By this point in your life, you’ve almost certainly seen dozens, hundreds, or maybe even thousands of cracks in concrete. There is a good chance you can find a crack in concrete every time you travel outside. But do you know what causes cracks in concrete? In today’s blog at Concrete Leveling Technologies in Austin, we talk about a few of the most common reasons for the cracks you see in concrete.
Are you more interested in fixing the crack in your concrete rather than learning how it got there? Not a problem. Contact Concrete Leveling Technologies today to get started with a free estimate.
Improper Installation
One of the most common reasons for cracks in concrete that our concrete contractors come across is improper installation. Many people attempt DIY concrete repair, and not all of them are successful. Additionally, concrete can be tricky, even for some professional concrete contractors. Fortunately, our team at Concrete Leveling Technologies in Austin has the skills, knowledge, experience, and customer service to get any job done right the first time around.
Some common mistakes that can occur during the initial concrete pouring include:
- Using the wrong type of concrete
- Too much water
- Too little water
- Too few joints
- Poor sub base
Expansion
If you’ve ever taken a science class or even watched the Discovery Channel, you probably know that heat causes expansion while cold causes contraction. When temperatures start to soar, concrete can begin to expand. Typically, if the installation was done properly and the right expansion joints are in place, it should account for this flexing. However, if your concrete doesn’t have the room it needs to expand, it may form cracks.
Soil
Another common reason for concrete cracks that our concrete contractors come across are shifting soils. The earth beneath your concrete can sometimes settle or expand, creating an uneven surface below your slabs. This leaves parts of the concrete slabs unsupported and can contribute to cracks in your concrete.
Fortunately, this probably is a simple fix when you team up with Concrete Leveling Technologies in Austin. Our concrete contractors inject a poy foam into the void that caused your concrete to become uneven. This process is quick, simple, effective, and affordable. Learn more about our concrete leveling services by contacting us today.
Pressure
Concrete is incredibly strong, but it’s not invincible. If your concrete is exposed to enough force, weight, or a serious impact, it’s liable to get a few cracks. Be mindful not to place extremely heavy materials or vehicles on your concrete in order to avoid cracks from excessive weight or pressure.
It’s also worth noting that having construction equipment or a heavy dumpster on your concrete may not directly crack the concrete, but it can pack down the earth underneath the concrete enough to cause unevenness.
Call Austin’s Premier Concrete Contractors
No matter how your concrete got cracked, our concrete contractors can help. Hopefully, today’s blog has been informative and you are a little wiser about the common causes of cracks in concrete. If you or anyone you know is in need of concrete leveling or concrete repair, be sure to contact Concrete Leveling Technologies in Austin today!