Common Causes of Concrete Cracks and How to Prevent Them

Concrete cracks can appear in many different forms, but they all have one thing in common: they are unsightly and can cause your concrete to deteriorate quickly if they aren’t dealt with right away. In this guide, the experts from rock form group Sydney has listed the most common causes of concrete cracks, why they form, and how you can prevent them from occurring on your property or in your home or business.

Water Leakage

Leakage from pipes, faucets, bathtubs, sinks and showers are among common reasons for water damage. Water leakage can cause cracks in concrete foundations as well as floors, patios or sidewalks. Condensation is another source of water damage and causes humidity which leads to mould infestation that deteriorates concrete. Thus it’s important to fix leakage issues quickly by calling a plumber or a contractor when you notice a leaky pipe.

Foundation Settlement

A common cause of concrete cracks is foundation settlement. As a building settles, it can cause its basement walls to bow out. This type of cracking isn’t visible until you inspect your foundation up close. Repairing bowing basement walls involves removing and replacing parts of your wall (and floor). The good news is that fixing these types of cracks can help strengthen your home against future settlement issues.

Construction Defects

You may have noticed cracks in the concrete floors, sidewalks, or driveways. While these often occur naturally due to freeze-thaw cycles, other times they are caused by construction defects. These defects can arise from many sources, including: unprofessional installation practices, faulty equipment/materials, improper curing of concrete structures, etc.

In fact, some construction experts report that as much as 25% of all new buildings experience severe cracking problems within their first year! That’s why it’s important to hire reputed companies like Rock Form Group.

Inadequate Grouting

If a joint is improperly grouted, water can seep into it, weakening its foundation. To prevent inadequate grouting and help preserve your concrete, regularly apply a professional-grade sealant to joints in your walkway or driveway. This will prevent water from seeping in and lead to years of cracked-free concrete enjoyment. Be sure you have adequate ventilation when you sealing concrete.

Slabs on Grade

Slabs that are not supported, or on grade (meaning they have no base beneath them) can develop cracks, regardless of what type of concrete you use. The weight of any structure on top will usually cause cracking in your concrete. If you don’t want cracking, build a base under your slab! Not sure how? Contact a professional to help you out.

For further information on fixing cracked concrete or concrete pumping Sydney, please get in touch with Rock Form Group.

The author is a construction project manager in a reputed construction company Sydney, offering a comprehensive package tailored to suit your construction services that include formwork, steel fixing, concreting and wall systems. Visit https://rockform.com.au/ for more details on Rockform Group.

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