[PandG]

Is it normal to have a very long crack across the garage floor of a newly-built home? At our walk-through inspection (on Aug. 13th), I asked the builder about this. He said this is a "superficial" crack, and that it is mentioned on our contract this may occur.

That contract is buried among the various paper piles right now, and I can't find it. I don't remember this being mentioned as a possibility when we signed the papers. Does anyone else remember this being mentioned to them?

The crack has been filled and is smooth. But it is unsightly and runs from the side wall across the front of the garage wall, before you walk into the house. Is this cause for concern, or just one of those things that can happen? I'm also concerned about what potential problems, if any, this could cause in the future.

Thanks,
Gail

[keithwand]

We had a long crack from the MBR french doors all the way through the closet into the shower drain.
Told this was "normal".
My neighbor saw it just before the carpet was laid and called that no repair had been made.
Builder when I called said it had been epoxied before the carpeting was put down at 9A.
Somehow I doubt his "story" so we will be watching the tile in the bathroom for any signs.

[graciegirl]

We had a hairline crack in home in Hadley and had one in this new home.

OMG...a sinkhole beginning.I admit it scared me.

When checking with others who live not only here but on slabs everywhere...which is new to us, this happens apparently due to the ground settling.

If you have cracks in your garage let us know. I think it is pretty common..

[goodgrief]

I'm afraid it would delay closing for us. I would want it fixed to my satisfaction and inspected to insure there is no major underlying issue. Owned enough homes to be overly careful especially with ground collapse and sink hole issues in this area. Superficial can be caused by settling.

I had a garage built several years ago and about two weeks later, I noticed a crack in the floor. I called the builder and he said very politely, "I can guarantee you three things about concrete; 1) it won't burn, 2) no one will steal it and 3) it will crack." He also said that anyone that guarantees you that concrete won't crack is just plain lying to you.

[CaptJohn]

Originally Posted by The Wooz

I had a garage built several years ago and about two weeks later, I noticed a crack in the floor. I called the builder and he said very politely, "I can guarantee you three things about concrete; 1) it won't burn, 2) no one will steal it and 3) it will crack." He also said that anyone that guarantees you that concrete won't crack is just plain lying to you.

Very true. It can also crack from changes (expansion/contraction) in atmosphere and humidity, which are the most likely causes. If one can control the weather then they can probably also prevent normal cracks.

[2-crazy]

Well, it is not normal to see large cracking in concrete if done properly. My opinion is most cracking is do to using to much water and not preparing the ground or base satisfactory. Now there are what is called control joints if the area of concrete is large but they are not cracks. This is construction and time is money in their eyes so crews are working fast and don’t always take the time necessary to ensure the proper methods.

[784caroline]

Originally Posted by goodgrief

I'm afraid it would delay closing for us. I would want it fixed to my satisfaction and inspected to insure there is no major underlying issue. Owned enough homes to be overly careful especially with ground collapse and sink hole issues in this area. Superficial can be caused by settling.

Im not sure what you are expecting but if you would delay closing for something like hairline cracks in the garage floor you would "run the risk" of the builder imposing a penalty for failing to meet agreed to closing date. As part of our contract we received a detailed warranty of items for years 2-10...practically everything is warranted for the first year. This warranty specifically identifies concrete cracking of basement floors and states :Minor cracks in concrete basement floors are common.Cracks exceeding 1/4 in width or 3/16inch in vertical displacement are deficiencies. The remedy...Contractor willl repair cracks exceeding maximum tolerance by surface patching or other methids as required.

[NotGolfer]

My better half used to be a contractor of homes. Hairline cracks happen as the concrete dries and the ground settles. If it's a wide crack...this probably is not normal! I remember a client once was all upset (now this was "up north") when they saw hairline cracks in their foundation. ALL normal!! They can be sealed if it's a problem with the home-owner.

[janmcn]

Wouldn't these cracks in the cement be reason to have your sinkhole insurance canceled or not renewed?

[Shimpy]

This is Florida and under the concrete you have mostly sand, not granite. It's a forgone conclusion that concrete will develope cracks. If you have a block home be prepared for cracks in you walls along morter joints from settling also in a few years. I've owned 4 CBS (cement block stucco) homes in Florida and they all developed cracks.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Originally Posted by The Wooz

...... I called the builder and he said very politely, "I can guarantee you three things about concrete; 1) it won't burn, 2) no one will steal it and 3) it will crack." ........

A friend of ours used to be a concrete contractor. His saying was similar: "The only thing I guarantee are cracks and duck ponds!"

As long as things don't continue to settle further, making the crack larger in the process, everything will be fine.

Bill

[justjim]

If you pull up your carpet, chances are pretty good you will find cracks in your concrete slab. Could you build a concrete slab without any cracks? Probably, but not using standard building specifications. It would cost you 4 or 5 times what you would normally pay for the same slab of concrete and even then the contractor would not guarantee it to never get a crack. My contractor in Illinois that built my custom home a few years told me there are only two types of basements----one that has water and one given enough time will get water. I had told him do everything possible to keep water out of my basement. I suspect concrete slabs (as others posts have mentioned) have cracks or given enough time are going to have some cracks. Its the nature of the beast! As a matter of fact, we were invited to see this contractor's new home (it was in the million dollar range) and guess what? His garage floor had a crack from one side to the other! True story. When I mentioned it to him, he just laughed. Small crack in your concrete floor----nothing to worry about.

[asianthree]

we have one in our garage and i bet there is one somewhere in the house

[k2at]

I would get the engineer out who inspected ur house and ask his opinion. The advice above is probably sound, but a crack other than a hairline crack could be the result of a sinkhole forming.

Better spend a few bucks now rather than mucho bucks later.