Ever wondered why your concrete has cracks? We give you the reasons and ways to avoid them.

One of the most common problems in concrete is that it can crack. However, when poured and installed correctly, concrete is one of the most durable materials that can last for years to come. Have your concrete installed by the professionals at Tolley Concrete to ensure a quality product for years to come. 

Here are some reasons why concrete can crack, accompanied by ways to avoid them. We recommend using a trusted professional for all your concrete needs for success in your project. 

1. The concrete has been mixed with too much water. Concrete mixing is a very delicate process, and when too much water is added to the mixture, it can greatly increase cracks over time. Concrete needs a small amount of water in order to get the desired stiffness; however, additional water is sometimes added to ease the process of pouring. The water evaporates over time, causing the concrete to shrink. 
2. The concrete has been dried too quickly. Drying and setting of concrete requires a chemical reaction that changes the concrete from a liquid state to a solid state. This chemical reaction requires water, and if there’s not enough of it, it will cause the concrete to crack. 
3. The concrete used on site was not the proper strength concrete for the job. Concrete comes in many different strengths, and if the appropriate one is not chosen, cracks can occur. That’s why we always recommend using a trusted professional for your concrete needs, like Tolley Concrete. Learn more about our residential work here.

There are some other reasons why concrete can crack, like improper preparation of subgrade, but it’s also important to know when your concrete cracks become a problem. Every project is a bit different, but cracks should generally be no more than the width of a credit card, and shouldn’t extend through the whole slab. For more info on caring for your concrete, check out our blogs.