What Causes Concrete to Crack?

1. Excess Water in the Mix

Concrete relies on the correct water-to-cement ratio to achieve optimal strength and durability. Adding too much water to the mix weakens the concrete by diluting its cement paste, reducing the bond between the aggregate particles.

Too much water weakens the overall structure, making it more susceptible to cracking once the water evaporates. As the excess water leaves the concrete during the curing process, the concrete shrinks and can develop tiny fractures or large cracks, depending on the amount of water added.

At Brothers Concrete, we know how critical it is to address these cracks promptly. Our specialized repair techniques focus on filling and sealing cracks caused by excess water, restoring the strength and durability of your concrete surfaces. We also offer guidance on proper mixing and pouring practices to help prevent similar issues in the future.

2. Rapid Drying or Curing

Concrete needs time to cure properly. However, when concrete dries too quickly, it can cause the surface to dry faster than the internal layers, leading to surface cracking or crazing. Rapid drying can cause the surface to dry faster than the layers underneath, leading to cracks.

At Brothers Concrete, we repair cracks caused by rapid drying by using professional-grade materials, such as flexible fillers and polymer-modified cements, to fill and seal the damaged areas effectively.

Our concrete contractors also offer post-repair guidance on maintaining the best moisture levels during the curing process, which includes applying curing compounds or protective coverings, to help prevent future cracks and ensure the concrete’s longevity.

3. Thermal Expansion and Contraction

Concrete naturally expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations. When concrete heats up, it expands, and when it cools down, it contracts. Without proper joints, this thermal movement can cause significant cracking, especially in large concrete surfaces like driveways, patios, and sidewalks.

Brothers Concrete specializes in installing and repairing expansion joints that allow the concrete to move without cracking. We also use advanced techniques to identify potential weak points in your concrete structures and reinforce them to withstand future thermal changes.

By applying these preventative measures, we help maintain the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of your concrete surfaces over time.

4. Subgrade Movement or Settlement

A stable subgrade or base is essential for concrete surfaces to remain crack-free. If the ground beneath your concrete shifts, erodes, or settles unevenly, it can create unsupported areas that lead to cracks.

This can happen due to natural soil settling, water erosion, or the presence of expansive soils that swell and shrink with changes in moisture content.

At Brothers Concrete, we offer complete concrete services to address subgrade issues, including soil stabilization, proper drainage solutions, and base compaction techniques.

We also provide expert crack repair services to restore your concrete’s appearance and strength, preventing further damage from occurring due to subgrade movement or settlement.

5. Overloading the Concrete Slab

Concrete slabs are designed to bear a specific load capacity. When heavy vehicles, equipment, or even dense furniture exceed this capacity, cracks may develop. Overloading the concrete can cause stress fractures or visible surface cracks, especially in areas with insufficient reinforcement.

At Brothers Concrete, we conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause and extent of the damage. We then reinforce overlays or add steel mesh and rebar, to enhance the slab’s load-bearing capacity and prevent future overloading issues.

Our goal is to ensure that your concrete surfaces can handle everyday use without cracking or deteriorating.

6. Improper Joint Placement

Control joints provide a predetermined location where cracks can occur due to shrinkage and thermal movement. When joints are improperly spaced or cut to the wrong depth, cracks may form in unpredictable locations, detracting from the surface’s appearance and stability.

At Brothers Concrete, our team is skilled in evaluating existing joint placement and making necessary adjustments or repairs. We use precise cutting tools and techniques to create new control joints that direct where cracks will form, minimizing random and unsightly cracking on your concrete surfaces.

Proper joint placement ensures minimizes cracks in your concrete – helping to maintain structural integrity over time.

7. Corrosion of Reinforcement

Steel reinforcement bars (rebar) within concrete can corrode over time, especially in environments with high moisture levels or exposure to deicing salts and chemicals.

As steel corrodes, it expands, putting pressure on the surrounding concrete and causing cracks or spalling.

At Brothers Concrete, we have extensive experience repairing cracks caused by reinforcement corrosion. We remove damaged concrete, treat the rusted steel, and replace it with corrosion-resistant materials where needed.

Additionally, our concrete contractors apply protective coatings to the reinforcement and concrete surface to prevent further corrosion, to help ensure the longevity of your concrete structures.

8. Chemical Reactions

Certain chemical reactions within the concrete can cause significant damage over time. One such reaction is the alkali-silica reaction (ASR), where the alkalis in the cement react with silica in the aggregates, forming a gel that expands and causes cracking.

Other chemical reactions, such as those caused by sulfates in soil or water, can also deteriorate concrete. At Brothers Concrete, our experts are trained to identify cracks caused by chemical reactions and apply specialized repair methods, such as crack injection or the use of chemical-resistant sealants, to restore the concrete’s structural integrity.

We also recommend appropriate protective measures and additives to minimize the risk of future chemical damage.

9. Freezing and Thawing Cycles

In colder climates, the freeze-thaw cycle can cause significant damage to concrete. Water penetrates the concrete’s porous surface, and when temperatures drop, it freezes and expands, causing cracks and surface damage.

Repeated freeze-thaw cycles exacerbate this issue, leading to scaling, spalling, and eventually deeper structural cracks. At Brothers Concrete, we repair and restore surfaces damaged by freeze-thaw cycles using high-quality, flexible sealants and patching compounds that can withstand temperature changes.

We also apply protective sealers to prevent water penetration and ensure your concrete surfaces are ready to endure the coldest winters without cracking.

Contact Brothers Concrete Construction, LLC Today!

Concrete cracks are common, but they don’t have to become a permanent problem. Don’t let cracked concrete diminish your property’s value or safety—contact us today to find out how we can help!

From understanding the causes to applying the best repair solutions, Brothers Concrete Construction, LLC has the expertise and experience to restore your concrete surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, patios, slabs, foundations, walls, and more to their original condition.

Remember, if you’re dealing with concrete cracks, Brothers Concrete Construction, LLC is here to provide fast, reliable, and professional repair services for exposed aggregate, stamped, or stained concrete. We serve the Waupaca, Wautoma, and Steven’s Point areas.

Call us now at (920) 252-2204 and let us take care of the rest!