A common question that is asked of concrete suppliers is how to avoid newly laid concrete from cracking. Homeowners who lay the concrete themselves may be wondering if they will do a bad job or perhaps the quality of the concrete they are using is not up to the job.
When laid properly, concrete is one of the most durable products that you can use around your home. But it is important that concrete contractors follow established guidelines with respect to the placement of concrete. A professional job gives strength and a crack-resistant substance that is very difficult to damage but this does not occur by accident.
So why does concrete cracks?
Reason 1 – Too much water in the mix
Concrete does not require a large amount of water for the benefit of extreme force. However, much of the concrete used in residential work is found to contain too much water in it. Too much water in the mix does make the concrete easier to install but will also significantly reduce the strength of concrete.
Depreciation is the main reason why cracks occur in concrete. As the concrete dries and goes hard, it will be contract because of the excess water evaporating. The wetter the concrete mix, the more it will shrink. Concrete may shrink as much as 1/2 inch per 100 feet. This shrinkage causes the strength of concrete to completely pull apart and cracks are the end result of these forces.
The bottom line is that lowering the water to cement ratio will make a stronger concrete and there will be less shrinkage as well.
Reason 2 – Quick Drying Concrete
If drying occurs too quickly, this greatly increases the chance of cracking. Part of the chemical reactions necessary for concrete to be a solid surface is the need for water. This reaction is known as hydration and can last for days and weeks after you pour the concrete. You can ensure that the necessary water is available for the reaction with adequate curing slab.
Reason 3- No exact strength of concrete used on the job
Concrete is available in a variety of different strengths. It’s important to know and verify what strength you need. Speaking with a Ready Mix Concrete Derby supplier will help. For more information, visit Ready Mix Concrete Derby.
Other tips to avoid cracked concrete:
Never pour concrete in frozen ground.
Land where the concrete will be placed should be compacted.
When contractors understand what you’re doing and ask about each of the items listed above and you will get a good concrete job that you can feel confident about.
