Floor Cracks

If your home’s concrete slab floors resemble a web of cracks, you have a problem that requires immediate attention. 

Failing to address floor cracks compromises the structural integrity of your home and invites groundwater intrusion. These issues lead to unhealthy and unsafe living conditions for your family. 

Ohio Basement Authority has the expertise and tools to deal with these cracks effectively. We have been Ohio and Northern Kentucky’s trusted foundation repair partner for nearly 15 years. Secure your home and peace of mind with our unmatched customer care and reliable repairs. 

With the insights provided on this page, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of why floor cracks occur and how to best address them. 

Floor cracks can be defined as any separation, fissure, or break in your home’s flooring. These cracks can appear due to various factors, including pressure imbalances and structural issues. 

Floor cracks often accompany other problems, including: 

• Foundation wall cracks 
• Foundation settlement 
• Floor gaps 
• Cracked chimney 
• Water intrusion 
• Mold 

While not all floor cracks are a serious concern, addressing them at the earliest sign is crucial to prevent water damage and further deterioration of your home’s structure. 

Ground Movement 

Soil conditions beneath your home can change due to various factors such as rain, drought, or erosion. This movement can lead to shifting of the floor and, consequently, to cracks and irregularities. 

Soil Type 

Some types of soil—especially clay-based soils prevalent throughout Ohio and Northern Kentucky—expand when wet and contract when dry. Due to these fluctuations, homes built on such grounds may experience periodic floor cracking. 

Foundation Heave 

Water accumulation beneath your floors can result in pressure that causes your foundation to heave upward, resulting in cracks. Persistent water pressure can widen these cracks over time, increasing the risk of water infiltration into your home. 

Understanding the root cause of your floor cracks is crucial for effective treatment. With Ohio Basement Authority, you can access repair methods specifically designed to resolve your home’s issues. 

Thorough Inspection 

Our experts examine each crack, noting its location, length, pattern, and width. This detailed inspection helps us understand the contributing factors, such as ground movement or heave, allowing us to employ the most effective treatment for your home’s unique needs. 

Weight Redistributing Solutions 

When floor instability is traced back to soil movement, specialized foundation piers can be positioned and driven deep into solid ground, redistributing the weight and potentially returning the floor to its original level. We offer three types of piers: helical, push, and slab. For example, slab piers, as seen here, are specifically designed for homes with concrete slab foundations. 

Wall Reinforcement 

The same factors that cause floor cracks can also lead to cracks in walls. We reinforce walls and halt further damage with basement repair methods, including carbon fiber straps, steel I-beams, wall anchors, and channel anchors. 

Water Management 

Guarding against hydrostatic pressure, heave, and moisture is essential. Our various basement waterproofing and crawl space encapsulation solutions run the gamut from interior drains and sump pumps to vapor barriers and dehumidifiers to keep water out of your home.