Cracks basement floor- help!

Donna
by Donna
Cracks. A little larger than hairline in basement floor

  5 answers
  • Mogie Mogie on Jul 09, 2018

    Hairline cracks need no repair and are not indicative of a larger problem. Be they straight, jagged, or spiderweb-like, fine cracks in the basement floor commonly result from surface shrinkage as the concrete dries. They typically show up two to 12 months after the basement floor is poured, depending on how quickly the slab dries and how much humidity remains in the basement. Fear not: They are superficial and require no repair.

    It’s a good idea to seal ⅛-inch or wider cracks. Like their hairline cousins, slightly wider cracks in a basement floor are merely the result of shrinkage and do not indicate a larger problem. Anything wider than ⅛-inch, however, should be sealed to keep moisture, soil smells, or even soil-borne gases (see section on radon gas below) from seeping through the basement floor. You can seal them yourself with an elastomeric caulking sealant made for use on interior masonry (available from home improvement stores for $25 to $45). Application methods vary by brand, so read product instructions carefully.

  • Cynthia Mickle Cynthia Mickle on Jul 09, 2018

    Trowel fill with floor leveler? No matter what you do, you will likely have to paint it....

  • Cynthia Mickle Cynthia Mickle on Jul 09, 2018

    Trowel fill with floor leveler? No matter what you do, you will likely have to paint it....

  • Makodiver65 Makodiver65 on Jul 09, 2018

    There is a lot to consider when refinishing cementitious substrates, especially a basement. There are many products for repairing, sealing and coating these projects. Nothing beats good prep work and the proper sealing/finishing materials.

  • Rose Broadway Rose Broadway on Jul 09, 2018

    I think that's very normal, especially in climates that freeze and thaw. I live in the midwest and this is the item I keep on hand at all times for interior and exterior cracks. Get you a bottle, Donna, it will last for many years!

    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Quikrete-1-Qt-Concrete-Crack-Seal-864000/100318507