Why Is My Concrete Patio Cracking? 7 Reasons and Solutions
Don’t crack under the pressure of your patio damage
Cracks in a concrete patio may be caused by settlement, heave, spalling, or poor installation techniques.
Other potential causes include erosion, damage from tree roots, and foundation damage to the home.
DIYers can fill minor cracks with epoxy, but larger or more widespread cracks require professional work.
A cracked patio not only looks bad, but it can also lead to structural damage. With the average cost to install a patio at $4,000, the last thing you want is to pay for expensive repairs on top of that initial cost. This guide covers the most common causes of a concrete patio cracking and offers solutions to fix each one.
1. Patio Settlement
It’s natural for concrete to settle slightly after installation. But if the slab settles unevenly, excessive pressure across the patio slab can cause cracking. Minor settlement cracks are cosmetic, but larger or wider cracks could signal a structural issue.
The Solution
There are two solutions to this issue: Remove the patio and install a new one, or correct the slope beneath the concrete slab by injecting polyurethane foam. You can fill minor cracks with epoxy.
2. Patio Heave
While settlement causes the patio to sink in places, heaving causes it to rise. Concrete heave is caused by the expansion of soil underneath the patio due to water retention or frost, which places excessive pressure on the patio, causing cracks to develop.
The Solution
Correct the drainage around your patio to prevent water from collecting underneath it. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may need to install downspout extensions or require a new yard drainage system to direct water away from the patio.
3. Concrete Spalling
Concrete spalling occurs due to natural weathering or chemical reactions. In turn, spalling causes the concrete patio to develop cracks or chipped areas.
The Solution
You can repair minor spalling with epoxy. However, if the issue is significant, you may need a new patio installed.
4. Improper Installation
If your concrete patio wasn’t installed correctly, it is likely to develop cracks. For example, a poor mud mixture containing too much water can make the patio weaker and cause cracks. The cracks could also develop due to insufficient curing.
The Solution
When building a new concrete patio, hire a pro to ensure proper installation. If your newly installed patio starts to crack, check your contract for a warranty and call the installer to fix the issue.
5. Soil Erosion
Soil erosion is a natural process, but if the earth under your patio experiences excessive erosion, you may notice cracks appearing. Erosion causes air pockets beneath the concrete slab, creating uneven pressure.
The Solution
Compacting the soil before installing the patio can help prevent erosion, and installing a better drainage system can also help. However, if the contractor didn’t properly address these issues when installing the concrete, you may need to replace your patio.
6. Tree Root Damage
Tree roots can cause cracks in a concrete patio if they begin growing underneath the slab. If left untreated, the tree roots will continue to grow, as will the cracks. The concrete may also lift in certain areas.
The Solution
Cut down any trees that are too close to the patio. When installing a new concrete patio, choose an area away from trees to prevent future root damage.
7. Foundation Damage
If your patio connects to your home’s foundation, the underlying cause of cracks could be foundation damage. This is a serious issue that can cause extensive structural damage to your home.
The Solution
Contact a foundation repair professional near you to inspect the foundation and provide recommendations on how to address the issue.
When to Call a Pro
A homeowner can easily fix minor cracks in a concrete patio with some epoxy. However, for more severe cracks that cause the patio to become uneven, it’s best to hire a concrete patio or deck repair professional near you. A pro can pinpoint the cause of your patio cracks and explain the best steps to address the issue.
How to Prevent Your Concrete Patio From Cracking
Prevention is key when it comes to concrete patio cracks. Take the following steps to prevent concrete cracks in the first place.
Mix the concrete properly: Adding extra water to the concrete mix makes pouring easier but can lead to cracks. If you’re DIY installing your patio, follow the recommendations and never add more water than necessary.
Keep it moist while curing: When concrete dries too quickly, it can develop cracks. Spray it with water a few times a day for a month after the slab is poured.
Protect the concrete from cold weather: Temperatures under 50 degrees Fahrenheit can cause concrete to crack as it dries. Install your patio in warmer months and use an insulated blanket to protect it if cooler temperatures are predicted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although some concrete cracks are cosmetic, others can be more serious. Cracks wider than ⅛ inch or that extend through the slab are serious and can cause structural damage. If you notice these types of cracks in your concrete patio, contact a local contractor who installs concrete patios to inspect the damage and determine how to fix it.
If the cracks in your concrete patio are cosmetic, you can pour a concrete overlay over the patio to cover them up. However, you shouldn’t cover more severe cracks because the underlying damage will simply cause new cracks to appear in the overlay. Patio repair costs $750 to $2,500, depending on the type of repairs and the extent of the damage.
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