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 Why Does Concrete Crack?: The Top 5 Causes

concrete cracks

Concrete is one of the strongest materials on the planet. However, it can easily crack over time, making structures like driveways and porches uneven. This can lead to trip and fall hazards and potentially threaten a property’s value.

Concrete structures in New Haven, CT, are susceptible to cracks because of our local soil conditions and unpredictable weather. The good news is that working with a concrete lifting specialist like Groundworks can restore this material to its original state, making your home safer.

5 Reasons for Concrete Cracks

1. Soil Conditions

Clay soils, which are common in New Haven County and other parts of Connecticut, expand in wet weather and contract in dry weather. This constant swelling and shrinking can create voids under concrete slabs, resulting in cracking and settling.

New Haven experiences an average of 48 inches of rain a year, which is well above the national average. When heavy rainfall saturates clay soils, they can expand more quickly, putting concrete slabs at risk.

2. Soil Erosion

It’s not just clay soils that are a problem. Soil that drains too well doesn’t retain enough moisture and can quickly erode when exposed to water. When soil erodes, it weakens the ground beneath concrete structures, potentially causing cracks.

Homeowners in New Haven are at risk of soil erosion because of our proximity to rivers like the Mill and Housatonic. If these rivers flood, water can saturate the soil and speed up the erosion process. In some cases, floodwater may wash away underlying soil, meaning concrete slabs won’t have the support they need.

3. Incorrect Installation

Sometimes, concrete cracks can happen because a contractor didn’t install your slabs properly. For example, concrete poured during the winter might crack if cold temperatures prevent the material from curing. Too much water in a concrete mixture can weaken slabs over time, leading to cracking and shrinking as the material dries and hardens.

Ultimately, the durability of this material depends on its installation. However, you can still restore your concrete structures if they develop cracks by working with a concrete lifting expert.

4. Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Freeze-thaw damage occurs when water fills a porous material like concrete and then freezes and expands. When this happens continuously, you might experience various issues with your concrete, including pitting, flaking, scaling, and cracking. If ignored, your concrete surfaces can lose their stability.

Because of cold winter temperatures, freeze-thaw cycles are common in New Haven and the surrounding areas.

5. Growing Tree Roots

When tree roots grow and spread under your home, they can displace soil and cause concrete slabs to crack. This problem isn’t limited to concrete structures like sidewalks and driveways. Expanding tree roots can also cause foundation damage, jeopardizing the structural stability of your entire property.

How To Fix Concrete Cracks

Store-bought sealants might provide a quick fix for concrete cracks, but you’ll need a more comprehensive solution to really tackle this problem.

Groundworks’ PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam injections lift and potentially level cracked concrete surfaces in your home without damaging the environment. This concrete lifting method is more effective than mudjacking and other traditional techniques because polyurethane foam cures quickly and doesn’t wash away.

Our process for repairing concrete cracks is as follows:

  • Inspecting your concrete to identify the root cause of cracks
  • Drilling penny-sized holes into concrete slabs
  • Injecting our polyurethane foam into these holes
  • Waiting for the foam to expand, fill voids, and lift concrete slabs back into place
  • Filling and smoothing the holes, leaving no sign of any repair work

Rely On Groundworks for All Your Concrete Repair Needs

Soil erosion, growing tree roots, and improper installation are just some of the reasons concrete slabs develop cracks. Whatever the cause, our team can help. Serving New Haven County, we specialize in concrete lifting solutions that restore your slabs to their original condition. Contact us to learn more.

FAQs

Yes, even small cracks should be repaired to prevent them from growing larger or causing structural issues over time.

Cracks wider than 1/8 inch, uneven slabs, or recurring cracks often indicate underlying issues like soil settlement or foundation problems.

Yes, improper DIY repairs can worsen cracks by trapping moisture or failing to address the root cause, leading to more extensive damage.

Ted Dryce

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.