Have you ever heard children say, “Step on a crack, break your mother’s back?” Well, that old expression used by children does provide a certain type of truth. The truth is concrete tends to crack.

Now, when installed correctly, concrete is one of the most enduring and long-lasting materials in your home. However, an important process needs to get followed when concrete gets installed, and well-established guidelines must be kept in mind.

Sometimes concrete will crack because of improper installation. However, other times, it will crack because of its natural tendency to do so.

In this article, we will explore why concrete tends to crack and provide some solutions to keep your concrete solid and in good shape for a long time.

 

cracked concrete floors

 

Why Does Concrete Flooring Crack?

Here are some of the most common reasons as to why concrete cracks, including some potential solutions. 

Concrete Dries Too Quickly

Many people might assume that drying time doesn’t make much of a difference in how it turns out, but it makes a big difference when it comes to concrete. When concrete dries too quickly, it will significantly increase the possibility of cracking due to a chemical reaction that dries out the material too quickly. 

Improper Strength of The Concrete

Most people aren’t aware, but there are different types of strengths for concrete. Sometimes contractors will mix too low of the strength of the concrete. When this happens, the concrete has a significantly higher chance of cracking. Speak with your mix supplier to ensure mix strength. 

Excess Water In The Mix

Concrete doesn’t take a whole lot of water to achieve maximum strength. Unfortunately, concrete mixers often put too much water into the mix because it makes it easier to install but leads to a higher probability o the material cracking. 

While these factors can cause your concrete to crack, it is also important to identify the types of cracks so you can effectively fix them. 

Types of Cracks In The Concrete And What To Do About Them

Structural Cracks: Are anything thicker than a credit card that runs through the entire slab. These cracks require concrete repair or replacement. 

Settlement Cracks: Occur when the ground below the concrete wasn’t compacted correctly and caused the concrete to sink. These slabs will need to get replaced.

Shrinkage Cracks: This happens during the curing process and can get reduced using joint placements. 

Hairline Cracks: These are the least significant types of cracking that occur at the surface and should get repaired if they widen. 

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Why Choose PCC of New England?

Premier Concrete Coatings of New England is in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and they are the best professional flooring and concrete coatings company in New England.

For over 15 years, PCC of New England has helped its customers residentially and commercially.

PCC of New England provides high-quality floor coating services, and they value knowing that their clients are highly satisfied with their work.

PCC of New England is proud to offer its residential, commercial, and white glove services to the local communities of Central and Southern New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Northern Connecticut.

No matter your flooring circumstances, PCC of New England dedicates itself to taking its customer’s experience to the next level by providing exceptional service and high-quality products. Check them out today!

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Are you looking for the premier concrete coatings company in all New England? Then it would help if you got in contact with the concrete coating professionals at Premier Concrete Coatings of New England. Premier Concrete Coatings of New England are the people to call if you are looking for residential or commercial concrete coatings services!

Give them a call today at (978)-575-7575 or send them an email at [email protected].