Concrete provides the frame or foundation upon which most, if not all, of your long-lasting constructions rest. Concrete is the backbone of modern construction, from residential to commercial buildings and into your own residential driveways. Few would also argue that it’s one of the most durable yet versatile materials currently in use. However, even with its strength, concrete is not impervious to damage. One of the most common problems property owners encounter with concrete involves cracking. Therefore, understanding the common causes of concrete cracks and how to prevent them is vital for your surfaces to stay intact and look good for years.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll discuss the reasons for concrete cracks, the types you will likely find, and the best concrete crack repair methods and maintenance tips to prevent or handle them. By using these solutions for existing concrete cracks and prevention strategies, you can easily safeguard the integrity of your concrete as a homeowner or business owner.
Common Causes of Concrete Cracking
Concrete cracks can happen due to several reasons, most of which emanate from the conditions under which the concrete was laid or the prevailing environmental factors it may go through after concrete curing techniques. The following are some of the common causes of concrete cracks:
Shrinkage
When drying, concrete tends to shrink in volume as excess water evaporates. Shrinkage can be harmless, but if it is uneven, the subsequent development of cracks is possible. Indeed, large slabs or areas where concrete is laid at high temperatures or low humidity are likely to develop this type of defect.
Thermal Expansion and Contraction
Concrete expands in hot conditions and contracts if the surrounding atmosphere is cold. This reaction against the two temperature extremes may cause some kind of internal stress to the concrete, which develops cracks within the material. If no suitable joints or reinforcement for concrete cracks exist, such cracks tend to expand with time.
Overloading
Concrete is strong, but it also has a breaking point. Overloading more weight than it was designed to bear can cause concrete to crack. These are usually seen in driveways or industrial floors where heavy machinery travels over them.
Corrosion of Reinforcement
In reinforced concrete, steel bars are embedded within the concrete to carry additional tensile loads. If these bars corrode, they will expand, putting pressure on the concrete, often causing it to crack. This problem often arises in areas subjected to moisture and salt.
Improper Curing
The methods of curing concrete are critical to the long-term durability of the surface. Failure to properly cure the concrete could cause it to dry out too fast and crack. Proper curing techniques will help the concrete retain moisture during its youthful stages, thus minimizing shrinkage and thermal cracking.
Subgrade Settlement
First, before the concrete is laid, the ground where it is to be laid, termed the subgrade, has to be appropriately prepared. Poor settlement or shifting of the subgrade can cause the concrete to crack. To prevent this, improper compaction, erosion, and alteration in moisture can affect the subgrade.
Types of Cracks in Concrete
Not all concrete cracks are the same. Knowing the various types can help you diagnose the problem and the best course of action for repair or prevention.
Plastic Shrinkage Cracks
These cracks occur when the concrete is still plastic—that is, before hardening. They are usually shallow and appear on the surface as the water in the concrete evaporates too quickly.
Drying Shrinkage Cracks
As mentioned earlier, drying shrinkage cracks occur due to the concrete’s water loss after hardening. These cracks could be profound throughout the slab.
Thermal Cracks
These are due to temperature changes that expand and contract concrete. They mainly occur as straight or slightly arched lines running across the surface.
Settlement Cracks
Settlement cracks appear because of a shift or settlement in the concrete subgrade it has been laid. This crack may be big, and typically, it follows the underlying movement pattern that caused it. This usually occurs after the concrete is poured.
Structural Cracks
Excessive loading and inappropriate reinforcement for concrete cracks are common causes of structural cracks in concrete. Such cracks can seriously threaten the integrity of concrete and must be addressed immediately.
Crazing Cracks
Crazing cracks can be defined as a network of shallow and fine cracks that appear on the surface of concrete. These conditions can affect structural integrity and be unsightly.
If you’re looking for solutions for existing concrete cracks, feel free to contact our team of experts at (503) 737-4102.
Ways to Prevent Concrete Cracks
Prevention of concrete cracks will involve a mix of good designs, proper materials, and execution. The following are some of the concrete crack prevention strategies one needs to take into consideration:
Proper Mix Design
Use the appropriate mix design for your project. Maintain the water-to-cement ratio properly—the more water in the mix, the greater the shrinkage the concrete will be subjected to, and it is most likely to crack. Add admixtures to the concrete as well, which are specifically targeted at making the concrete develop greater strength and durability.
