Expert: Dave Johnson - 9/5/2007

Question
We bought a brand new home in Tennessee last October and once we moved in we noticed a thin crack straight down the middle of the garage from the front of the garage to the back of the garage. The builder has stated that all new homes have this crack,but we have looked at other new homes in the area by other builders and their floors are not cracked. Is this normal?  Do you think this is as serious problem and does it need to be fixed before it starts cracking in all directions?

Answer
Hi Robin,
First let me apologize for the delay in answering, my computer has been giving me fits!!
All new homes do NOT have this crack..........
An occasional hairline crack is not a structural problem.
I expect the subgrade was not properly compacted before the concrete was poured. There is a wire mesh in most slabs to prevent opening of cracks, but this does not stop the crack itself.
I doubt this will get worse, but its a shame to live with in a new home.
Please mail me if this doesn't help.
Dave