How to Resolve Cracked Concrete: Common Causes and Easy Fixes
Nothing ruins the sleek, professional appearance of concrete floors quite like a crack. Concrete is the go-to option for enhancing the aesthetic appeal and durability of both commercial and residential buildings. However, over time, even the most well-laid concrete floors can develop cracks.
While you may be tempted to ignore a crack or even try to fill one in yourself, improper care can create hazards and diminish the overall integrity of your floors. At Concrete Grind and Polish, we’ve seen our fair share of maintenance issues and have compiled our expertise into this guide so you can keep your concrete crack-free.
Causes of Cracked Concrete
Several factors contribute to the formation of cracks in concrete floors. However, some are more common than others. We’ve narrowed it down to three common causes:
- Excessive weight: Exceeding concrete’s load-bearing capacity can lead to gradual deterioration, making it more susceptible to cracking. This issue is particularly common in driveways, parking lots and more industrial areas.
- External factors: Environmental influences like temperature fluctuations and moisture infiltration can stress the concrete, leading to cracks. This issue is more common in areas with extreme climates as heatwaves and cold snaps can cause concrete to expand and contract creating an unstable base.
- Inadequate Installation: While you won’t find this issue with Concrete Grind and Polish, shoddy workmanship during the installation phase can lead to cracks. In an attempt to save time, less experienced tradesmen may be inconsistent with their water-to-cement ratio which will result in weak spots.
Assessing Cracks
The good news is that not all cracks are dangerous. While some can cause a tripping hazard, others only affect aesthetics. It’s crucial to determine the severity and cause of a crack so you don’t waste resources on a surface-level problem or worse, exacerbate a deeper issue.
The best way to do this is by identifying structural wear and tear. Signs of ageing such as an uneven texture, small potholes and a shabby appearance may indicate natural deterioration of the concrete. It’s also important to note external factors that stress concrete such as heavy traffic or an event.
Try to think back on the past week, was there a machinery malfunction in the area? Perhaps an employee dropped something heavy. Determining whether the crack is caused by gradual deterioration or a specific incident will help a professional remedy the damage as soon as possible.
Differentiating Cracks from Surface Damage
Once you’ve assessed your concrete and identified areas that look deteriorated, inspect them in more detail. If you see a very thin line it could be superficial surface damage. The best way to analyse a crack is to take note of any chips along deepening lines and monitor it over a few days. If you see deeper chips or the line starts branching off into different directions, chances are it’s more than a scratch.
Consequences of Ignoring Cracks
Crack assessment and maintenance may seem like a time-consuming process, but it can save you a lot of grief down the line. While an injury caused by tripping over a crack is bad enough for residents, business owners can be liable for accidents resulting from their negligence.
Additionally, the longer you leave a crack, the more it will grow. This means a problem which might initially have a quick, cheap fix could potentially double or triple in cost and time if left untreated. This makes it all the more important to be consistent and thorough in your assessment.
Professional Intervention
While DIY ventures and YouTube tutorials certainly have their appeal, when it comes to crack repairs, pause the video and contact a professional. Seeking expert assistance ensures that the repair is done correctly and effectively. Too many people attempt to do it themselves, only to end up calling a professional a few weeks later wasting both their time and money.
It’s important to get it right the first time. Here at Concrete Grind & Polish, we have extensive experience in addressing cracked concrete floors, offering specialised services that cater to both commercial and residential needs. We always recommend clients inquire about the credentials and references of professionals before engaging in their services, and at Concrete Grind & Polish you’ll find our experts have an impressive history and rave reviews.
So, If you’ve noticed a crack pop up, don’t wait until the problem escalates. Contact Concrete Grind & Polish for commercial floor polishers, problem resolution and renovation services tailored to suit your specific needs. Our team is equipped with the knowledge and skill to ensure your concrete floors are adding value to your building, not creating problems.
