A crack in the concrete might start small and could look like it won’t affect much of anything. However, a crack that is left and ignored can quickly become a larger problem, leading to serious damage or injury. Fixing cracks early is not only necessary, it is essential. But what causes concrete to crack?
Concrete can crack for several reasons. There could be an issue as early as application, or it might be from environmental factors. Knowing what causes cracks in the concrete can help you prevent them in the future.
The first reason concrete might crack is because there was too much water in the mix. Concrete does not require much water to reach its maximum strength, and when there is too much water it will reduce that strength. As concrete hardens and dries it shrinks, but when the mix is too wet, the shrinkage will be greater.
Conversely, if the concrete dries too rapidly it can lead to cracking. The chemical reaction required for concrete to harden requires water, and that reaction can over for days or weeks after concrete is poured. If the concrete does not cure properly, cracks are likely.
The proper mix of concrete needs to be used for the job. That means if the wrong strength concrete is poured, then the amount of stress that it goes under could be too great. Know what mix you are working with before the job ensures a proper pour.
Lack of control joints is another reason that cracks will appear. Control joints help concrete crack where you want it to. This is done by creating a weak point in the concrete that can help guide where a crack occurs.
There are also a couple types of cracks that you can identify in concrete and knowing which one appears gives you a better idea of how it needs to be fixed. A couple of distinct cracks include hairline cracks, shrinkage cracks, settlement cracks, and structural cracks. Fixing those cracks involves filling or injecting the cracks with grout.
D.C. Byers Company/Grand Rapids’ crack injection services work on a variety of different surfaces and building material.
From the inside of the water-affected area, our first step will be to grind out an area to make the crack bigger. Next, we will insert a hydrophilic polyurethane grout by drilling angled holes in non-cracked areas adjacent to the crack. This grout will expand rapidly when it hits water and force out any excess water it comes in contact with.
DC Byers will then patch the existing area with a concrete patch material. The hydrophilic polyurethane grout will remain in the wall, creating a barrier that doesn’t allow water to seep back through.
To get a quote on your concrete restoration needs, call DC Byers Company/Grand Rapids today at (616) 538-7300. Our experience and expertise allow us to assess the damage correctly and plan how to perform the repairs to allow you to use your space properly.
For concrete restoration and repair, DC Byers Company/Grand Rapids looks at all the factors contributing to the deterioration of the concrete. By understanding the underlying problems, we can start working on the most satisfying and cost-effective solutions.