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FAQs - Concrete Cracking
Can you guarantee that our new driveway and patio will not crack?
It is impossible to give a 100% guarantee that your concrete will not crack. Concrete is a natural product and all hardened concrete has a tendency to crack. We take all possible steps to minimise and/or prevent cracking.
Why does concrete crack?
All concrete shrinks as it dries out, creating pressure in the concrete which leads to cracks forming.
How can cracking be minimised?
Immediately after placement of concrete, expansion cuts should be made. The purpose of these cuts is to allow the concrete to shrink and relieve the strain at the joint. The result should be that any cracking is directed into the straight line rather than in random places.
Immediately after placement of concrete, expansion cuts should be made. The purpose of these cuts is to allow the concrete to shrink and relieve the strain at the joint. The result should be that any cracking is directed into the straight line rather than in random places.
We will ensure you have a well compacted sand base, which will assist with minimising/preventing cracks. Please note that even with taking all precautions, we cannot guarantee that your concrete will not crack in random places.
What can I do to help prevent cracking?
You can assist us by ensuring vehicles stay off for 7 days after placement and other heavy machinery and trucks stay off for 3 weeks. In warm temperatures we recommend that you wet your new concrete three times per day for the first month to try and prevent the possibility of cracking due to heat. This should be just enough to dampen the concrete (the same as you would when watering plants).
You can assist us by ensuring vehicles stay off for 7 days after placement and other heavy machinery and trucks stay off for 3 weeks. In warm temperatures we recommend that you wet your new concrete three times per day for the first month to try and prevent the possibility of cracking due to heat. This should be just enough to dampen the concrete (the same as you would when watering plants).
Will the use of mesh prevent cracking?
Mesh is required in most vehicle crossings but it is not usually required in concrete driveways. There is evidence that mesh may assist in the prevention of cracking. Please note that although mesh can help prevent cracking it still does not 100% guarantee that the concrete will remain crack free. All our quotations offer both a price without mesh and a mesh pricing option. Please discuss this with us.
Mesh is required in most vehicle crossings but it is not usually required in concrete driveways. There is evidence that mesh may assist in the prevention of cracking. Please note that although mesh can help prevent cracking it still does not 100% guarantee that the concrete will remain crack free. All our quotations offer both a price without mesh and a mesh pricing option. Please discuss this with us.
Where can I find out more about cracking?
We recommend that you talk with us before commencing your job. You can also refer to the New Zealand Master Concrete Placers Association’s website of which we are members and the Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand’s website.
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