I just bought a home that was built in 2015 and recently replaced the carpet due to a strong pet urine smell. During the removal, I discovered a 2mm crack in the subfloor that runs across the living room and is also visible from the outside. Is this kind of crack common, or do I need to take it seriously and have it looked at?
5 Answers
I wouldn’t consider that normal for a relatively new home. While some settling can happen, such a crack looks excessive. I’d keep an eye on it to check if it grows. If you plan to get a professional's opinion, now is the perfect time while the carpet is out. You should also consider filling the crack to avoid any water problems.
This crack suggests some foundation movement. You should definitely have it checked out before putting down new carpet. Using a good floor sealant can help, especially if you're dealing with pet odors, but make sure to clean the area thoroughly first. Some sealants are better than others, so pick one that’s heavy-duty like Redguard.
Check if there are any relief cuts in the slab. It looks like a typical settlement crack; those aren’t usually a big deal unless the slab is rising up. I had something similar in a new build, and it ended up being just filled in with no problems.
It’s wise to get a structural engineer to take a look while the carpet's gone since it’s easily visible now. It might turn out to be nothing, but better safe than sorry. Usually, they just recommend monitoring the crack to see if it gets worse.
That crack is a bit concerning—it’s probably not just a normal shrinkage crack. It could indicate issues with the soil under your slab, like expansive soil or improper preparation during construction. If it’s not moving or showing any offset, you might be okay, but I’d recommend having it evaluated just to be safe.