A crack in concrete is worth a professional look when it is growing, when the two sides sit at different heights, when water collects near it or when the surrounding concrete is sinking, shifting or breaking apart. A small crack that stays the same may simply be watched, but no single rule fits every crack.
Cracks are common in patios, walkways, steps and other outdoor concrete around Kalamazoo. The useful question is which changes deserve attention and why.
Changes Worth Watching
Pay attention to how a crack changes over time. A crack that gets wider, longer or more numerous from one season to the next may point to ongoing movement. One side of a crack sitting higher than the other can create a trip edge and may suggest that the concrete has shifted.
Other signs include pieces breaking loose along the crack, soil washing out from under the slab and water pooling nearby after rain.
Cracks near a house, steps or other structures deserve a little more attention, since movement there can affect how surfaces meet and where water flows.
Why One Crack Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
It is tempting to judge a crack by its width or direction alone, but that can be misleading. The pattern, movement, location and surrounding conditions can all affect how a crack should be evaluated.
For example, a crack near a downspout may relate to water, while a crack where a slab carries vehicles may relate to loads. A professional looks at the whole area, not just the line in the surface.
Michigan Weather and Cracks
In Michigan, water that gets into cracks can freeze and expand during winter. Over many freeze-thaw cycles, small openings can widen and edges can break down. Deicing salts and snow removal can add wear as well.
That does not mean every winter crack is serious. Still, cracks that open up a little more after each winter are worth checking before they grow.
Keeping Track Before You Call
A simple way to watch a crack is to take dated photos from the same spot each season. Notes about when it appeared, whether it changed after rain or winter and whether nearby concrete has moved are all helpful during an evaluation.
Avoid filling or covering a crack before it has been looked at if you want an accurate assessment. Patching over it can hide the very changes that help explain what is happening.
If a crack around your home is changing or you are not sure what it means, a local contractor can inspect it and explain the options. Learn more about our concrete repair service in Kalamazoo, or call (269) 404-2457 to set up a visit.
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