Although concrete is one of the strongest materials on the planet, it is still susceptible to damage and cracking is something that can be commonplace over the years.
These cracks can depreciate the aesthetics look of your concrete, and larger cracks can even cause big problems for your structure and ultimately become unstable so it is important to understand the ways you can prevent this from happening.
Why does concrete crack?
Concrete cracks when the durability of strength is compromised, and as a result cracks when it is exposed to more tension than it can handle.
Why does concrete crack when it’s poured?
- Excess water present in the concrete mix – When water is added to the concrete mix it can make it much easier to pour, however the problem lies in the fact thar when concrete hardens and dries as it shrinks, it shrinks because the water in the mixture is evaporating. If th amount of evaporation exceeds it’s limit owing to too much water in the mix, the concrete will shrink and harden far too much, which ultimately creates a force within the concrete that will pull the slab apparently, resulting in cracked and weakened concrete.
- If the concrete dries too fast – There is a chemical reaction needed for successful curing which requires wate and should the concrete dry too fast there will not be enough moisture retained in the concrete, which as a result may encourage the concrete to start cracking.
Why does concrete crack after it has been cured?
- When too much weight or pressure is applied – Concrete may crack if its tensile strength is exceeded by heavy weight or pressure put onto it over time. This the most common way that concrete cracks and can occur for numerous reasons, for example heavy vehicles on roads and motorways can cause cracking over time to the concrete beneath them.
- Expansion due to heat exposure – Exposing concrete to heat will cause it to expand. In many circumstances, the concrete will be forced to expand against other surrounding inflexible material, such as brick walls and houses.
As concrete specialist ourselves, Integral Concrete Solutions are experts in repairing and restoration of concrete that has seen better days. We provide a complete range of concrete repair services, offering structural repair and refurbishment to all concrete structures throughout the UK.