How to Prolong the Life of Your Concrete
Concrete is one of the most durable materials on the market, making it a popular choice for sidewalks, patios, driveways, and more. However, like most building materials, concrete isn't immune to wear and tear, especially in terms of cracking.
Not only are cracks a major tripping hazard, but they also serve as entry points for moisture, allowing water beneath the concrete slab. As the soil below your concrete gets washed away, the slab slowly begins to sink, causing further cracking and damage.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent these issues before they worsen, especially as in most cases concrete cracks tend to get larger and more difficult to fix over time. Below you can read about what causes concrete cracks and learn how to reduce cracks and prolong the life of your concrete.
What Causes Concrete to Crack?
1) Improper Installation
Cracking can often occur in residential applications when too much water is added to the mix. While this might make it easier to install, too much water can decrease the strength of the concrete.
2) Shrinkage
Shrinking occurs during the drying process when concrete begins to dry and harden. As concrete drys, the water in the mix evaporates, decreasing the concrete volume and causing stress that can ultimately result in cracks.
3) Temperature Changes
Climates that experience extreme temperature changes may see more concrete cracks than other areas. Concrete expands when it is warm and contracts when it cools down creating stress that can in turn cause cracking to occur.
4) Excessive Weight
While it is true that concrete is very strong, it does have a limit to what it can hold. If a load placed on concrete exceeds its limit, it can cause cracking to occur.
How to Prolong the Life of Your Concrete
1) Seal the surface
Concrete is a porous material, meaning moisture can seep into untreated surfaces. Sealing the surface with a high-quality concrete sealant will help keep moisture out and extend the life of your concrete.
2) Seal cracks and joints
Properly installed concrete has strategic cuts called control joints placed on the surface of the concrete. These joints can make concrete weaker in certain areas. These joints should be sealed to prevent moisture from seeping below the concrete slab.
3) Fill voids below the surface
If your concrete is cracked and sinking, there are likely voids between the soil and the slab. These voids can be filled to prevent further sinking and cracking using the PolyLevel system. PolyLevel is a cost-effective and non-invasive way to quickly raise concrete slabs. Once the concrete is lifted, any cracks and joints can be sealed.
Don't Ignore Cracked Concrete!
If you are looking to repair cracked or sinking concrete on your property, call us for your free estimate today to learn how our systems can prevent cracks and prolong the life of your concrete.
