Why Does Concrete Crack?

One of the biggest hesitations people have when it comes to
choosing concrete for their projects is that it cracks over
time.

While this practical, durable material is one of the strongest
goods on the market, the forces of time and nature will eventually
cause it to crack–especially if it’s been installed by a
non-reputable company.

But why does concrete crack, and is there anything that will
prevent this from happening?

These 5 mistakes are some of the most common causes of concrete
cracks.

1. The concrete dried too fast

Faster is not always better. If your concrete mix doesn’t have
enough water in it, it will dry too quickly and crack prematurely.
Depending on the project, it should take at least a few weeks,
maybe even a month, to dry completely.

2. Your contractor put too much water in the mix

Poorly mixed concrete can create a range of problems. Just like
having too little water in the mix can cause it to crack, so can
having too much water. Water must combine with the concrete at just
the right pace so that it can cure and set properly.

3. Control joints weren’t used

Your concrete must be able to properly expand and contract in
different temperatures, otherwise it’ll crack. Control joints are
made specifically to help your concrete move about without
breaking. 

If your contractor doesn’t use these joints, there won’t be
extra room for the slab to adjust its size with the changing
temperatures, and it will end up cracking due to its internalized
pressure.

4. It was too cold when your concrete was poured

Just like the amount of water affects concrete’s hydration
process, so does cold weather. When the temperature drops too low,
concrete won’t be able to cure correctly. In these situations,
the pour will either need to be postponed, or the subsurface will
need to be warmed before pouring. 

5. Your concrete is too thin

Concrete that’s too thin is extremely susceptible to cracking.
The proper thickness of your concrete will vary based on its
purpose. For example, a driveway that’s meant to support vehicles
needs to be thicker than a sidewalk that is not.

Improper concrete thickness is one of the top reasons why DIY
concrete projects fail. When taking on a massive project like this
on your own, it’s easy to miscalculate the weight your concrete
will be expected to bear and the subsequent thickness necessary.
Unfortunately, this will result in severe premature cracking.

At Port Aggregates, our contractors have 40 years’ worth of
experience built into their pours. Our beautiful concrete has been
trusted for decades with good reason. When you hire our
professionals, you can say goodbye to premature cracking and rest
assured that your slab has been installed properly. Contact us
today to request
a quote!