How to Deal With Cracks in Your Concrete Building

Does your home have a problem with a concrete crack? Do you have any concrete joints that need sealing? These are common problems with which a concrete contractor will be happy to help you. Concrete is all around us. It is one of the most widely used building materials we have today. It is used in domestic houses, offices, and industrial buildings. It can also be found in many structures which we take for granted such as bridges, airports, power stations, and even reservoirs. This widespread use of concrete has shaped our world and has allowed the creation of many structures that would otherwise not be easily possible. Working with concrete, and concrete joint sealing, in particular is a skill that has helped to create and maintain many of the buildings we now take for granted.

Problems with concrete

Concrete is a fantastic building material, but like any other material, there are advantages and disadvantages with it. Concrete is basically a mixture of sand, cement, water and gravel. As the water evaporates the hard concrete slab is left behind. The curing process for concrete leads to the concrete slabs shrinking slightly. It is also possible for the curing process to result in hairline cracks in the concrete. Bigger stress cracks can be caused later when a concrete structure settles, or the ground below the structure shifts.

While few of these cracks are likely to threaten the integrity of your concrete structure, they can cause other problems. Cracks can allow access of radon gas, insects, and most commonly, groundwater. Any of these entering your property could create major problems. It is far better to have any concrete joints sealed before problems occur.

What should you do if you need concrete joints sealing?

If you have any concrete cracks, or if you observe problems such as bulging walls or recurring cracks in your concrete property, it is advisable to talk to a concrete contractor as soon as possible. They will be able advise you on the most appropriate course of action. Don't try to fix these problems or engage in any concrete repairs yourself, as the cracks may indicate a serious structural issue that should be dealt with by a professional. Plus a temporary concrete repair may mask the crack for a while, but the mask will ultimately only make the crack worse.

Concrete joint sealing is a job which is best left to a qualified professional who can provide you with a quality service which will secure your home for years to come.