Hair line cracks in garage slab - need recommendation

[Gary Fowler]

If it had not cracked in 15 years but now suddenly some appear, then I would look for a cause like lack of water under the slab and soil is drying out (especially bad in Houston area with the black gumbo soil). A drought will do that if you don't water the edge of the slab for about 3 feet wide around the perimeter.
I suppose too much water might cause a problem also but I have never seen that happen.

Something has changed from normal that has caused the slab to crack now. Usually the cracks will develop during curing due to shrinkage but something else has developed in your case.

 

[General Lee]

Can you provide some details? Thickness of slab, type of reinforcement used, sub soil conditions- was it compacted and what is the make up (sand, clay, limestone, etc). Location? Any expansion or construction joints in the slab? All concrete cracks to some extent, hair line cracks are going to happen. 1/16" may be a bigger issue. Give some of the details above and I may be able to help you.

I am not the original owner of the house so I don't know the particulars. House was built in 99' There are no expansion joints and the garage is 24 x 28 or 28 x 28 (forget at the moment) These cracks are forming near the apron and running inside the garage. I realize all concrete does this to some extent, I was just looking for a way to minimize or help it.

 

[CalG]

You have many options

A few of these will be the least expensive

Garage Flooring - Flooring - The Home Depot

;-)

 

[alchemysa]

I had some cracks open up in a concrete path. I swept a mix of cement and fine sand into the cracks then lightly dampened it. It didn't work. The filler didn't really stick and the path movement just ground it to powder. So, the flexible stuff in a tube is probably the only way to 'repair' it.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I am not the original owner of the house so I don't know the particulars. House was built in 99' There are no expansion joints and the garage is 24 x 28 or 28 x 28 (forget at the moment) These cracks are forming near the apron and running inside the garage. I realize all concrete does this to some extent, I was just looking for a way to minimize or help it.

If you have rebar in it the cracks will not grow much. If you dont theres not much you can do except use flexible sealer as needed.

 

[Jimbrown]

Well when I built my house the guy who poured the slap (been in business for 20 plus years) told me. I guarantee two things. This concrete will get hard and it will crack.

 

[General Lee]

Thanks fellas. I'll probably find a flexible sealant and give it a try.

 

[bigtiller]

Thanks fellas. I'll probably find a flexible sealant and give it a try.

I like Vulkem 116 caulking in limestone color. Home Depot and Lowes sell it.

 

[Sprinklerman]

I used sanded tile grout , it worked great on my floor .

 

[jix]

Sanded Tile Grout sounds interesting.