Tips to Prevent Cracks in Your Concrete

concrete cracks 2We are all aware that our concrete structures can have cracks and other damages over time. This is due to the fact that concrete is probably the most vulnerable material when it comes to such damages. It would be almost impossible to find a concrete that is absolutely free from cracks.

One of the things that we have to know about concrete is that it usually expands and contracts according to the changes in temperature as well as moisture. Because of this, even at the concrete’s early age, it can have some minor yet noticeable cracks. It is arguably very hard to maintain cracks especially the irregular ones. One thing that you have to understand is that these cracks don’t really speak for the quality of the concrete.

There are parts of concrete driveways that we call control joints and they are basically cracks that have been planned ahead of time. This marks where the crack should be in case the earth beneath the structure moves. This means that they are able to control where in the driveway or patio it should crack.

Experts agree that it is really impossible to have a concrete structure that has no cracks. This is why professionals keep telling homeowners that it is quite normal to have cracks in their floors. There are times when clients don’t have any idea that these things do normally occur and they start to think that the contractors are trying to cheat them. This is not the case. Cracks will always be there regardless of the quality of the services you get from the most experienced professionals.

Another reason for these cracks is what we call the freeze-thaw cycle that occurs during the colder seasons.

If you don’t want this process to take place, you will want to use salt as an alternative to sand. The salt has the capability to make sure that no pitting or cracking in the ice.

Heat can also be the reason why concrete starts to crack due to the fact that it can cause the concrete to expand, which will facilitate it going back to its original state.

If you want to prevent cracking, or any other damage, you can apply some sealers that will protect your concrete. There are concrete contractors that can help you with this and they can also repair the cracks that you have in your structure with the help of epoxy.