Hairline Cracks In Concrete Block Walls

Hairline cracking within concrete block walls often referred to as stair step cracking or mortar joint cracking is an example of an imperfection or distress but does not typically compromise structural integrity.

Hairline cracks in concrete block walls.

Contents causes of hairline cracks in concreteprevention of hairline cracks in concreterepair of hairline cracks in. Plus a hairline crack is enough for moisture to seep into the concrete surface and hurt. Fill it with a caulk suitable for use on concrete. Stair step cracks may also signify heaving.

Hairline cracks are commonly observed in freshly placed concrete and their occurrence is owed to the phenomenon of plastic shrinkage. Minor cracks in cinder block foundations the cracks in the images above are very ordinary and nothing to worry about except for the fact that the foundation is leaking. Hairline foundation cracks are by far the most common cracks encountered when inspecting foundation walls. Cracks regularly occur in all types of masonry walls including reinforced concrete slab walls concrete block walls brick walls and stucco walls.

As the name implies these cracks are very small about 0 003 inches 0 08mm in width and can be very shallow. We repaired a foundation wall which had an 8 ft long crack that leaked water into the basement during periods of heavy rainfall. Hairline cracking within concrete block walls is the result of internal stresses. To permanently patch the crack we used an epoxy injection system from polygem called the liquid concrete repair.

As the name suggests this concrete crack sealer is specifically made to deal with hairline cracks. Concrete wall crack repair in 8 steps use an epoxy injection system for basement wall crack repair. Horizontal cracks in concrete walls however indicate poor wall designs or pressure buildup behind the wall. But these hairline cracks eventually turn into deeper and wider cracks.

Cracking is frequently found in masonry walls due to the settling wall foundations the movement of framing materials temperature changes and the application of loads to the wall. People often ignore hairline cracks thinking it s not a major issue. Concrete walls containing horizontal cracks are serious issues.