[KNRE]

Hi,

We have what appears to be a half inch wide crack in the slab about 2 inches from the inside of the wall(close to where it would join the foundation), going around the perimeter of all of the outside walls of the building. Does this sound like the slab has contracted, or does it sound like the walls were constructed too soon after pooring the slab? Or something else? I have attached photos to this post that illustrate the problem.

What would be required to repair such a crack?
thanks for your insight.

KNRE

 

[Daniel Holzman]

It sounds like you need to post some pictures. Concrete does not contract, it cures, and in the process of curing you are likely to get shrinkage cracks, however I have never seen a half inch wide shrinkage crack, especially one that goes around the perimeter of the house. A few pictures would help to narrow down the issues.

 

[joed]

1/2 inch is not normal in any concrete job. Sound like the slab might be sinking do to improper compaction of the fill inside the perimeter footing.

 

[AGWhitehouse]

I agree with Joed. The foundation wall footing is about 4 from the interior foundation face on most homes. Given the crack is 2" from the face it is likely a result from the slab sinking and using the footing edge as a fulcrum resulting in the crack at the main stress point.