Crack Control & Prevention
Crack Control Check List:
1. The saw cuts must be a minimum of 25% of the depth of the concrete. If you cut less than 25% it will be only a decorative cut. Material design experts say to cut 1/4 the depth at a minimum.
2. The relief cuts must be done before The majority of shrinkage starts. This usually means cutting the slab a day and a half after the poor is been finished. If the pour was done on a Friday, cutting would ideally take place Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning. Cutting done to early can spall the concrete and leave saw cuts with chipped edges.
3. When cutting in floors that utilized in floor radiant heating, consideration must be made as to how deep to cut.
Everyone has their own opinion about cracks in concrete, some say they don’t mind them, most people despise them. Cracks can and will happen, it is our goal to minimize them as much as possible Shrinkage is a main cause of cracking in concrete slabs. As the concrete hardens and dries, it shrinks due to the evaporation of excess mixing water. The wetter or soupier the concrete mix, the greater the shrinkage will be and the greater the likelihood for cracks to develop.
Using concrete with a low water-cement ratio and not adding excess water at the Jobsite will help to keep shrinkage in check.
CALL BEFORE YOU POUR!
We can advise on crack control.
