Should There be Cracks in My New Concrete?

Generally, cracks are a bad thing. Whether it’s a cracked mirror or cracking ice, it’s typically a sign that something is breaking or already broken. Cracks in concrete, however, are a little different. The truth is, it can be perfectly normal for concrete to crack to some extent.

Yes, even new concrete.

However, not all cracks are equal. The type of cracks that form in new concrete are thin and far apart from each other, making them almost unnoticeable. Cracks that are deeper and wider could be a sign of a larger problem. But before we get into that, it’s important to understand why concrete cracks in the first place.

Why Does Concrete Crack?

Concrete is a mixture of cement, water, and aggregate (crushed stone, sand, etc.). When concrete dries, the water evaporates, which causes the remaining cement and aggregate to harden and shrink. If there’s too much water in the mix, or the concrete dries too quickly, it’s almost certain to form cracks as it moves and shifts.

Even if the concrete is mixed and poured correctly, minimal cracking can occur. These are hairline cracks that are thinner than a credit card, making them unnoticeable to basically everyone besides the contractor and the homeowner.

If more severe cracking occurs, it could be a sign of a bad pouring job. Depending on the depth and prevalence of the cracks, however, the concrete still might be salvageable with either concrete crack repair or concrete resurfacing.

Concrete repair fills in noticeable cracks, preventing further breaking and damage. Though you’ll still see a mark where the crack was, it’s definitely an improvement. Concrete resurfacing takes things further. In this situation, a fresh layer of resurfacer is placed on top of the concrete. This is a special material designed to bond with previously laid concrete, creating a like-new finish.

If you want to take things further, concrete resurfacer can also be stained and stamped to create a more attractive finish. Though staining, sealing, and stamping concrete doesn’t necessarily prevent future cracking from occurring, it does make cracks much less noticeable.

If you have excessive cracking in your concrete, it’s best to contact a professional. They’ll be able to tell you how bad it is and what your options are. For concrete inspection and repair in Springfield, Ohio and the surrounding communities, Select Flooring Systems has you covered.