Share:

Although one of the most highly durable products and versatile building materials, concrete does not come without its limitations. Many factors can cause concrete slabs to shrink and lose both durability and beauty. The concrete contractors at Central Pacific Speciality Contractors of Aiea, HI, share some common reasons concrete develops cracks.

3 Reasons Why Concrete Cracks

Shrinkage

Excess water in the concrete mix is the leading cause of shrinkage. As the mix dries, it hardens and shrinks, causing water to evaporate. The more water in the mix, the more evaporation occurs. The reduction in water essentially causes the concrete to pull itself apart, resulting in cracks. Although these types of cracks typically run as deep as the slab, they are not an indicator of a major problem. Most concrete contractors can prevent this issue by carefully applying the optimal water and mix ratio.

Settlement

Concrete ContractorMovement of the soil underneath the concrete is another leading culprit of cracks. When this happens, it is usually the result of poorly compacted soil or the wrong kind of soil used for the base of the slab. Other factors that cause settlement is water erosion under the slab or tree roots that disturb the soil. A good contractor will minimize this problem by first installing a base of crushed stone before pouring the concrete.

Overload

Most residential concrete slabs are designed to handle a specific load. Small cars, trucks, or light equipment are no problem for the average slab. However, repeated storage of heavy equipment, large vehicles, or other oversized items will put a strain on the slab, leading to cracks. If you need something sturdier, work closely with a concrete contractor who can recommend options for improving the strength of your slab.

Many factors cause concrete to crack. However, hiring a quality concrete contractor to help ensure proper slab installation that will last the test of time. If you are looking for a trusted company to assist with concrete repairs on your property, turn to Central Pacific Speciality Contractors. With over 25 years of experience, this team has the know-how and experience to do the job effectively. Call them today at (808) 262-2527 to schedule an estimate. You can also visit them online for more information.

tracking