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Home & Garden Articles
The Real Reason Concrete Cracks
Fri 26 Jan 2007 - 10:38
The Real Reason Concrete Cracks
By Amber M Sell
Seeing concrete that has unexpectedly cracked is often a cause of complaint from homeowners and property owners alike. For years people have been trying to keep the concrete in and around their property as attractive and appealing as their home and the surrounding landscape. And for years they have been fighting the battle against cracked concrete, only to admit defeat time after time. They have simply accepted the fact that the concrete is just going to keep cracking again and again. The truth is that cracks are found in practically all concrete foundations, and unfortunately that most likely includes yours, too. So what exactly causes concrete to crack and become so unattractive? And what kind of concrete repair is available so that homeowners won't have to live with the unsightly look of cracked concrete forever?
Most homeowners and property owners are shocked when they unexpectedly find cracked concrete in and around their seamless property. They are often confused and wonder why it is cracking and what they should have done to prevent the cracks from ever appearing in the first place. The truth is that concrete is one of the most durable materials you can use around your home. But even the most durable materials have its shortcomings. Concrete cracks are pretty much inevitable because of a combination of factors that come from the uncontrollable Mother Nature.
Water Evaporation & Shrinkage
Shrinkage is the main cause of cracked concrete. When concrete is poured, it is mixed with water to make it easier to work with. As the concrete dries and hardens, it also shrinks because the water from the mixture evaporates. Stresses in the concrete can develop if it is mixed with too much water, because a lot of water in also means a lot of evaporation and shrinkage which can result in a cracked surface. When concrete is poured, structures in and around the concrete may also restrain the shrinkage process. This, too, can cause cracks to appear. To help ameliorate this problem, joints are placed in the concrete to "tell" the concrete where to crack. This helps eliminate the unsightly problem of random cracking. Cracks can also appear when water evaporates from the surface of freshly laid concrete faster then the concrete beneath it.
Temperature Fluctuation
When the temperature rises and falls, it causes concrete to expand and contract. With temperature fluctuations, it is possible for the temperature of the interior concrete to increase and expand while the surface concrete is cools and contracts. If the temperature difference becomes too great, cracks may appear.
Soil Settling
All buildings and structures settle over time. As the soil underneath concrete slabs settle or washout, the concrete foundation will become unevenly supported. This disproportionate support is not only likely to result in a cracked foundation, but it will also likely become extremely unstable and unsafe.
Metal Corrosion
Sometimes concrete is held together with reinforcing steel or a number of other metals. When the embedded metal corrodes, rust forms on the metal and takes up more space than the metal alone. As the rust grows and stretches inside the concrete, the increasing stress will eventually cause the concrete to crack.
Even minor cracks in concrete can grow larger and more serious over time. When you notice cracks in the concrete in and around your property, have them repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage, prevent safety hazards, and increase the appeal of your property. Concrete repairs can be challenging so be sure to choose a reputable professional who will not only do quality work, but who will also educate their customers about the causes and consequences of cracked concrete.
Amber Sell is a Web Content Specialist for Innuity. For some great information about concrete repairs, please contact Concrete Problem Solvers today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amber_M_Sell
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Real-Reason-Concrete-Cracks&id=425980
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