New Home Concrete Foundation

[YRiojas]

I have a friend that wanted me to ask you about a hairline
crack that has formed across the floor of his new home
that is being built. They have not put the carpets in
the home yet. Should he talk with the contractor or the
company? This crack stretches from the entry way closet
to the sliding glass doors that lead to the backyard.
He thought it might be the house already settling, but
still wanted me to ask. Thanks in advance

[Drew]

YRiojas,
After finishing up my study of aggregate,
compaction, and concrete, there are a couple, of
reasons why the cracks are there. The first I
think of is that the concrete was not cured the
proper way. From what I gather from you, the
floor of the first floor is the slab, and somehow
as the concrete was cureing water evaporated too
fast leaving small cracks, not deep at all. Second
reason might be that the soil, or fill under the
slab was not compacted the correct way and now the
concrete is settling. Third is when the concrete
was poured the wrong size rebar mesh was used and
the mesh was on the bottom of the slab. Last reason
I can think of is that the concrete mix was an
inproper mix for the application. In reference to
complaning, I would first talk to the concrete company
and see what mix they used, along with the slump,
of the mix, and air content of the mix, also see
if they used a admixture. If that checks out fine.
Talk to the contractor who compacted the grade for
the slab and see what tests he ran. Like compaction
tests, and tests on the fill he used. If that checks,
talk to the contractor who placed the concrete mesh,
and see what size he used and ash where he placed it
when the concrete was poured. It is very uncommon
to find these cracks and I would start to find the
answers. Most Bull shi- contractors like to skip
steps to cut corners and tests as well to save money,
it might sound like this is what happened to your
friend. Any questions you or your friend can
email me at vento1@acad.wit.edu

good luck

[Rick H]

I’ll make it quick and simple. First, I don’t believe that the cracks are due to settling, especially if the crack is superficial.
Second, if your friend is looking to finish the floor, I wouldn’t worry about the crack, because it will never be seen.
No matter how much preparation work is put into concrete, it will crack due to its nature of contracting during curing. That is why control cuts are added to a large slab.
It’s the same reason why grooves are added to sidewalks. Tell your friend not to worry, it’ll likely be fine.

[Frank kocon]

1)Three months after a new slab was poured in my new home,a crack developed horizontally across the whole garage floor, which is wide enough to put a nickel in and in some areas even a nickel and dime together. @)Also I have a recess dip or sunken area right next to it that runs in the same direction.3) When I put water on the floor, I get a spider web effect on the garge floor.

Help! Help!

Thanks

[Don]

I’ve noticed a vertical and horizontal hairline crack which transverses the length of my garage floor. The house is only 3 months old…should I worry about this and can the problem worsen? Just recently, I’ve started parking both cars in the garage and I don’t remember seeing it before.

[James Taylor]

The tile in my daughter’s 4 year old model home cracked in a horizontal line across the span of (3) 13″ ceramic tiles. Upon investigation, the tile was applied correctly, and appears to have adheared properly, but the concrete foundation underneath was cracked. How serious is this, and how costly to repair?

[steve jefferies]

I have cracks in 12 of the 17 slabs poured in my new home. The concrete was poured in Dec. Second coldest winter on record in Northeast Ohio. I noticed the first cracks in less then 30 days. Builder said concrete cracks. I refuse to pay for this . There was also no garage doors on to prevent the elements from geting on the floors. Do I have to pay for this- Need some advise please email me

at stevejefferies@sbcglobal.net. New home costing 290,000.00

thanks

steve jefferies you can also call me at 440-257-0080. I plan on meeting with the builder next week. I am also going to notified him by certifed mail of my displeasure. Any advise would be helpful.

[Author]

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