Cracked concrete: Should I be concerned about them?
Cracked concrete is a nuisance for homeowners, especially when you just had fresh concrete poured into your driveway, garage floor, walkway, or concrete slab. But don’t worry too much about it — hairline scratches are typically normal. However, there are cases when cracked concrete requires professional attention.
What caused the crack in the first place?
Several things can cause concrete to crack. Here are the most common:
- Water issues — Rapid moisture loss as the concrete dries or excess water in the mix could cause cracks in the concrete. Some add too much water to prevent moisture loss, but adding too much leads to cracking. You can incorporate control joints to prevent cracks.
- The weather — Cracked concrete is often the byproduct of the weather. Think of the wind, humidity, and temperature and how these can affect concrete. Heat can cause concrete to expand, triggering enough pressure to cause a crack. Meanwhile, the cold can lift concrete before it thaws and settles back. Your contractor should be able to take proper precautions to take the necessary steps to prevent it from happening.
- Environmental factors — The environment around your concrete can also trigger cracks to occur. For example, a growing tree root can damage your concrete by lifting and cracking its surface. Ground settling or micro-movements of the ground (such as during earthquakes) can also cause cracked concrete.
Should I look for a professional?
If the cracks look persistent and worrisome to you, then it’s for the best if you tap professionals such as Boss Mudjacking. They can give you insights on how to fix the crack, and if it could be remedied by mudjacking or if you need to level the concrete. Save money in the long run by having professionals do it for you. Get a quote and fix that cracked concrete today.
