Concrete is one of the most popular building materials used around the world. It is known for its reliability, durability, and strength. From residential buildings to commercial structures, concrete is proven to stand the test of time. But even though the qualities are worth considering, concrete is also prone to cracking if not mixed or applied correctly. This why you need order the right concrete mix delivery and also work with expert contractors for the project. We will discuss the potential reasons behind concrete cracking and how you can prevent it in the future.
Prevent Concrete Cracking
Reduce Water In The Concrete Mix
A common misconception surrounding concrete is the more water is used, the stronger the concrete is going to be. The reality is that concrete requires a specific amount of water in the mix to offer maximum strength and reliability. In some cases, workers tend to mix a lot of water to make it easier to install the concrete.
But they do not realize the fact that mixing too much water reduces the strength of concrete. Concrete shrinks when it dries as water in it evaporates. When the water content is higher, more of it will evaporate and the shrinkage will be more than needed. This shrinkage also leads to cracks in concrete.
This is why it is recommended to opt for professionals when it comes to preparing concrete. A team of professionals will know how much water to mix to prevent mishaps later on. The problem with concrete cracks is they are not easy to fix sometimes. As a result, it takes a lot of labor, time, and money to fix the cracks rather than prevent them.
Install Control Joints In The Concrete
Control joints are an excellent way to prevent cracks from expanding and taking place in unwanted places. These function as pre-planted cracks and allow the cracks to take place only in the areas you want. Control joints should be installed at a distance from each other to allow some space for shrinkage.
The key to installing control joints is knowing where to place them but you should consult an expert before getting them installed. That said, it is important that you choose a professional with certifications, knowledge, and skills to pull this job properly.
This is because the market is saturated with experts nowadays and anyone can claim they are a professional in installing control joints. This is why an expert knows where to install the joints having analyzed the working space. Control joints are widely used from building foundations to building patios and walkways.
Use Quality Materials And Mix Them Properly
Depending on the task, concrete can be expensive but is a lifelong investment. Sometimes, people tend to choose concrete but use low-quality materials to save some expenses. The fact of the matter is that concrete will only offer maximum strength and reliability if it is mixed with high-quality materials.
Although, concrete itself is a tough material but not if low-quality materials are added. Moreover, you should take care of the amount of concrete you use. If you apply a thin layer of concrete, it won’t add much strength and will crack more quickly, especially if the weather in the region is extreme.
This is why concrete should always be used with good-quality aggregates. Low-quality aggregates will only reduce the strength of concrete and make it difficult to stand the test of time. Moreover, using ready-mix concrete and choosing the right ready mix concrete supplier Rockville can help you avoid these problems.
Use Proper Finishing Techniques
Finishing concrete might look like an easy task but isn’t. It requires both skill and timing that comes with experience and years of training and educating yourself. It is often the case where experts tend to mix and use concrete the right way but, in the end, are not able to pull off a great finish.
As a result, they might have to redo the entire area. Both floating and flat troweling are recommended but try not to overwork the concrete, especially with vibration. You will know when you have overworked the concrete as bleed water rises to the surface.
If you observe this happening, you should not finish the concrete yet and wait for the evaporation of bleed water.
Cure The Concrete Properly
Concrete takes some time to cure properly. You might have a shortage of time or want to finish off the task in a relatively small amount of time but you cannot speed up the curing process as it will bring down the finish and quality of the result.
If the concrete dries too fast, it will be at risk of cracking. The process of a chemical reaction taking place causing the concrete to turn from liquid to solid state is called hydration and requires water. This means you need to make sure the concrete is offered water during the hydration process to help it cure properly.
Avoid Heavy Impacts And Extreme Temperature Differences
Concrete floors can crack when under pressure from extremely heavy loads. This is why, when concrete is being worked with, you should consider proper concrete care and keep away heavy loads to prevent dropping and impacts. Once concrete has been installed and cured, you should avoid bringing in extremely sharp or heavy loads as it could cause cracks.
Then again, there is no doubt that concrete is a rigid material but depends on the purpose and area it is used for. If concrete is used for a driveway, do not expect it to withstand extremely heavy loads.
In addition to that, concrete tends to expand and shrink slightly in extreme temperatures. This is why areas exposed to direct sunlight and open air tend to crack due to fluctuations in temperatures. To prevent cracking, you should determine the hot and cold spots and cover them using a cement sealer.
Always Pick The Right Expert
As mentioned earlier, the expert market is saturated with individuals who are willing to offer their services at a rate lower than the market. As tempting as it might seem, you should avoid opting for such experts as they might not possess the skills and experience you are looking for.
Mixing and applying concrete might look simple but it is the minor details that make all the difference. This is why you should gather as many options as possible and personally interview them. If possible, you should go through their portfolios and pick the one that offers the best package in terms of skills, experience, and price.
Maintain The Concrete
Maintaining concrete is important if you wish to keep it looking brand new. With time, concrete tends to experience cracks but that is normal. The best way to ensure your concrete remains crack-free is by performing regular inspections. Ignoring layers of dirt, dust, and debris will make it difficult to identify cracks.
On the other hand, you should also hire an expert to perform inspections and maintenance. This way, you will be able to both contain and prevent cracks from taking place to begin with.
Conclusion
Concrete crack prevention requires smart decision-making. One way or the other, concrete loses strength over time and will experience cracks. However, if you educate yourself and know what to do, you will be able to handle the situation a lot better. Make sure that you order ready mix concrete delivery Gaithersburg with your exact requirements and hire experienced professionals for your building projects.
