Tips to Prevent Concrete from Cracking
Cracking can be inevitable in concrete surfaces regardless of how many provisions you make. However, there are certain ways to reduce the risk of cracking in concrete. Firstly, it is important to know exactly how cracks are formed. After knowing the causes, one can hope to prevent cracks from happening in the first place. Concrete Brisbane surfaces may then be less prone to cracking and eventual breakage.
Common Reasons Why Concrete Cracks
Following are some reasons to explain concrete cracks which can help you better protect your concrete surface.
- Shrinkage is the biggest cause of concrete cracks. This happens when the concrete mould is first poured into the surface. As the mould hardens, it can shrink by 1/8 inch. This phenomenon is almost unavoidable, even in newly constructed surfaces.
- A low level of tensile strength can result in internal tensile stress which again paves the way for cracking.
- If the concrete mix has disproportion between concrete and water, then the possibility of cracks increases. A better mixture can help the surface endure any cracks.
- An improper sub-grade preparation and curing process can create cracks. In case the sub-grade doesn’t ensure a solid base, the cracks will definitely form. Concrete suppliers Brisbane can help you in ensuring proper sub-grade prep.
5 Tips to Prevent Concrete Cracks
Since you now know the main reasons for the cracking of the concrete, it’s time to know some important tips to prevent concrete cracks. Let’s check them out below:
1) Add Contraction Joints:
The cracks formed on Concrete surfaces form without a pattern and thus, proper care must be exercised in the construction process to protect the concrete and prevent an overdose of cracks.
This can be ensured by using Contraction joints. These joins are pre-made cracks which are installed in concrete slabs to pacify the pressure place on the concrete. These joints also give slabs more flexibility and hence reducing the risk of crack formation. Concrete prices Brisbane can help you understand the cost of this joint.
Contraction joints are usually very affordable and can be built out of plastic or hardboard strips. To make the most of these joints, these must be placed at apt depth.
2) Cure the Concrete Properly:
Properly cured concrete has a lesser chance of developing cracks. Therefore this step is highly important. The curing process is crucial and it takes an entire week to complete the process of moist curing. The curing must be given due time, as the longer the curing happens, the more it will be ensured against cracks and wear and tear. Concrete delivery Brisbane can simplify this process for you.
3) Seal Joints:
This step is not mandatory; however, it is definitely beneficial if you want to secure your concrete slabs from wear and tear. Seal joints prevent damage caused by water infiltration and thus preventing the crack from forming.
4) Don’t Overload Surfaces:
If you add too much weight and overload the surface, then your concrete will be the first to crack. Hence, be aware of the weight limits, especially during the curing process.
Bottom Line:
It is not easy to pull off an entire job of installing a concrete slab if you have little to no experience in this field. Services in Australia like Reocrete concrete Brisbane, can be of great assistance.
