Concrete Crack Diagnosis
A hairline crack in a driveway and a displaced crack in a foundation wall can look nearly identical — but the difference is thousands of dollars. Upload a photo for an instant AI classification: failure mode (F1–F6), severity (1–5), and what to do next. Or use the guides below.
AI Tool
Concrete Crack Analyzer
Upload a photo of any concrete crack and get an instant AI diagnosis — failure mode classification (F1–F6), severity score 1–5, and a clear repair recommendation. No sign-up required.
Analyze your crack →Six Failure Modes
Shrinkage Cracking
Fine, shallow cracks in a map pattern or running parallel. Uniform width under 1/16 inch with no displacement. The most common type — typically cosmetic.
Structural Cracking
Wide cracks (over 1/4 inch) running vertically or diagonally, often with one side visibly higher or lower than the other. Indicates overload or structural failure.
Freeze-Thaw Spalling
Surface flaking, pitting, or the top layer lifting away in scales. Most visible near slab edges. Caused by moisture freezing and expanding within the concrete.
Settlement Cracking
One section of slab sits noticeably lower than the adjacent section. Crack runs along a joint line or diagonally from a corner. Caused by soil movement or voids beneath the slab.
Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR)
A web of cracks covering the entire surface, often with white gel residue visible at crack edges. Progressive damage — no DIY fix exists.
Corrosion-Induced Cracking
Linear cracks running parallel to the surface, with rust-brown staining along the crack line. Indicates corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement.
Quick Reference
| Failure Mode | Key Visual | Severity | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 Shrinkage Cracking | Fine map cracks, no displacement | 1–2 | DIY |
| F2 Structural Cracking | Wide crack, one side higher | 3–5 | Professional |
| F3 Freeze-Thaw Spalling | Surface flaking near edges | 2–4 | Professional |
| F4 Settlement Cracking | Step at joint, section lower | 2–4 | Professional |
| F5 Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) | Dense web cracking + white gel at edges | 3–5 | Engineer |
| F6 Corrosion-Induced Cracking | Rust-brown staining along crack | 3–5 | Engineer |
Severity Guide
Cosmetic Damage
Surface-level cracks with no structural implication. DIY repair products are appropriate. Monitor for widening.
Read more →When to Call a Contractor
Cracks that exceed cosmetic thresholds but stop short of structural risk. Professional assessment required before repair.
Read more →When to Call a Structural Engineer
Structural risk indicators: displacement, width over 1/4 inch, rebar corrosion, or cracks in load-bearing elements.
Read more →