How to Prevent Your Concrete From Failing
Concrete is one of the most durable materials on the market, making it an attractive choice for sidewalks, patios, driveways, and more. However, concrete isn’t immune to wear and tear — especially when it comes to cracks.
Cracked concrete around your home isn’t just unattractive, it’s also a dangerous tripping hazard. Steps should be taken to repair cracks and prevent future issues sooner rather than later. Concrete cracks only get bigger and more challenging to fix over time.
Cracks create entry points for moisture, allowing water to seep below the concrete and carry away the soil that supports the slab. This process usually begins slowly but gets worse over time. As more soil is washed away, the water will start to flow more freely, removing soil at a faster rate and creating voids below the concrete. With less soil to support the slab, it will eventually sink, causing it to snap into smaller pieces and form more cracks.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent concrete from cracking. This article will teach you what causes concrete to crack and how to reduce cracks and prolong the life of your concrete. You can also find more information about how to prevent concrete cracks in our paired Ask An Engineer video below.
What Causes Concrete to Crack?
When it comes to concrete, cracks are inevitable. But why is that? Well, there are many reasons why concrete cracks. Learn more about the common causes below.
Improper Installation
Cracking often occurs in residential applications when too much water is used in the concrete mix. Although high water content makes it easier to install, it greatly reduces the strength of the concrete.
Shrinkage
Shrinkage is another reason that concrete cracks. Shrinkage occurs during the curing process when the concrete begins to dry and harden. As it cures, the water in the concrete mix will evaporate, decreasing the concrete’s volume and causing tensile stress that results in cracks.
Temperature Changes
Climates that experience extreme temperature changes may see more concrete cracks than others. Like many materials, concrete expands when it heats up and contracts when it cools down. Tensile stress is created when your concrete cannot expand or contract the way it should, causing it to crack.
Excessive Weight
While concrete is incredibly strong, it does have load limits. If the weight placed on a concrete slab exceeds the load limits, it can cause the concrete to crack. Cracks may also occur if the concrete slab is not thick enough for the load it supports.
How to Prolong the Life of Your Concrete
The best way to prolong the life of your concrete is to limit the amount of water that can find its way below the slab. Here’s how to do that.
Seal the Surface
Concrete is a porous material, which means moisture can seep into untreated surfaces. When temperatures drop below freezing, any trapped moisture will turn to ice and expand. This weakens the concrete and causes it to flake and crack. Sealing the surfaces with a high-quality concrete sealant will keep moisture out and help extend the life of your concrete.
Seal Cracks & Joints
Properly installed concrete will have strategic cuts called control joints placed in the top surface of the concrete. Control joints make the concrete weaker in specific places, which controls where it will crack. These joints, along with any existing cracks, should be sealed to prevent moisture from seeping below the concrete and washing away the supporting soil.
Fill Voids Below the Surface
If your concrete is cracked and sinking, there are likely voids in the soil that supports the slab. Voids should be filled to prevent further sinking and cracking. Concrete leveling with an expanding polyurethane foam like PolyLevel is a cost-effective and non-invasive way to quickly raise concrete slabs. Once the voids have been eliminated and the slab is back to a level position, any existing cracks can be sealed.
Don’t Ignore Cracked Concrete: Call Your Foundation Supportworks Expert Today!
Repairing cracked, sunken concrete is a job best left to the experts. Luckily, your local Foundation Supportworks contractor is here to help. Schedule a free estimate today to learn how our systems can prevent cracks and prolong the life of your concrete!