Concrete, which is one of the most used building materials, is exceptionally strong and durable. For these reasons, it is a frequent application for building foundations, floors, walls, swimming pools, fences and sidewalks. Even with its super strength, when not optimally created, concrete is prone to cracking. The following are five tips that can help you avoid using concrete crack repair in Cambridge, MA.
Do not over wet concrete mixtures – A common reason for cracking concrete is too much water added to the mixture. Concrete does not need an excessive amount of water to be strong, however many times builders use more water to make the concrete easier to manipulate. As concrete dries and gets hard, more moisture contributes to excessive shrinkage, which in turn leads to cracks. Avoid this problem by familiarizing yourself with the maximum water required for a specific concrete mixture and then take care not to exceed that amount.
Use concrete with the right strength – Different types of concrete are formulated to have different strength levels. Concrete not made strong enough to carry a load cracks easily and is very likely to fail, which costs more time and money in the end. Always verify the strength of the concrete you need for a project before creating the mixture.
Do not let concrete dry too fast – The speed at which your poured concrete dries is a very important factor for maintaining its integrity. The chemical process that transforms concrete from liquid to solid happens slowly and when done correctly takes several days or even weeks. Concrete that dries too quickly skyrockets the likelihood of developing cracks immediately or in the future. Take the steps necessary to ensure that your concrete cures properly, which includes doing things such as spraying water onto it periodically, leaving work forms in place and using plastic shields.
These are a few tips that can help you reduce or eliminate the problems that lead to Concrete Crack Repair in Cambridge, MA. Even with the tremendous strength concrete has, cracks forming unexpectedly is a common issue. For all your minor or major cracks, consult a quality concrete repair specialist such as Drycrete Waterproofing who will quickly and completely restore the integrity of your concrete.
