Have you noticed any cracks in your concrete floor? Has it happened all of a sudden or over time, without a clear explanation? There may be warning signs of a bigger problem with your building.
Cracks in concrete floor surfaces are never a good sign, and the reasons why they happen may not be immediately apparent. If left untreated, the problems with your building can get far more severe than you may realize.
You may be wondering, does cracked concrete mean there’s something wrong with my foundation? Keep reading to find out what could be causing the cracks and how you can stop them.
Examine Moisture Levels Before Laying Concrete
Moisture can cause the concrete to shrink, leading to the formation of cracks. Avoid laying concrete on damp surfaces and during periods of high humidity.
Determine the moisture content of the subfloor using pads and an electrical resistance meter. Make sure you inspect the pads and meter to ensure that moisture levels haven’t risen. Also, use a vapor barrier between the concrete and the surface below to dial any moisture that may be present.
Finally, use sealers instead of water to moisten the surface prior to laying the concrete. This helps keep the viscosity of the concrete uniform and prevents cracking.
Use Reinforcing Steel in Concrete
Reinforcing steel is an effective means of helping to prevent cracking on floor surfaces. You can place it atop concrete during the pouring process. It acts as an additional layer of protection by providing increased strength and stability.
Additionally, you can add it during repairs and renovations when the floor weakens or cracks. Doing so allows for an even distribution of weight and force, making the repairs more secure and helping to prevent further cracking.
Properly installed reinforcing steel can also give floors flexibility. They’ll be able to withstand temperature variations and stress. When properly utilized, reinforcing steel can significantly enhance the durability and strength of your concrete floor.
Increase Waterproofing of the Concrete
Waterproofing the concrete is the best method for preventing concrete floor surfaces from cracking and weakening. This floor coating will provide an added layer of protection and help seal the pores against any water infiltration that may occur. This will also help reduce the chance of any mold or mildew growth.
It also reduces the risk of freeze/thaw damage to the concrete by preventing water from getting into the pores. You should apply the sealant in two coats. Allow it to dry for 48 hours before the next coat is applied.
Additionally, all cracks and holes should be filled with a concrete patching compound and then sealed with an epoxy sealant. You should also fill the joints between concrete surfaces with a flexible sealant to allow for expansion and contraction.
Also, consider using a chip system with Garage Forge. It is stronger than epoxy and comes with a lifetime warranty. Finally, the concrete should be regularly maintained and resurfaced every two to three years to increase its waterproofing capabilities.
Install Expansion Joints
One way to prevent cracking on concrete floor surfaces is to install expansion joints. This allows the floor to expand and contract temperature and moisture changes without cracking. The expansion joint should be equal to the depth of the slab and as wide as the slab is thick. They should also be placed along the length of the slab and soundly filled with an elastomeric joint sealant. Proper installation of expansion joints is essential to prevent cracking in concrete floor surfaces.
Expansion joints are designed to help absorb the natural expansion and contraction of concrete. These are cut lines or grooves along the slab surface at regular intervals to provide separation and keep the joint from separating.
When a concrete slab is too large and has too few expansion joints, the slab may crack as a result of temperature changes. In a commercial setting, minor temperature changes can result in significant cracks.
Properly sizing the expansion of joint width, spacing, and depth is crucial in helping prevent cracks. They should also be perfectly leveled and free of debris and excess moisture, as even the slightest imperfection can increase the risk of crack formation.
Additionally, you should also consider contract stress when designing for movement joints. This is done to ensure that the movement of the slab does not create stress that could cause cracking. Maintaining a consistent temperature in the environment can help minimize the need for expansion which would reduce the number of joints needed.
Opt for Higher Strength Concrete
If you want to prevent cracking, opt for higher-strength concrete. This has a lower water-to-cement ratio. This makes it less prone to the damaging effects of freezing and thawing cycles and other environmental stresses.
This type of concrete increases the tensile strength of the concrete. It ensures that it can handle any applied external force without feeling the effects of stress.
This will also help keep the floor surface smooth and without any imperfections. You can also spread out the load as much as possible over the entire surface of the floor. You can do this by either giving the load as many contact points as possible or redistributing it in a uniform fashion.
Finally, ensure that the floor is cured well so that the environment does not cause any premature cracking. In some cases, additives such as fibers, fly ash, and various minerals may be used to further increase the strength and longevity of a concrete floor.
Preventing Cracks in Concrete Floor Surfaces
Cracks in concrete floors are an issue that can be prevented with proper preparation and maintenance. Using quality materials and following installation procedures correctly are essential steps.
Additionally, regular cleaning and sealing can extend the life of a concrete floor. If you need help with your concrete floor, contact a professional for assistance.
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