When concrete is installed properly, it is one of the most durable and long lasting used in around your home. When a concrete contractor follows the guidelines to the T, this is what makes the concrete ever lasting, durable, and crack resistant.
Now, you may still be wondering what exactly can cause concrete to crack. We will go over this with you throughout this post.
Excess water in the mix:
When mixing concrete, it does not require very much water to reach the maximum strength. This is what happens to the majority of concrete in residential work, too much water is added to the concrete. Workers have found that adding excessive water makes it easier to install, even though it vastly reduces the strength of the concrete.
What happens is shrinkage; this is the leading cause of cracking. When the concrete starts to harden, it shrinks as it dries. This happens because of the excessive water being evaporated. You will find that the more wet or soup like the concrete mix is, the greater the shrinkage. This can be as much as shrinking ½ an inch per 100 feet. This will cause the forces within the concrete to basically pull the slab apart, which results in cracking.
What can be done: Be knowledgeable on knowing just how much water is needed. Make sure that the contractor that you hire is reputable and would make sure that the concrete is mixed correctly.
Lack of control joints:
Joints are located generally located about 2-3 (feet) more times the thickness of the concrete (inches). So example would be, if the concrete were 6 inches thick, then the joints will be placed about 12-18 feet apart. These are meant to crack the concrete where you want it.
The concrete dries too fast:
Your concrete drying so fast can help increase the potential for cracks. How the drying process works is the chemical reaction, the reaction causes the concrete to go from the liquid or plastic state to a solid state, which requires water. This will occur for days and weeks after the concrete is poured.
Improper strength concrete poured on the job:
This means when you do not choose a concrete with the needed strength and it cracks. Be aware that concrete comes in many different forms of strengths.
You will find that during the curing, or drying process of concrete, that hairline cracks can happen. This is due to it shrinking slightly upon drying and the water evaporating out of the mixture. This is common to happen.
With larger cracks that are created due to stress happen when a house settles or the ground that the slab is sitting on shifts. These types of cracks do not tend to threaten the structure itself but they can allow groundwater, radon gas, and insects an entry point.
Having cracks like these makes it highly recommended to see about getting your concrete fixed with the grind and seal process that most professionals offer. Call a highly recommended professional, like Floor ReNew Houston, today for more details!
When in doubt, contact a professional contact us today to schedule your appointment or if you have any questions.
Floor ReNew Houston
4530 W. 34th Street Suite C
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 418-9983
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