Concrete is one of the most common surfaces for pavements in commercial and residential areas because it is cost-effective, durable, and long-lasting. The durable material can last for several decades if installed correctly and does not break or split.
However, if the concrete in Wilsonville OR is not supported firmly, it can crack in extreme weather conditions without enough strength in the reinforcement. The purpose of this guide is to provide you with information on how you can prevent cracks in concrete and maintain the curb appeal of your property. This will help you ensure a sturdy foundation for your building.
Causes of Concrete Cracks
Adding too much water to the mix:
When it comes to making concrete, only a little water is needed, but some manufacturers use too much water during the production process. Concrete is easier to install with water, but it is also weaker without water. Evaporation of excess water causes concrete to shrink as it hardens and dries. Shrinkage eventually causes cracks in the slab as forces pull it apart.
Insufficient drying time:
The problem with too much water is that it can cause cracks in the concrete, whereas too little water can damage the concrete. When concrete turns from a liquid to a solid, it needs water to react chemically, drying too quickly. The curing process of concrete can take weeks, so the concrete must have enough water to prevent it from drying out too quickly and cracking during the curing process.
Inadequate strength:
There are different strengths of concrete available, but your concrete contractor in Tigard OR might have chosen the wrong strength for your project based on the concrete you provided. Your business or home needs a reliable contractor or designer who knows about designs and what they’re doing regarding concrete.
A poorly prepared subgrade:
Underneath a slab of concrete is a layer of native soil called the subgrade. During the installation process, it is important to ensure that the subgrade is level and debris-free. Without this support, the concrete can settle and crack as a result.
Deficiencies in contraction joints:
Joints made of plastic or hardboard can help control the movement under concrete in order to keep it from splitting. For these joints to work against cracking, they must be installed properly and at the correct depths by your contractor.
Types of Concrete Cracks
Shrinkage:
There are two kinds of particles in concrete: heavy ones that sink to the bottom and lighter ones that rise to the top, together with the water that is poured over the concrete. Whenever the water at the top evaporates too fast, it shrinks, causing cracks in the surface and resulting in a weaker surface.
Expansion Cracks:
During hot weather, the bonds within the concrete can weaken, and the concrete can expand, causing stress to occur within the concrete. The concrete will inevitably crack if there is not enough room to expand. If your concrete contractor in Molalla OR add tar-impregnated cellulose fiber expansion joints to the concrete; you can prevent this from happening.
Heaving Cracks:
When it gets very cold outside, the freeze-thaw cycle can cause the concrete to lift, heave, and crack due to the freezing and thawing cycle. The best way to prevent this is by paving over soil that drains away moisture and “gives” with the slab instead of tightly packed, unyielding soil and by not pouring the concrete too close to large trees with deep roots.
Settlement Cracks:
It is quite common for these to occur if the concrete has been poured over a surface that is not well-suited to support it, such as a slope. In some cases, the soil is decomposing due to the roots of a tree following the removal, or it may be since a utility trench was refilled without properly compacting the dirt.
Excessive Weight Cracks:
There can be a very high load limit for concrete, as there is for anything else. However, it can also be very low. Putting weight on concrete above a certain limit can result in cracks forming on the surface. When working with heavy equipment or other items, you may wish to verify if your concrete in Tigard OR can withstand the weight.
Ways to Prevent Concrete Cracks
Properly cure:
Drying and settling concrete can take almost a month to complete. The concrete should be sprayed a few times daily for the first week to prevent cracks. When the weather is hot or dry, apply even more water.
Add control joints:
To avoid and redirect any potential cracks in the slab that might occur through the control joints, ask concrete companies in Molalla OR you hire to cut weak spots into the slab. Ideally, cracks should occur in these vulnerable areas rather than in the slab as a whole.
Ensure the water is mixed properly:
When mixing concrete, check the instructions on the bag or consult the manufacturer to find out how much water to add. The concrete mix should be smooth if you are sure you have added enough water to it. If it is crumbly, add more water until all the dry bits are incorporated into the mixture. The concrete should be added to the wet concrete if it is too wet.
Base compaction:
The new slab needs to be supported before you pour the concrete over it. There must be a compact base underneath the concrete. Otherwise, it may settle and create a void underneath the concrete.
The addition of steel reinforcement:
Your foundation can be strengthened by installing metal under the concrete. If you wish to have a solid foundation for your slab, you should add wire mesh beneath the concrete before it is poured.
Conclusion
A concrete inspection, including a repair estimate by reputable concrete companies in Wilsonville OR, is the best way to determine whether your concrete damage is serious and what needs to be done.
You can trust Northwest Concrete Design to examine your property and explain what you’re seeing and why it’s happening – so you can make informed decisions about cosmetic fixes, installing supports, or replacing your concrete surface. Get in touch with us to schedule a free consultation.
