Durable, safe and easy to maintain, concrete is a choice material for garage and basement floors, as well as an excellent thermal insulator. When properly maintained, it can withstand most stresses that would eventually damage a wood, vinyl, or ceramic floor.
However, concrete is not an indestructible material. A few external elements can harm your floor over time and eventually damage it. Although maintaining a concrete floor is very simple, certain precautions should be taken to ensure maximum longevity and avoid the appearance of cracks.
Quebec’s climate: a risk factor for your concrete floor
One of the common causes of concrete floor cracks is the alternating freeze-thaw period typical of the Quebec climate, which mainly affects exterior concrete slabs or garage and basement floors with insufficient thermal insulation.
The effects of winter in Quebec on concrete floors can be quite damaging in the long term, since concrete is sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. Concrete expands when the temperature rises and contracts when it cools. These constant changes can cause cracks to develop in your floor. These cracks may be minor, but it is always recommended to call in an expert to inspect cracked concrete.
Moisture: a common cause of cracks in concrete floors
The presence of water or high humidity can cause considerable damage to a concrete floor that hasn’t been waterproofed. Water infiltration in a basement, for example, can adversely affect the durability of your concrete floor, especially if the situation is not resolved as quickly as possible.
Garage floors that frequently come into contact with water or snow are also at risk of developing long-term problems, much like slabs located outside. Fortunately, you can install joints to prevent concrete slabs from cracking.
Poor maintenance and abrasive products can damage your concrete floor
When you have a concrete floor, you should know that not just any product can be used to clean it. Ammonia and bleach are the two agents to avoid: in the long run, they will end up causing damage to your floor. Instead, use a mixture of water and baking soda. It works wonders and is completely safe for concrete.
Sodium chloride, used in Quebec to melt ice and improve road traction, can also damage your concrete surfaces if they have no coating. These abrasive salts can end up in your garage and chip your floor if it is not cleaned quickly.
Is your concrete floor cracked? Contact Fissure Expert to repair the damaged surface
In addition to the reasons mentioned above, other factors beyond your control can cause concrete floor damage: sloppy design, poorly applied flooring, problems with your foundation, and many other unforeseen events can produce cracks in your floor.
If you notice a crack in your concrete floor, contact Fissure Expert: our team is trained to recognize the cause and magnitude of concrete cracks, and can quickly and efficiently repair the damage, if necessary.
