4 Reasons Concrete Cracks and What to Do About it

When your residential concrete slab or wall cracks, you might think that you’ve done something wrong. However, just like any part of your house or property, things get old and need repair — so assuming it won’t happen is an unrealistic expectation. In fact, cracks in the concrete are a common problem, even when it was poured with the utmost care and professional attention. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the ways concrete cracks, what can be done to fix it, and why you might need to hire a concrete contractor in Calgary. 

When concrete expands

Concrete is typically laid between joints that are used to separate each area, as well as to separate the concrete from other surfaces (like the wall of your home or steps that are adjacent to the concrete). When that residential concrete or commercial concrete is heated from warmer temperatures, over time, it will naturally expand, causing it to push against the other static surfaces it is laid against. This expansion naturally causes the concrete to crack eventually. 

TNA Concrete – Why Does Concrete Crack?

When concrete heaves or freezes

Just as the heat can cause concrete cracks, so can the cold. During a hard freeze, the properties of concrete and the ground beneath it cause it to lift (several inches, in some cases). This entire freezing and thawing cycle is one of the main contributing factors to the cracks that appear in the concrete. Another instance that can make this same event happen is when a large tree root grows beneath the concrete slab, causing it to lift and heave. At this point, you’ll need to hire a concrete contractor in Calgary to fix the problem. 

When residential concrete settles

After a concrete slab, concrete sidewalk, or concrete driveway is poured, it will settle over time. This becomes another major reason that your concrete will crack eventually, and can involve everything from the ground itself settling deeper, to utility companies digging trenches for lines and pipes, to a nearby tree being removed (and its roots dying). 

When commercial concrete is overloaded

Despite the strength of concrete, it is not able to hold extremely strong loads without some cracking occurring. The load-bearing strength of concrete is generally shown on the packaging material it comes in, such as 2000, 3000, 4000, or 5000+ PSI.  These numbers refer to the pounds per square inch that the concrete can handle as a load without damage occurring. 

This type of concrete cracking generally occurs on industrial and non-residential concrete surfaces and can be made worse when the ground beneath the concrete is saturated with rain or snow. If your concrete is poured at your residence, you’re more likely to see this type of cracking if you park an RV or heavy semi-truck on the concrete surface. 

TNA Concrete – Why Does Concrete Crack?

When you need your concrete cracks repaired

Since concrete cracks happen often, it’s a common repair request for commercial concrete companies like TNA Concrete. We are here to help with your residential concrete or commercial concrete repairs in Calgary and its surrounding area. If you’re looking for the best concrete contractors in Calgary, look no further–let us help! Contact Us Today!