One of the most common causes of customer complaint that concrete contractors is cracks in concrete. Unfortunately for homeowners the fact is that there is absolutely no guarantee against at happening, Although cracks an not be avoided altogether, a professional concrete contractor will take care and all necessary measures to minimise the cracks in the concrete.

Here are the most common reasons for concrete cracking. These must be considered in order to take the necessary actions to prevent it happening.

Excess water added to the concrete mix. It is very common place for concrete contractors to add excessive amounts of water to the concrete mix to help make the concrete more workable when placing. The problem with this is that it affects the strength of the concrete greatly. Too much water also makes a much higher chance of shrinkage cracking. When concrete and hardens, excess water in the mix evaporates making the concrete pull apart creating shrinkage cracks. How to solve it: To get the optimum strength from your concrete, the minimum amount of water you can add to the concrete mix to activate the cement should be added. Find out the maximum amount you an add to your mix design without compromising the concrete strength. To help with workability, chemical additives can be added to the concrete either at the batching plant or onsite. Concrete professionals will also add control joints to the concrete to encourage the concrete to crack at a predetermined point.

The concrete is drying out too quickly. The hardening of concrete happens because of a chemical reaction that changes the concrete from a liquid into a solid. Water is a key ingredient in this reaction, known as hydration. This reaction happens over weeks after the concrete has been laid. When the reaction happens too quickly, cracking an often occur. How to solve it: In order for concrete to achieve its maximum strength, it needs to have sufficient kept in the concrete for the hydration to happen. This is done by curing the concrete. Curing of the concrete also helps with shrinkage cracking by giving the concrete time to harden. Some of the most common methods of curing are covering the concrete with either plastic or canvas or by the use of chemical curing agents which are sprayed onto the concrete after it has been placed and finished.

The wrong strength concrete has been used. Concrete can come in different grades or strengths. Cracking can occur if you have used a concrete mix which is not strong enough for your project. The Solution: Get in touch with a ready mix representative and choose a mix design which is strong enough for your needs.

Sudden fluctuations in temperature can create cracks in concrete also. For example, if you are pouring a concrete driveway and you get a sudden drop in temperature. The middle of the concrete will be expanding and the surface will be cooling and contacting. This results in cracks. Corrosion of steel reinforcement over time can also lead to cracking. If the ground underneath the concrete settles this can result in the slab being unevenly supported which will eventually lead to cracking. Because of all these reasons, it is crucial that you have your concrete installed by an experienced concrete professional. They will ensure that the necessary steps are taken prior to, during and after the concrete is placed to minimise the likelihood of these cracks happening.

Become informed when having concrete placed or installing concrete overlays in your home. Visit Cory Grants site, Cory Grant Concrete and get all the info you need to make an informed choice with your concrete. While there get your free tips on removing stains from your concrete. Cory Grant Concrete

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