell how large the cracks were. In the front of the house 2 more foundation cracks that were bigger than 1/16
And some hairline ones. Not sure what else was behind finished walls.
Cathy – Depending on the length of the wall it’s not uncommon at all to see several cracks. The bigger question really is are there any signs of settlement or movement of the house. If not…it’s likely not an issue. A good home inspector can help give some guidance.
Todd,
I have a horizontal crack half way around my basement concrete wall. A piece of concrete about 3″ high and 6″ long fell out and shows a rusty rebar in the foundation on the basement wall. It is a rebar that sits between the basement wall and garage. One company just wants to epoxy the cracks to repair them. Is this normal. Won’t the rusty rebar continue to crack the walls if it’s noty repaired or replaced?
Cindy – Without seeing it myself, it’s really hard to speculate on what caused the crack, if the crack is still getting any larger, and if it’s truly a structural issue. Having said all that, filling cracks with epoxy is a fairly standard repair. I’d recommend having more than one contractor look at it, and then compare approaches.
Hi, I have had this crack on my wall since I moved into my apartment last year and it keeps getting worse. I want to know weather you think this is a serious problem or not. I am not sure what is the cause but, I am pretty sure that it is not water damage and it was there before I moved into the apartment. It looked like it had just been covered up so I asked the maintenance guy about it and he said it was nothing and they just dismissed it. I just want a second opinion to make sure this crack is nothing serious. I would appreciate some feedback Thank you
https://ibb.co/b9qTvk
The first picture is the wall before I moved in to the apartment
The rest is hoe the wall looks now
https://ibb.co/eA5Tvk
https://ibb.co/he5Ho5
https://ibb.co/mp5Ho5
https://ibb.co/d7uovk
Anne – without seeing the entire building it’s hard to say. From the pictures it looks like water damage, and it should be addressed before mold starts. Good luck.
Hi Todd ! My house was built nearly five years ago. A few months later I found some vertical hairline cracks on all the four beams under roof of a room.. No movement was noticed thereafter. Recently I have seen two more similar cracks but with no apparent movement or widening of gap. But my cause concern is that I have added another floor to it and the floor is marbelled. Pl. Tell me what should I do.
If you added loading to a roof that wasn’t designed for that, then you should hire an engineer to evaluate it.
Hi Todd, can I contact you by email. I have a crack issue on all my 18 beams in a reinforced concrete structure in the caribbean. The house is still under construction. we are worried about investing further in this building after seeing all those mostly hairline cracks. Some beams have at least two hairline cracks. almost all are vertical and mainly at midspan of the beam. Even a six feet span beam has a crack in the middle vertically.
I am a first time home buyer. I just noticed a crack in my basement floor in the storage room area. It looks like it’s slightly lifted but it’s hard to tell. It also looks like it’s just pulled apart that way and not lifted in one side. Does this seem like a big problem? My home is a townhouse which I own but the hoa is responsible for the outside of the home. I’m not sure if this is a problem stemming from the outside in or inside.
I’d watch to see if it gets bigger and/or moves at all. It’s likely no a problem.
a new building,,,,,15 beams 20 to 15 meters long,,,,all beams have cracks so 300 mm apart vertical right around the beam on the entire length of the beam,,,,is that a concern
I just bought a townhouse and found some horizontal cracks on the foundation concrete. Does this seem like a big problem?
https://imgur.com/jfWMGOt
https://imgur.com/5rOEfjf
Those appear to be fairly concerning. I’d have them evaluated by an engineer.
I just bought a townhouse and found some horizontal cracks on the foundation.
Does this seem like a big problem?
https://imgur.com/5rOEfjf
Hi
It is very usefully site we appreciated.
I am going to buy a house and I found this crack on the front lift side of the house . I am asking if is it kind of danger or not and in the other side in the room there is nothing as it is finished bassement.
Thanks wait for replay
How i can leave photos
you can email me
todd “at” frontstepsmedia “dot” com
Hi
i have noticed while lifting up concrete slab using hydraulic jacks to raise height of ceilings, cracks have appeared in my slab of width not more than 3mm. the nature of cracks are like honey bee structure and i do not want to demolish my entire slab kindly advise me.
I am renting a house can’t get landlord to come look or get someone who knows what to look for I have brick about 4ft up on the side of the house the whole wall of bricks is leaning away from the house it could be maybe not enough brick ties used but the big issue then I’m building up to is on that same side of house is the master bedroom and in the middle of the slab has a 12 inch circle crack is almost 2in lower then the floor around it there is another crack that goes off of that to the master bathroom that is almost a half inch wide and one side is a quarter inch higher than the other all off of that same circle there’s another cracked that is 1/2 inch wide that is higher on one side of the crack than the other that goes to the bathroom in the hall when it enters the hall it splits to the bathroom and it continues on the other side of the split to the kitchen and its all covered by carpet so it is a constant hazard I am always tripping on them I called a foundation company to see if I might be able to get somebody to give me a bid so I could turn it into the landlord so they will know how severe the problem really is they had the same company come out the month before I moved in over the same issue is what the representative told me it was more than they could deal with and recommended a structural engineer I don’t have the money to pay for a structural engineer to come out and write something up for me I am on a month-to-month basis at the moment and don’t have the money to move at the moment I don’t want to be homeless but I don’t feel with paying high end of average rent for this area is fair it is all done through a property management company I know I could take the court and sue but I would lose the roof over my head and not be able to get the money up in time to get my stuff out and pay the deposit in rent and such in time that they would have to kick me out if I pissed them off just want to know if there is any suggestions and how I can possibly get someone out here like a structural engineer that would let them know how severe it is and obviously if the house is condemned because of it Oklahoma law states they would have to move me to another place until it is fixed or until I can get me another place I have been living with this a little over two years it is getting worse I’m not sure what to do
We’re from San Antonio Texas and our house is being built and now putting the roof. Yesterday, we passed by and checked on the progress of the house, we noticed multiple cracks on the floor, from the dining to the master bathroom, one is like 12 feet long or more and it ends on the toilet hole. Is it something we should be concerned about?
Will it gives us a problem later on?
Thank you.
hairline cracks are fairly normal. These can be prevented somewhat by proper placement of control joints. I’d speak with your builder.