Why Does Concrete Crack? Common Causes

If you have concrete on your property, you have probably noticed cracks. Maybe your driveway has settled. Maybe your patio has spalling. You are wondering: is this normal, or is there a problem?

Will My Concrete Crack?

Yes. All concrete cracks eventually. Concrete is a rigid material that expands and contracts with temperature and moisture changes. The question is not whether it will crack — it is whether the cracking is controlled or random.

Controlled cracking happens at the control joints — the intentional lines cut into the concrete. This is normal and expected.

Random cracking happens when there are no control joints, the joints are spaced too far apart, or — most commonly — the sub-base was not properly prepared. This is the ugly cracking that indicates a problem.

Why Concrete Settles

Settling happens when the soil underneath the concrete shrinks, washes away, or was never compacted properly. This is almost always a prep problem. If the excavation and compaction were done right, settling is rare.

When Concrete Is Not Right

Concrete is not the right choice for every project. It may not be ideal if:

• You have large tree roots that cannot be removed — they will heave the slab.
• Your soil is severely unstable and cannot be compacted.
• You need a flexible surface — concrete is rigid and does not flex.
• You are looking for the cheapest possible option — gravel costs less upfront.

What to Do If Your Concrete Has Problems

If your concrete is cracking or settling, give us a call. We will assess it honestly — if repair or resurfacing makes sense, we will tell you. If replacement is the better investment, we will say so.

See also: concrete vs pavers vs asphalt comparison, our pricing, and FAQ.