HOW TO SPOT A DANGEROUS CRACK: STOP-USE SITUATIONS – YEGWELD

How to spot a dangerous crack: stop-use situations is the kind of issue that looks small until it becomes a safety problem or a downtime problem. This Edmonton-focused guide explains why it happens, what a durable repair plan includes, and what to do before booking a mobile welder. Welding is hot work and should be performed by trained professionals with proper PPE and site controls.

Edmonton winter cold and spring melt can turn access into ice and mud. Those conditions are why clean prep and corrosion control matter as much as the weld itself.

Why it happens

Most failures come from movement, corrosion, impact, or poor fit-up. The crack you see is usually the last step in a longer process. If the part is still flexing after the repair, the crack usually comes back. A good repair plan starts with finding the movement and correcting the load path.

What a durable repair looks like

• Remove paint, rust, and contamination until sound steel is exposed
• Bring the joint back into alignment before welding
• Add reinforcement when the part is flexing or taking impact
• Control heat so the part stays square and usable
• Seal gaps and plan coatings so water and salt cannot sit in the joint

Repair vs replace

Replacement is sometimes the correct call. If the surrounding steel is thin from rust, if the item is safety-critical, or if there is a history of repeat cracking, replacement can be safer and cheaper long term. A professional will explain the options and document what was found on site.

What you can do before we arrive

You do not need to do anything technical. The most helpful steps are access and information. Clear the area, keep combustibles away, and send photos from multiple angles. If the job is on a busy property, share traffic flow and timing so the work zone can be staged safely.

• Clear access to the work area and remove tripping hazards
• Send close-ups of the crack plus wider shots for context
• Provide a rough measurement or include a tape measure in a photo
• Tell us how the part is used and what loads it sees

Questions to ask your welder

• What caused the failure and what prevents it from returning?
• Do we need a gusset, sleeve, or backing plate?
• How will nearby surfaces be protected from sparks and heat?
• What coating or paint plan is recommended after welding?

How YEGWELD approaches the job

We focus on practical durability: safe access, clean prep, correct fit-up, and reinforcement when needed. We work across Edmonton and within about 100 km, including Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Fort Saskatchewan, Beaumont, and surrounding acreages. We use MIG, TIG, or stick depending on site conditions and the material.

Most repeat failures are not because the weld was weak. They happen because the surrounding steel was thin, the part was still moving, or water and salt kept getting into the joint. Durable repairs often include reinforcement and corrosion protection.

After the repair, finishing matters. Clean edges, sealed gaps, and a basic primer and paint plan can extend the life of an outdoor repair in Alberta weather.

Most repeat failures are not because the weld was weak. They happen because the surrounding steel was thin, the part was still moving, or water and salt kept getting into the joint. Durable repairs often include reinforcement and corrosion protection.

Get a quote

If you want a quick quote, send photos and a short description of what failed and where it is located. For urgent issues, we can often respond quickly with 24/7 emergency availability.

Call: 780-233-8285 or contact us here.

Note: For structural or safety-critical items, requirements may vary by site and specification. Ask before work starts.

This article is for informational purposes only and may contain inaccuracies. Always consult a certified welding professional before starting any project.