A Brief Guide on Concrete Cracks

Concrete cracks are a pain to deal with. They’re not nice to look at and can end up causing bigger problems if left to grow on their own. Here’s a brief guide to help you understand the subject more:

Types

There are different types of concrete cracks. It’s a good idea to know what you’re dealing with and what’s causing the problem. Here are a few kinds you may encounter:

Shrinkage

Shrinkage cracks happen when the moisture inside the concrete changes. When the material becomes too dry, it grows smaller, pulling in on itself and damaging the surface.

They’re easy to recognize. They’re usually hairline fractures but can also become larger if not repaired quickly. The damage tends to meander around the surface, going in unpredictable directions, tapering to a stop, and beginning again unexpectedly.

Settlement

This happens while the concrete is still in plastic or when it’s recently poured. If it dries someplace where it’s too restrained, cracks will form all over the surface. They may appear immediately or after it’s dried.

These cracks have a distinct pattern. They typically mimic the restraining element, like the reinforcement that caused them.

Expansion

Concrete expands as the weather grows too hot and humid, placing the material under a lot of stress. And, when that happens, it may end up breaking apart. If left unchecked, the surface may eventually split into 2 separate parts, which can cause safety issues for you, your loved ones, and your property.

This one’s easy enough to identify. There’s generally a point of separation or isolation between the 2 pieces that have broken apart.

Repair Guide

While there are different types of cracks, there aren’t many methods for repairing them. But, before you start fixing your floor, it’s best to contact a contractor to address the original issue so it won’t cause any problems again.

Once that’s done, you should clean and vacuum the crack, getting rid of any loose debris, grease, oil, or dirt. Then, chip away at the jagged edges with a chisel and hammer to help it hold the filling more easily. Pour a bonding adhesive and new concrete after that. Then, smoothen it out with a trowel and let it cure.

After it dries, apply a sealant to protect the material. This makes the surface more durable and prevents it from absorbing moisture, which causes shrinkage and expansion cracks.

The best concrete crack repair is so much easier once you know what you’re doing. This is just a brief guide to help get you started. If you want to learn more, look for an expert and ask them for tips and advice.