Thinking about investing in stamped concrete but not sure if you want to go forward with it due to concerns with cracking issues? Cracking issues with concrete products are prevalent for a number of reasons, the most common being water intrusion through cracks in the concrete, leading to expansion of concrete due to freeze-thaw issues.
Freeze-Thaw Issues
Freeze-thaw issues are prevalent due to intrusion of water into the surface of concrete that is unsealed, or through failure to re-apply sealers for example. Stamped concrete generally speaking needs to be sealed after pouring, to ensure that both the finish looks great, but also that water does not intrude into the concrete itself. Architectural and landscape concrete that is common for uses with stamped concrete is in itself best sealed from the exterior, for protection against water, elements, de-icing chemicals and more.
The process of sealing concrete also brings out natural aesthetic of stamped concrete, provides different sheens of finish (gloss, semi-gloss, satin, matte) for example, and can provide color to stain the color of the surface of the concrete.
Stamped Concrete Support
Stamped concrete does not generally crack unless it is prone to, for example due to exposure to elements without the utilization of a concrete sealer. Stamped concrete, like any concrete surface, needs proper subgrade and structural support conditions to ensure it does not crack or develop heaves or unnecessary stressors etc.
Such conditions can include sub-grade preparation and utilizing crushed gravel to ensure a solid base. Most crushed gravel bases allow for the concrete to remain stable throughout the surface, be it a patio, sidewalk, pathway etc.
Concrete patios, driveways, pathways, concrete ramps and more all need solid subgrade and base conditions to ensure stability throughout the concrete element. Concrete is prone to cracking, due to its own weight, if it is not readily supported. Concrete without suitable subgrade/base conditions can develop stressors that wouldn’t necessarily be present had the concrete been supported properly with adequate crushed gravel or other engineered fill / general fill.
Structural Reinforcement
Above all else, concrete needs adequate steel reinforcement. Steel rebar reinforcement provided in concrete elements allows for added strength of an entire concrete element, and stamped concrete is no exception.
If stamped concrete does not have steel reinforcement properly installed, or inadequately placed/spaced within the concrete element, it can reduce the strength of the concrete element, which can also lead to cracking or issues with the concrete as a whole.
Uniform Thickness
Finally, stamped concrete needs to be generally uniform thickness.
If concrete is not uniform thickness, uneven pressures can be placed on various parts of the concrete which can lead to crackings or stressors unbeknownst to properly supported and placed concrete elements. Uniform thickness for concrete elements like patios, slabs, and pathways is best maintained with the use of level base preparation and accurate concrete finishing techniques.
Summary
Stamped concrete makes a great addition to any backyard, yard, driveway, or patio or walkway, but can crack under several conditions. One of the most overlooked conditions is the lack of concrete sealer. Concrete sealers provide adequate protection of the concrete surface from the effects of the weather, and protect against freeze-thaw conditions which can also cause cracking. If you have cracking stamped concrete and are in need of structural/architectural concrete repairs, call on the professionals at Deluxe Concrete Services. Their professional team of concrete specialists will be able to assist you with any means and methods of concrete repair that you might need.
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