Why Are There Cracks in My Sidewalk?
Sidewalks are generally made out concrete. Concrete is a strong and durable material, so why are there cracks in your sidewalk? In this video, you will learn the science behind concrete cracks, and what you can do to fix them.
Concrete is mostly made up of water. When concrete gets wet and then dries, it shrinks. This is because concrete is made up of between 20% and 25% water.
When the concrete dries, that water evaporates out, causing the shrinking. This shrinking is what causes those cracks that you see in your sidewalk. This whole process is similar to how a sponge works when it absorbs water.
There are several things that can worsen the cracking. This includes too much water being added during the installation process or at the plant. Very windy or hot days also may lead to excessive drying and shrinkage. However, one of the most common issues is a lack of control joints. In other words, this means there is not enough space between slabs. If you find yourself with cracked concrete, consider calling a commercial concrete repair service. They will be able to fix your sidewalk in no time.
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