Know when your concrete flooring needs professional repairing.
Cracks in concrete flooring are not unusual and many are not causes of concern. While it’s simple to forget about the crack in your commercial space, addressing the issue now could help to prevent a major problem. After all, repairing concrete is much less costly than replacing it. It’s imperative that you understand what the cracks in your concrete are telling you if you want to keep property maintenance low.
Normal Cracks
Cracking can be the result of one or a combination of factors, including drying shrinkage, thermal contraction, restraint to shortening, and subgrade settlement. Although cracking can’t be prevented, it can be significantly reduced or controlled when the causes are taken into account and preventative steps are taken.
Shrinkage cracks are usually to be expected. These cracks differentiate from problematic ones because they are caused when the sand, cement, and aggregate mixture dries faster on top than it does underneath. This process produces tensile stresses between the upper and lower layers that can only be relieved through cracking. Typically, they need not cause any major concerns when they first appear.
Spotting Problem Cracks
There are certain types of cracks in the concrete that should worry you since they can be the signs of potential or structural issues. Look for the following signs that could imply there is a major issue:
- The crack continues in an uninterrupted linear pattern that extends out longer than one to two feet.
- You can clearly see that the crack extends all the way through the slab.
- A vertical displacement exists between to cracked slabs.
- Corrosion or rust from the components reinforcing the concrete is visible at the surface near the crack.
After performing a visual inspection, a concrete specialist can help take corrective action to address cracks before slab replacement is needed.
For knowledgeable and skilled contractors that can help you with your concrete needs, contact the team at All Stone Restoration today. We have over 47 years of hands-on experience in all phases of stone and concrete restoration. Contact us today to get your free on-site estimate.