Concerns about different types of cracking in concrete come up, especially if homeowners or maintenance workers do not know the implications of specific cracks or when they are unsure of the cause of cracking. Certain types of concrete cracking are indicative of structural problems, whilst others occur due to normal weathering. Concrete cracks occur due to a number of reasons. However, when you need concrete repairs completed on your property, you should not hesitate to call a specialist to perform concrete inspections, as this helps to determine the main causes of the damage. Continue reading to discover some of the real causes of damage and cracking of concrete.

Freeze/Thaw Disintegration

Concrete is generally porous in nature. Therefore, if water seeps into concrete and freezes, it will break tiny flakes off the surface. The use of de-icing salts makes the situation worse. De-icing salts cause scaling. Freeze-thaw disintegration mostly occurs in the first winter, then worsens over time. In severe cases, it causes complete concrete destruction. If the damage is too bad, especially in the basement of your home, you can count on a foundation specialist in Winnipeg to resolve the issue using modern repair techniques.

Reinforcing steel corrosion

The steel rebar in concrete is protected to prevent rust due to the high alkalinity of concrete. However, if chloride ions are present from de-icing salts, the chloride tends to destroy the passivating layer of protection around the reinforcing steel, which causes rusting eventually. Since rust has a greater volume than steel, an expansion will occur as it presses against concrete. This causes tension and cracking of concrete. To resolve the situation, concrete repairs will be needed.

Alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR)

AAR happens when reactive aggregate inside the concrete forms a gel over the aggregate particle. Consequently, when the gel becomes wet, it causes expansion to occur, which could potentially destroy concrete.

Shrinkage Causes Concrete Cracks

Most concrete contains more moisture when placed to set than it would naturally consume through hydration reaction. Therefore, as the water evaporates, concrete shrinks approximately 0.15 inches for over 20 feet, although this depends on the level of wetness of concrete when it starts out. If you hold up a piece of a slab in the air as it shrinks, it is highly unlikely that it will crack. But since the concrete is laid on the ground, it’ll drag on sub grade and the resulting shrinkage becomes restrained. This eventually causes cracking.

Blisters

Bubbled concrete are blisters caused by the premature finishing or sealing of concrete. As a result, the concrete seals in the air and bleeds water. The issue can present numerous problems when air entrained concrete or heavy finishing equipment is used. When done properly and in a cost-effective manner, concrete repairs in Winnipeg can save you from major structural damage that would otherwise require costly repairs.

You can inspect concrete to identify any potential problems or sections that need repairs. Consider looking in the high traffic areas and check whether there are any water pools forming on your concrete walkway. If you discover any issues, you can call a local foundation specialist in Winnipeg  to complete the necessary concrete repairs.

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