After concrete has been poured and dried, cracks may develop. The most common reason cracks may appear has to do with shrinkage. Although concrete is poured in a plastic state, its volume decreases as it dries, causing it to shrink once it sets and hardens. Here are 3 reasons why concrete cracks and why sealing is an effective solution.

1. Effect of Moisture

They designed these coatings for those who need a coating bond with any surface, be it steel, wood, blocks, or concrete. This coating is chemical resistant and highly wash durable. Great for anybody whose facility needs to get cleaned often or that uses lots of chemicals.

2. Faulty Sub-grade Preparation

New concrete requires proper sub-grade preparation in order to provide the perfect base. Ensure that the sub-grade is free from frost, has proper drainage, and is uniform and smooth. It will quickly settle and crack without proper sub-grade preparation. Shrinkage is greatly reduced when a smooth sub-grade is in place, helping reduce the amount of restraint that causes cracking.

3. Curing

Map cracking occurs if the concrete loses too much moisture from its surface too quickly, making proper curing, the act of helping maintain moisture, a critical step. Although map cracking doesn’t affect structural integrity, it poses a serious cosmetic issue. Lack of proper curing can also cause more severe cracks requiring repair. Proper curing not only improves the structural integrity but also minimizes the risk of surface defects, including scaling.

Why Fill and Seal Joints

Sealing the joints helps prevent surface water infiltration that causes failure of the sub-grade surface, leading to spalling. Be certain, however, to delay applying sealant until all shrinkage is finished. Choose sealant materials from a reliable expansion joint repair supplier that have several important qualities. Sealants should be impermeable, bond securely to the concrete, and easily handle expansion and contraction.

Recommended Concrete Crack Repair Products

• POLYFLEXhas proven effective at preventing wheeled traffic and stress vibration damage. It is a 100% solid, two component epoxy formula insensitive to moisture. POLYFLEX is an excellent choice for use in expansion joints and narrow masonry grooves. It is flexible and self-leveling, securely adhering, and serves to reinforce joints to prevent edge deterioration. POLYFLEX is also valuable as a sealant for saw cut control joints, grooves and masonry joints, preventing the build-up of dirt and protecting against the invasion of water and corrosive materials.

• KWIK-FLEXis another high quality proven crack repair product. Its unique formulation is designed for quick setting, ideal for areas having low temperatures. It provides a resilient, long-lasting, high strength cure and sealant within 60 minutes. Contractors also like KWIK-FLEX because it needs no propane torches or heat lamps even when temperatures are low, staying serviceable up to -60°F. This product is also ideal as a crack filler or for use in slip joints.

Call Capital Industries at 631-298-6300 to speak with our experienced expansion joint and crack filler support team. We will help you select the right solution for your application.