Reasons For Cracks in Garage Floor

2021-08-31

Cracks in a concrete garage floor may indicate that there are foundation problems or other issues. The good news is that most cracks in garage floors are common and not an indication of serious structural issues. However, there are a few that indicate that maintenance is needed or that there may be a structural concern. Some of the most common reasons for cracks in garage floors are settlement, shrinking, improper installation, and poor drainage. In some cases, cracks are nothing to worry about. After all, one thing is for certain when working with concrete, it is destined to crack at some point.

1. Shrinkage

Cracks related to shrinkage are typically nothing to worry about and are common. Natural shrinking occurs during the curing process, so it’s normal for even relatively new concrete to have a couple cracks.

2. Settlement

The soil under your home or building can move and sink over time, a process known as settlement. A little bit of settlement is normal over the years but it can put pressure on garage floors and result in cracks. Settlement cracks are generally more serious than shrinkage cracks. Ultimately, severity depends on crack width and if it continues to grow or not.

Depending on the layout of your garage, different areas will undergo a lot more pressure due to the weight of vehicle tires. This can naturally cause cracks to form and settlement may occur in corners of the garage. Look out for wide cracks where one side is higher than the other, as this may indicate more serious settlement issues. The sooner you identify issues the better。

3. Bad Installation

Original construction could be to blame if you’re noticing a lot of cracks in your garage floor. It is possible that builders poured a thin slab, didn’t add rebar reinforcement when needed, or created an insufficient gravel base. Some common mistakes include:

- Improper base, disturbed or uneven soil

- Too low mpa of concrete

- Not enough gravel

4. Underground Water Source

Water can play a huge role in the formation of garage floor cracks, especially if water is not draining away from your home as it should. The presence of heavy clay or other types of dense soils cling onto excess moisture. Water-heavy soil may freeze during the winter, causing the soil to expand and put considerable pressure against the garage slab. This can cause heaving and cracking.

Small garage floor cracks are common and could be nothing to worry about. It’s the bigger and continually growing cracks that warrant concern. Keep an eye on cracks and if they appear to be getting bigger or worse, contact for a quick inspection you can trust. DTS Diamond Tools is dedicated to providing suitable concrete floor diamond tooling at every stage of the floor construction, along with the tools and equipment you need to successfully complete a job.