What to do with cracks in concrete
When concrete walls crack. (Photo Credits)
Concrete may be one of the most durable construction material on earth, but it also has its share of weakness which can usually be traced into human intervention. Cracks in concrete can happen, but the good thing is that it can be fixed.
Concrete Network tried to explain why concrete can crack.
“Concrete does not require much water to achieve maximum strength. But a wide majority of concrete used in residential work has too much water added to the concrete on the job site. This water is added to make the concrete easier to install. This excess water also greatly reduces the strength of the concrete. Shrinkage is a main cause of cracking. As concrete hardens and dries it shrinks. This is due to the evaporation of excess mixing water. The wetter or soupier the concrete mix, the greater the shrinkage will be. Concrete slabs can shrink as much as ½ inch per 100 feet. This shrinkage causes forces in the concrete which literally pull the slab apart. Cracks are the end result of these forces.”
Read about the other possible reasons here.
Step by Step Guide to Fixing Cracks in Concrete
The DIY Network meantime came up with a step-by-step guide in fixing cracks in concrete walls.
“Use a cold chisel and a hammer to get rid of any large pieces in the crack. Hold the chisel at an angle and pound with the hammer to chisel out the crack. This is called “keying” the hole to make the base or inside of the crack bigger than it is at the surface. Keying helps the new patching material bond with the old crack.”
Read the succeeding steps here.
You may also want to read:
- Contractors Union for Concrete
- Real homes have concrete rugs!
- We specialize in providing decorative concrete to San Diego homes
The website This Old House also shared some tips on how to fix cracking concrete in older homes.
They however ask their readers to be cautious about the types of cracks that they repair on their own. National Ready Mix Concrete Association
“If you notice large, recurring cracks or bulging walls at your house, don’t try to fix these conditions yourself. The cracks might indicate a more serious structural problem; call in a structural engineer for an in-depth evaluation.”
Read the continuation of this post here.
Cracks on the wall should be examined when needed to ensure the safety and the structural integrity of any home or commercial establishment.
The post How to Fix Concrete Cracks appeared first on Concrete Contractors San Diego.
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