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Why does Concrete crack?

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We are frequently asked why concrete cracks occur.

You would be hard pressed to find a basement with out at least one crack despite how durable concrete is after curing. 

Make no mistake, cracks do not appear by accident and when poured correctly, concrete will remain strong and crack free.


Top 5 causes of cracks 


#1.  TOO MUCH WATER WHEN MIXED

Despite having a low water requirement many contractors add more water than necessary during the mixing phase. 

Concrete is easier to pour with a thinner consistency but the result is significantly weaker concrete that is prone to cracks after curing.

As it dries, it shrinks due to the water evaporating. If mixed correctly, the shrinking is minimal.

However, if it contains too much water, shrinking is greatly increased causing shrinkage cracks to occur.


#2. DRYING TOO FAST

In hot weather, concrete can dry too fast as the water evaporated too quickly. 

Concrete should not be allowed to get hotter than 90 Degrees Fahrenheit when curing. 

Widely used methods of keeping concrete cool during summer months, such as using cold water to mix or working after the sun has gone down, allow the concrete to remain at a lower temperature.

High heat also reduces the working time of wet concrete which can cause the material to set before you have finished levelling it. 


#3.  CONTROL JOINTS

To control random cracking in large slabs, contractors often rely on control joints. 

These joints are typically added after 24HRS after pouring and allow you to direct where concrete will potentially crack.

By pre-determining potential crack locations, we minimize random cracking and ensure cracks occur in areas that are easy to patch. 

There are different types of control joints available in a range of different materials. 

It is vital that they are placed correctly. A 4 inch slab will generally have control joints placed between 8 - 12 feet apart. 


#4. BASE PREPARATION 

Base prep is everything! 

A properly prepped base will be level and firm reducing the risk of cracking. 

Most concrete will sit 1-2 inches above the ground and 2-3 inches below the surface. 

A soft base is an absolute no no therefore additional depth is added if the soil is exceptionally moist or contains a high concentration of clay. 

The additional depth accommodates gravel which ensures your concrete has an adequate base.

Soil is tamped, packed down, using a hand tamper or mechanical tamper. 

When ready, your footprints will barely be visible after walking on it. 


#5. ADDING REINFORCEMENT

Depending on the size of your slab, thickness of your pour, sub-base and weight capacity, your job may require additional reinforcement. 

Rebar and wire mesh, just to name a few, are often used to provide additional support.

This additional reinforcement holds concrete together to prevent cracking.

It also provides significant support under heavy loads such as driveways that have cars driven on them.

This support will not only reduce the risks of cracking but will also keep your slab looking newer for longer.

Every job is different and regardless of the size, a experienced contractor with extensive knowledge of concrete will protect you from the unsightly cracks that no homeowner wants to see. 

If your concrete is cracking or you require a new slab that will remain crack-free for years to come, contact us today for your FREE QUOTE!

Concrete Interior Design

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The dynamics of interior design are ever evolving.

Among the recently emerging trends, one which remains uncommon and has conflicted with designing trends of the past is the increasing use of concrete in interior spaces.

Elegance and design

Gone are the days when concrete appeared raw and unappealing.

Thanks to new designs and casting methods, the utilitarian and sturdy aspects of concrete are subtly being incorporated with elegance and style.

The usage of concrete also brings with it some benefits to home owners that lends to its growing applicability.

Custom shapes and sizes

Concrete is a versatile material that can be cast into various customizable designs and its greatest benefit is seen in its ability to take on any shape and form.

With a little out-of-the-box thinking, many skillful uses of concrete can be found to create alternatives for costly installations.

Floors & walls

Concrete works particularly well when used in flooring or wall panels due to its sturdy and long lasting nature. While its cool neutral gray hues elevate the faux industrial look in communal spaces, it serves as the ideal material when bringing a sleek minimalist touch to modern homes.

Kitchen & bathrooms

Thanks to its heat and scratch resistant characteristics, it poses as the most apt material for kitchen islands, in-built sinks, and countertops.

Concrete’s utility has also invaded the production of bathroom dividers and backsplashes as these structures surge and enjoy their moment.

Additionally, the water and stain resistant quality of concrete-seals makes it suitable for use in wet spaces.

Imitating luxury materials

Owing to its adaptable and versatile nature, the use of concrete in indoor spaces is ingenious. The ever evolving landscape of technology allows for the development of new mixes that come in a variety of finishes.

White concrete can be stained with colors to add softness while a variety of concrete blends available in the market mimic the texture of marble and limestone post-polish, making them ideal for luxurious yet affordable interiors.

Cost effective functionality

Concrete is a hard-wearing and inexpensive option for home owners looking to refurbish on a budget. Due to its negligible upkeep and low installation costs, most interiors now see its integration.

