Why Does Concrete Crack?

You would think something as hard and solid as concrete wouldn’t crack so easily. The truth is that concrete pavement is susceptible to a variety of elements and influences that can cause it to crack, buckle, crumble, and more. Although faulty concrete installation jobs can sometimes also be a reason behind crumbling or cracked concrete (i.e. no wire mesh installed, too much sand in the mix, watered-down mix, etc.), in most cases, the reasons are natural.

Continue reading to learn what makes concrete crack and what to do if you want them fixed in your driveway, parking lot, or street.

Indianapolis Concrete Repair 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Concrete Repair 317-549-1833

Cracked Concrete

Concrete commonly cracks in harsh environmental conditions. For example, concrete often cracks during freeze and thaw cycles; mostly in the northern climates of course. Freezing weather can freeze an underground water supply solid, and solid ice expands and requires more space than water. This is where the concrete is inflicted. The water-turned-ice expands underground, creating rifts and lifts in the above-ground concrete. It can cause the concrete to raise as much as two to three inches or more in most cases.

In the spring time, this cycle is reversed, causing even more concrete cracks and fractures. This is because as the ice melts in spring, causing the solid ice foundations beneath the concrete to disappear. This results in crumbling or caving concrete because there is no longer string ice beneath it for support. Once the summer time comes, even more damage is possible.

In the late spring and summer months, concrete pavement can suffer from cracking and fading from extensive sun exposure. This type of heat exposure can cause the concrete to warp and move even more so than it would in its freeze/thaw state. Once the sun goes down, the concrete will retract and settle in its original position. The problem is that the frequent instability and movement of concrete in hot weather can eventually weaken and crack the foundation altogether.

Indianapolis Concrete Repair

If you are bothered by excessive concrete cracks and deterioration, call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial concrete pavement repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis asphalt and concrete paving services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.

Why is Asphalt a Popular Paving Material?

Everywhere you look, you see asphalt paving; from roads, to walkways, interstates, and more. For decades, asphalt paving has been a useful and beneficial commodity that has improved the way cities, towns, people, and industries operate. So why is asphalt such a popular amenity and material in the paving construction industry? The answer is extensive, and can take all day! However, below is a short introduction that explains why asphalt among one of the top choices in the world of paving and construction today.

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833
Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

The Advantages of Asphalt

Asphalt is a composite material that is combined with mineral aggregates and used in various construction developments and industries around the world. Year after year, asphalt is becoming the more popular choice of paving for things like driveways, parking lots, interstates, walk ways, and more. There are so many benefits to asphalt and asphalt pavement. For example, asphalt paving is:

• Very Strong and Flexible
• Lifespan of Up to 20 or 30 Years
• Suitable for Both Hot and Cold Climates
• Can Be Handled Easily
• Less Likely to Crack and Fracture
• Cheaper than Alternative Materials
• Weather Resistant
• Water Resistant
• Chemical Resistance
• Requires Less Maintenance
• Faster to Lay and Install
• And More!

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving

If you are interested in Indianapolis asphalt paving services in for your commercial or industrial property, call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-849-1833 today. We offer a wide range of asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial and industrial properties, at the most competitive prices in town, including inspections, installation, replacement, repair, and more. Request a free quote, today.