Cracking concrete pad

[ngbaer]

Hi:
We purchased our new home in 1997. Recently we have had cracks appearing in our walls and ceilings. Also the ceramic tiles in several rooms are either cracking or are shifting out of position.

I purposely broke one of the tiles on the north side of the house that had a hollow sound to it and found a 3/8" crack in the concrete below. I found a similar crack on the south side of the house beneath the carpet. It appears that the crack runs the entire width of the house. There is also evidence of the concrete cracking in an east-west direction. I have not yet investigated the extent of this crack but I think it will be similar.

I know that the area where we live has a problem with expansive soil. I contacted the contactor that built the house concerning our problem. They responded by treating the perimeter of the house with a soil treament process that presumably will control the soil problem. They also agreed to repair the walls and ceilings as well as the tile. They have not volunteered to repair the large crack in the concrete pad. It appears that the crack lies beneath an interior wall so about 2/3 the length of the crack cannot be accessed.

What is your opinion? Do you think that the wall should be removed to repair the crack? What type of repair should be made to the crack? Any other comments?

Thank you,
Neil G Baerwald

 

[dirtdoctor]

Is there a difference in elevation between the sides of the crack? Need to find out if differential settlement or change in subgrade characteristics. NEVER allow the contractor to fix the cracking until you figure out why the cracks are occurring. If you allow him to fix them now, what happens when it cracks again? I'll bet a lot of money that he would not fix it twice. So, hire a geotech to core the slab and investigate potential causes for the cracking first. Then allow your contractor to make repairs.

 

[ngbaer]

Thany you very much. I will take your advice.
Neil Baerwald