When you think of concrete, what comes to mind? Most likely strength, durability, and stability. Concrete is one of the most common building materials because it offers all those characteristics and more. But like any other material, concrete is susceptible to damage and deterioration.

This blog post will look at the most common types of cracks in concrete and how to identify if you can repair them or if a replacement is required. So if you’re curious about what to look for when it comes to concrete damage, read on!

Concrete Crack Types

In the construction world, there’s one thing sure your concrete will crack. Engineers categorize the nature of these concrete fractures as repairable, those not posing a structural threat to the integrity of the work. The 2nd category encloses the ones that require immediate intervention, meaning the concrete job needs to be redone.

Types Cracks That Needs Concrete Repair

Plastic Shrinkage Cracks

This type of crack happens when there’s excessive water in the concrete mixture. When dry, this water escapes, leaving airspaces that weaken the concrete and make it prone to cracking.

Expansion Concrete Cracks

Concrete expands as it dries and pushes against anything that may be in its way. The force caused by the inability to bend or flex causes the concrete to crack. Certain contaminants in the concrete mix or changes in temperature when hardening can aggravate it.

Types Of Concrete Cracks That Require a Redo

Diagonal Cracks

Diagonal cracks are an obvious sign of poor concrete work. They are caused by the settling of the foundation or when the ground underneath shrinks or expands. Diagonal cracks can also form when there is too much water in the concrete mix.

Horizontal Cracks

There are several reasons why horizontal cracks may form, such as poor compaction, expanding soils, or settlement of the foundation. These cracks can significantly impact the column’s shear strength, putting the entire structure at risk.

Concrete Cracks Caused By Overloading The Slab

When a concrete slab is exposed to heavy weights, it’ll crack. After rain or snowmelt, the soil beneath the slab turns soft, unable to support the weight above, resulting in fractures. This damage is usually caused by parking vehicles on the slab or stacking heavy objects.

Freeze-thaw Concrete Cracks

Water seeps into the concrete, and once the winter arrives, it freezes. Frozen water is 9% more voluminous, creating microscopical fractures in your concrete slabs. The concrete may lift a few inches during these movements before thawing and settling back down. 

Always Look For A Reputable Professional For Your Concrete Projects

Concrete is not a recyclable material, representing a financial loss on your end. If your concrete services are sloppy, so will the results. Avoid dealing with the headache of a poor concrete job by looking for reputable professionals in your area.

At Top Dog Construction, we have a team of experts that will help you with any concrete project you may have, big or small. Contact us today for a free estimate! We look forward to hearing from you soon.