Control Joints
Control joints are planned cuts in the concrete that regulate where cracks are supposed to appear. In other words, by making control joints, you can, in a way, govern the occurrence of cracks, which will be less visible and more manageable.
Adequate Reinforcement
It is quite important to have reinforcement for concrete cracks, such as steel rebar or wire mesh. These will help lessen the instances of cracking. Reinforcement supports load dispersion at the surface and confines the width of any cracks that may appear.
Proper Subgrade Preparation
When the concrete is placed, the subgrade shall be compacted and stable. This reduces the potential for settlement-related risk and prevents cracks caused by ground movement.
Moisture Management
Keep the concrete moist to eliminate shrinkage cracks during curing. Apply curing compounds, water misting, or wet coverings to maintain moisture in the concrete.
Avoid Overloading
The concrete surface must be designed to handle the loads it will bear, considering the weight of vehicles and machinery using it for driveways and industrial floors.
How to Stop Concrete Cracking When Drying
Drying is a very critical stage in the life of concrete, and if it is not treated accordingly, it may shrink and crack during this time. Here is how to avoid the cracking of concrete in this stage:
Slow Curing
Allow the concrete to cure and set slowly. Keep the top surface wet with blankets for curing, wet burlap, or plastic sheeting to retain moisture and prevent shrinkage cracks.
Use a Proper Mix
As mentioned earlier, the mix design is a significant factor for concrete drying. Mixing an appropriate water-to-cement ratio and proper admixtures will help to control drying.
Avoid Wind and Sun
While drying concrete, you need to protect it from direct sunlight and strong winds. These conditions can cause the surface to dry too quickly, leading to plastic shrinkage cracks.
Control the Environment
If possible, regulate the temperature and humidity in the space in which the concrete is being poured. This is most important for an inside project or projects in extreme weather conditions.
How to Stop Concrete Cracking in Hot Weather
Hot weather is particularly difficult for a concrete installation. High temperatures can make the concrete dry out too quickly and might cause cracking. Here are some concrete crack prevention strategies:
Use a Cool Mix
In hot weather, consider using a mix with a slower setting time. This gives you more time to work with the concrete before it hardens.
Start Early or Late
Concrete should be poured during the coolest parts of the day, early in the morning or later in the evening. Concretes subjected to less high heat as a function of the pour timing will be set more uniformly.
Keep the Surface Cool
Spraying water on the subgrade before concrete placement will minimize thermal cracks by reducing extreme temperature differentials between concrete and ground moisture.
Moist Curing
As with normal curing, keeping the concrete moist in hot weather is necessary. Keep applying moisture through water misting or wet coverings that do not allow rapid drying.
At Northwest Concrete Design LLC, we take pride in transforming both residential and commercial spaces with our expert concrete services. Whether you’re looking to enhance your outdoor living space with a Concrete Contractor in Portland OR add decorative elements with concrete contractor in Tigard OR, our team is here to bring your vision to life. As one of the leading Stamped Concrete Patio in Molalla OR, we specialize in providing high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing solutions that meet the unique styles of our clients. Our comprehensive services also extend to those seeking reliable Concrete Companies in Portland OR, ensuring that your project, whether it’s a stamped concrete patio or general concrete work, is completed with precision and care. When you choose Northwest Concrete Design LLC, you’re choosing a company that values creativity, quality, and customer satisfaction in every project across Tualatin and Portland.
Final Takeaway
Cracking is one of the common concrete problems, but it does not need to be inevitable. By understanding the causes of concrete cracks and some effective prevention strategies, one can extend the life of concrete surfaces and keep both their appearance and function intact. This could be through proper mix design, curing, or reinforcement. This ensures your concrete will stand the test of time.
At Northwest Concrete Design LLC, we understand what it takes to help every project prosper for years to come. Our team’s level of devotion is absolute, as we take on concrete-related projects, whether they involve installation, maintenance, or repair. Whether you require solutions for existing concrete cracks or repair methods, maintenance tips, and prevention strategies, we can always offer specialized solutions that will meet all your requirements. Please feel free to visit our website and see how we can assist you in getting the long-lasting, crack-free surfaces you have desired for so long.
Contact us today at (503) 737-4102 for a consultation and see firsthand the difference that professional craftsmanship and attention to detail make.