Cracks in newly poured basement floor

[wantacobra2003]

We recently had a basement floor poured for new construction. Immediately after, it was apparent that we had a couple cracks in the floor. One of the cracks goes across the entire width of the floor. I asked the installer about it and he said that was normal. I find that hard to believe. Can anyone confirm/deny that?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Rich]

If the excavation, placing, mixing, curing process was done correctly there shouldn't be cracks that soon. Concrete will get hairline fractures at some point.. just a matter of time - stuff moves and concrete cracks.

[wantacobra2003]

It's only been down for a week and a half!!!

Thanks for the help. Try to respond more quickly next time! :wink:

[mjpliv]

It sounds like a fracture caused by shrinkage. These appear quite soon after pouring. If the slab is allowed to dry out too fast the mass will shrink. Although this is not the best result you could wish for, it shouldn't affect the slab performance. After a week or so the fracture in the floor should not get any larger. The only real concern you might have would be if ceramic floors will cover the area. It is possible for the tiles to crack along the same line if there is any further movent of the slab.

What was the weather like during the slab pour and for the week after?
Was the slab covered during this time?