Why Does Concrete Crack?

“Two things are guaranteed when working with concrete: First, it will get hard and second, it will crack”

This mantra is constantly repeated by anyone who deals or works with concrete.  No matter the situation, you will encounter this phenomenon at some point in your concrete’s lifetime. These cracks can occur at any time during the process of pouring and hardening for a variety of reasons. Some cracks are harmful and need to be dealt with immediately, while others pose no threats. Here is a little more information to help you better understand your concrete:

As previously mentioned, cracks in concrete can occur for many different reasons. Some of the most common triggers include shrinkage as the poured concrete hardens, subgrade settlement, contraction due to thermal changes, and inadequate reinforcement. With so many ways for concrete cracking to appear, how do you know which will pose problems for you?

Typically, small cracks in concrete are no problem, but larger cracks and uneven cracks in the foundation can pose a greater threat. These larger cracks in the foundation can allow moisture into your home causing a multitude of costly problems for you to fix.

One fairly popular method of “solving” this problem is to inject epoxy into the crack. This may seem like a good idea, but it is an incredibly flawed method. As this epoxy dries and hardens, it loses all flexibility, so when the foundation continues to shift, either the epoxy will break lose or the wall will develop an entirely new crack. A better way of dealing with concrete crack is by using Master Services' specialized system, which involves the use of a sealant that will permanently seal the crack and will stay bonded with the wall even if movement occurs.

When it comes to your home, it’s not worth the time or money to make mistakes. Trust the professionals at Master Services to repair your foundation cracks the right way, the first time.