Tips to Identify Structural Cracks in Buildings

In the construction industry the issues of fatigue cracks in structures are crucial since they may lead to structural failure. These cracks are not only ugly to the eyes but can pose a great threat to the foundation if not diagnosed and repaired early enough. So in this blog let me share with you some tips on how to determine the existence of structural crack and the kind of crack usually seen in buildings.

What Are Structural Cracks?

These are the cracks that are found at the structural parts of a building including the foundation, walls, floors and ceilings as a result of some conditions like temperature changes, soil movement and other conditions. They can be located anywhere in the building and can be of different size, shape, and different stages of development. There are certain cracks which are merely decorative in nature while some may indicate other structural issues.

Causes of Structural Cracks

Understanding and addressing the underlying issues that cause major cracks in structures is crucial in order to achieve long-term stabilization. In fact, the combination of several factors overstressing the structure is usually the reason behind structural failures, as opposed to a single and isolated cause. Below are the primary causes of structural cracks in buildings:

1. Foundation Settlement and Movement:

• Differential Settlement: This is the most common and serious cause. It occurs when different parts of the foundation sink into the soil at varying rates, often due to non-uniform soil conditions, inadequate soil compaction, or poor drainage causing soil washout. This stresses the building frame above, leading to wide diagonal or stair-step types of cracks in buildings.

  
  

2. Poor Design and Construction Practices:

• Inadequate Reinforcement: Concrete beams and columns will suffer from severe cracking under nominal load when steel reinforce bars are insufficiently sized and poorly located resulting in an insufficient ability to resist tension.
  

• Substandard Materials: The inappropriate water-cement ratio combined with low-quality concrete and poor masonry units will have an adverse cumulative effect on a structure’s strength and durability.
  

• Overloading: Considerable stress and cracking will occur when structural elements such as slabs and beams are loaded beyond the originally intended designed limits.

  
  

3. Corrosion of Reinforcement Steel:

• Concrete corrosion starts when moisture and oxygen reach the rebar, often rusting the mesh and stakes made of steel. As rust forms, it expands up to six times its original volume and exerts sufficient internal pressure to push and break the cover concrete. This process is called concrete spalling. Broken concrete pieces, or cover pieces, fall off, exposing the rebar below. If the rebar is rusting and covered concrete spalling continues, sooner or later, the concrete cover will completely fall off.
  
  

4. Environmental and Thermal Stress:

• Although minor temperature changes may lead to the formation of non-structural, cosmetic, and superficial cracks in buildings, extreme and/or recurrent temperature changes may lead to excessive recurrent expansion and contraction of large structural elements. The absence of proper expansion joints in the design may lead to structural failure.
  

• The analysis of the above mentioned issues is the first step of many in the development of a preventative and corrective approach to the various forms cracking may take in buildings.

Understanding these underlying issues is the first step in formulating an effective strategy for the prevention and repair of cracks in building.

Structural vs Non Structural Cracks

Classifying the different types of cracks is critical in the first phase of analyzing any building with cracks. Not all fissures indicate a risk to the integrity of the building. Cracks can primarily be divided into two types: structural cracks in buildings and non-structural cracks in buildings. Appreciating the difference is fundamental to identifying the right causes, and the ways of preventing and repairing cracks in a building.

Types Of Structural Cracks In Buildings

There are various types of structural cracks that can occur in a building, and it's essential to identify them to determine the extent of the damage. Some of the most common types of structural cracks in buildings include:

1. Settlement Cracks: These are shrinkage cracks which occur due to the movement of the foundation and can be observed in the form of straight vertical and diagonal cracks in the sides of the walls.
2. Shrinkage Cracks: These are fine splits or fractures originating from the faces as a result of shrinkage of the concrete or masonry mass.
3. Expansion Cracks: These are originated by the nature of expansion of the material that makes construction for instance the concrete and or bricks and are showing their cracks in diagonal or zig-zag fashion on the walls. If you are interested in learning how to repair the cracks in walls in a permanent manner, then kindly check this blog.

When Do The Cracks Become Harmful?

Not all cracks in a building are harmful, but some may be a sign of a more serious structural problem. Here are some signs that can help you identify when cracks become harmful:

- Cracks that are wider than 1/4 inch

- Any hairline cracks that may appear on the inside and also on the outside part of the building

- Cracks that are getting wider with time

- Small cracks which are accompanied by other problems like sinking floor or leaning walls

After you have assessed the potential cracks, it is necessary that you should select a few crack-filling services, for which consulting industry specialists will be useful.

Tips to Identify Cracks in a Building

Now that you know the types of structural cracks in buildings that can occur and when they become harmful, let's look at some tips to help you identify these cracks:

1. Regular Inspections: Make sure to frequently check your building for any signs of cracks in the walls, floors, or ceilings. It is recommended to call a professional building inspector who will be able to point out some issues to your attention. Contact 20MCC waterproofing contractor for Free site inspection.
   
   
2. Look For Gaps: Look for spaces between walls, windows, and doors as these spaces are often signs of shifting within a structure.
   
   
3. Check For Water Damage: Water damage can weaken the building's structure and lead to cracks. Look for signs of water damage such as mold, mildew, and stains on the walls and ceilings.
   
   
4. Pay Attention To Sounds: Check for noises like squeaking, snapping or cracking as they are signs that the structure is shifting or being put under stress.
   

How Cracksil Plays a Potential Role in Healing Structural Cracks in a Building

Cracksil is a novel material applied to sealing and repairing of structural joints in building structures. It is an exclusive solution that assists in healing the cracks and stopping the process of deterioration of the construction. The material is injected into the crack and solidifies to make a strong and rigid connection with the part. Cracksil is cost savvy that can prevent you from having to do expensive further repairs and possible dangers in the long run.

This knowledge is vital in evaluating the buildings for the cracks in the structures or the walls to avoid any collapse or structural decay. Knowing the types of cracks that can occur, when they become scarcely helpful, and how to recognize them, one can perform preventive measures to rectify the situation. Contact us to know more.