In closing

In the past, concrete has been used extensively used in foundations and outdoor spaces but its incredible versatility has made an everlasting mark on the interior design realm.

And it's influence is here to stay.

What is Hardscaping?

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Fascinating possibilities in outdoor design come to light when exploring new materials.

An exciting way to bring renewed life to the exterior of your home, is by hardscaping.

Hardscaping is modern twist on the traditional landscaping techniques utilized for decades. By using concrete to create pavers, patios, retaining walls, flower beds, border edging and even water features brand new life is breathed into once basic spaces.

Enjoyable outdoor spaces

Fire pits and benches make for wonderful seating areas which were once boring and needless.

Gone are the days of outdoor spaces that are more form than function.

Property owners want to utilize their outdoor space and have it landscaped with herb gardens, water elements, reclaimed cobblestone gardens, and modern looking outdoor furniture

Larger Homes and Smaller Lots

The increased cost of residential lots has resulted in building a larger home on a smaller lot.

Yards are shrinking. Landscaping smaller spaces can require just as much planning, and in many cases, more careful design considerations.

Concrete is low maintenance and well suited for smaller yards.

Eco-friendly alternative

Americans have a love affair with sprawling green lawns. Although originally created by European aristocrats in the 17th century as status symbols, today’s lawns are a symbol of the American dream.

Unfortunately, they also can be a source of unnecessary burden for homeowners, which has led to a recent, and growing, interest in alternatives to grass in backyards.

Droughts, water shortages, and rising environmental concerns on fertilizer use are taking their toll. Lawn alternatives are a natural solution.

Final Thoughts

Concrete is an economical, practical and luxurious choice for anyone considering designing an outdoor space.

 

The durability of Concrete on the Westcoast

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The wet weather on the Westcoast is known to cause reduced durability of building materials and a decrease in the length of time before various materials need to be replaced.

It is crucial to choose effective building materials when contracting a home and also when completing renovations. But even more so in a wet rainy climate such as that on the Westcoast.

Life Span

Concrete is used outdoors not only due to its beauty and engineered strength. It is also durable and long lasting.

Ideally, the average lifespan of any concrete structure is 75-100 years. But, it is considered that the average life of an apartment is 50-60 years while of a house it is 40 years.

Concrete homes are known not only for their durability but also for their cost-saving features.

Energy Efficient

In today's construction revolution, there is great demand to build high-performance homes. Homeowners can design a concrete home to look just like a wood-frame house, but they garner many other added benefits by choosing to build with concrete.

Homeowners can expect a 20 to 25 percent savings in annual heating and cooling costs versus standard stick-built homes, according to a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development report.

The energy savings come from the outstanding insulating values for concrete walls (better thermal resistance than wood framing) and tighter construction.

Those who live in concrete homes say the absence of cold drafts and unwanted noise are the biggest pluses, even topping the energy-saving benefits.

In closing

If you firmly believe in the adage that your home is your castle, then why not build a true fortress—one that can withstand nearly any assault Mother Nature can dole out without sacrificing the comfort and design flexibility of a traditional home?

Add value to your home with Concrete

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As many homeowners know, the value of your home can be increased with home improvements particularly ones that are both modern and durable.

Concrete is a go-to material for designers and builders alike when assessing possible changes to a homes interior and exterior.

Here are some ways you can pump up the value of your home with concrete:

Improve floors and walls

Although it is mainly associated with external spaces like foundations, pavements, driveways, patios, and parking spaces, concrete can also be used to give your floors and walls a natural look. 

Concrete is highly versatile when it comes to design, making it a good alternative for introducing a natural tone to your home. 

A concrete services provider can stamp different designs on your walls to give them a beautiful look that may help boost its appeal to potential buyers.

 Beautifying Entrances And Patios 

Another way you can use concrete to increase your home value is by beautifying entrances and patios.

Concrete can make unique additions to these areas’ walls or floors. You can use vertical decorated concrete to give your patio or entrance a cozy wall finish. 

Decorated standing stones come in different colors and styles, making it easy to find something that suits your home’s exterior.

The beauty of using concrete to enhance the entrance and patio spaces is durability. It’s also cheaper than wood or other common materials, and you can design it the way you want.

Designing Kitchen Countertops

The kitchen is a critical space because it adds to your home’s functionality and aesthetic value.

Most people want a kitchen that has well-designed countertops. You can use concrete to improve the durability and look of your kitchen countertops.  

If there’s ample space in your kitchen, you can consider adding a concrete kitchen island.

This can help add value to your home as it provides space for socializing and preparing food comfortably that potential buyers find valuable.  

Final Thoughts  

Increasing your home’s value enables you to sell it at a high price when you list it in the property market. While you can still achieve this through other means, concrete provides a durable and cost-effective option. 

Apply the four tips discussed above to start increasing your property’s value today.