What causes hairline cracks in concrete?
Hairline cracks often occur due to shrinkage, either from drying or heat. These types of cracks are more difficult to control. Because they usually occur near the surface, reinforcement does not help prevent them. The best prevention is to use a good mix design that has a low tendency to shrink.
Can hairline cracks in concrete be repaired?
You can repair hairline cracks in concrete with a Portland cement and water-based grout. Once the hairline crack has been moistened and thoroughly cleaned, apply the grout with a putty knife or sharp trowel. Force the grout into the crack as much as possible.
Do all garage floors crack?
Due to the very composition of most garage floors – concrete – cracking is to be expected. The good news is that the majority of the damage you will encounter is likely purely superficial. Most cracks in garage floors do not indicate a larger or structural problem with your home’s foundation and are simply the by-products of age.
Why does my concrete floor crack every time I walk on it?
If you think the weather may be playing a role in your floor cracking, consider having an air conditioning system installed in your building. A sudden increase in cracking in your concrete can be the result of unusual pressures under the foundation.
How to avoid cracks in your garage floor?
Ways to minimize major cracks in concrete garage floors 1 Use control joints. Since engineers and contractors are aware that most concrete slabs will crack, they tend to control where they are most likely to crack. 2 Carefully control the amount of water in the mixture. 3 Cure the concrete properly to prevent it from drying too quickly. …
What kind of cracks do you get in concrete?
These voids make the concrete weaker and more prone to cracking. This type of cracking occurs frequently and is called “plastic shrinkage cracking”.
What should I do if my concrete slab cracks?
The best solution is to use less water in the concrete mix. Concrete suppliers sometimes add water to make the concrete easier to work with, but this weakens the concrete. Welded wire mesh can also help reduce shrinkage cracking, but only if placed in the middle or top half of the slab, but at least 2 inches below the surface.
