5 Types of Concrete Cracks and What They Really Mean

Concrete might seem extremely robust, but you need to know that it is not indestructible – over time and with usage, cracks are bound to appear. And while these cracks might not appear in the immediate years post laying, be sure that they will. 

If you have noticed any cracks, it might be wise to first and foremost call a reputed concrete contractor in Montreal, who can assess these cracks and offer a good solution. While some cracks might be minor, there could be more serious cracks and these could be an indication of something seriously wrong. 

These are the 5 most common types of concrete cracks and what they could be indicating:

1. Hairline cracks – These are thin, shallow cracks and are normally caused due to shrinkage, which could be due to the concrete drying and curing. Although they might look slightly bad, there is no real need to hire any concrete repair services in Montreal for these. 

2. Crazing cracks – Imagine a shattered windowpane and the network of fine lines; these crazing cracks can be caused by rapid surface drying. An acrylic coating in Montreal could most probably hide these imperfections and provide a protective layer.

3. Settlement cracks – When the ground beneath the concrete is settling unevenly, it can lead to stress and fracturing, which will show up as jagged cracks. If you are seeing these in your garage or driveway, then you might want to consider concrete garage floor repair in Montreal immediately. 

4. Heaving cracks - Characterised by sections of concrete pushing upwards, these uneven cracks are often due to soil expansion or tree roots growing underneath. 

5. Expansion cracks – When pouring concrete, if adequate expansion joints have not been provided, it could crack under pressure, especially during the hot weather. The straight lines of the cracks appear when the concrete has nowhere to go. 

At Habitation Concrete, we offer more than just concrete stair repair in Montreal – if you have noticed any of these cracks in your home, driveway, patio or garage, give us a call!