Concrete Services Offer A Solution
If you are living in a concrete jungle then it's certain that you have noticed cracks on concrete walls or steps. Cracks are common, and unfortunately property managers don’t seem to take those cracks seriously. Concrete services providers cannot emphasize enough that this is an indication of a structural problem and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Expert advice is required to assess cracks, and often building managers assume that such advice is expensive. Many concrete services firms will assess the situation for free - all it takes is a little effort to contact these firms. “It is important to accurately assess structural cracks to determine what is significant and what is not,” says John Duntemann, a principal at consulting engineering firm Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc. (WJE), Northbrook, Ill. “You have to properly identify the extent and cause of cracking before you can implement the right repair solution.” Solutions to such problems cannot be implemented unless the concrete is evaluated by a specialist.
There are a number of reasons why cracks occur. Thermal expansion and contraction, sub grade settlement, load applied to the concrete and even earthquakes can cause cracks. Internal and external stress can make small cracks larger and further destabilize the structure.
Expert advice is required to assess cracks, and often building managers assume that such advice is expensive. Many concrete services firms will assess the situation for free - all it takes is a little effort to contact these firms. “It is important to accurately assess structural cracks to determine what is significant and what is not,” says John Duntemann, a principal at consulting engineering firm Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc. (WJE), Northbrook, Ill. “You have to properly identify the extent and cause of cracking before you can implement the right repair solution.” Solutions to such problems cannot be implemented unless the concrete is evaluated by a specialist.
There are a number of reasons why cracks occur. Thermal expansion and contraction, sub grade settlement, load applied to the concrete and even earthquakes can cause cracks. Internal and external stress can make small cracks larger and further destabilize the structure.
Types of Cracks
There are two types of cracks in concrete: structural and non-structural. The structural cracks have an effect on the stability and durability of the structure. Examples are cracks in support beams, columns, and those areas with heavy load.
The non-structural cracks are not dangerous to structures. They are addressed mainly for aesthetic reasons. Property owners should also take measures to prevent cracks from growing bigger over time, which could cause damage to the structure.
The non-structural cracks are not dangerous to structures. They are addressed mainly for aesthetic reasons. Property owners should also take measures to prevent cracks from growing bigger over time, which could cause damage to the structure.
Crack Location is Critical
Tiny or hairline cracks are not so problematic and may not even be noticed. However, the specific location is critical. If hairline cracks have high occurrence then there can be an underlying stress issue that needs to be looked into.
As the size of the openings increases, property owners should be increasingly concerned. A rule of thumb by concrete services specialists is that cracks 0.15 inch or larger should be evaluated immediately. Experts say that the larger the width, the greater possibility of lost aggregate interlock. Repairs can be made on 0.005 inch crack, but it's desirable to catch it before this point.
Cracks that trail in random directions are not as critical as those found on beams, columns and load-bearing areas. Other warning signs of deteriorating structural integrity are closely spaced cracks or repetition of cracks at the same location on each floor of a building.
When there are cracks on walls or any portion of a building, contact a concrete services provider. Champion Coatings is an experienced contractor for such services nationwide.
Read More:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete
As the size of the openings increases, property owners should be increasingly concerned. A rule of thumb by concrete services specialists is that cracks 0.15 inch or larger should be evaluated immediately. Experts say that the larger the width, the greater possibility of lost aggregate interlock. Repairs can be made on 0.005 inch crack, but it's desirable to catch it before this point.
Cracks that trail in random directions are not as critical as those found on beams, columns and load-bearing areas. Other warning signs of deteriorating structural integrity are closely spaced cracks or repetition of cracks at the same location on each floor of a building.
When there are cracks on walls or any portion of a building, contact a concrete services provider. Champion Coatings is an experienced contractor for such services nationwide.
Read More:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete
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