I just had my patio extended and am planning to have a screened-in porch built on top of it. After the work was done today, I noticed a decent-sized crack in the concrete while it's still drying. The contractor mentioned that this can happen and offered to fix it once it fully dries. I'm looking for some reassurance that this is a normal occurrence and not something that could have been prevented—especially since the concrete is only about 4 inches thick. Here's a link to a picture of the crack: https://imgur.com/a/FWVNLHO. Thanks in advance for any insights!
3 Answers
Cracks can definitely happen in new concrete, but it’s a bit rough looking for a new job. It might be that the concrete mix was on the dry side, which can lead to cracking. While it can be fixed, re-pouring might be a more lasting solution if it’s pretty bad. Make sure to discuss with your contractor how they'll handle it once it fully dries!
I've seen this a lot, especially when a new slab connects to an existing one. It's pretty common for cracks to form as the concrete cures, particularly at inside corners like yours. It might be a shrinkage crack due to temperature changes during curing. Until you see how your contractor repairs it, try not to stress—it’s a good sign that they’re willing to fix it! Better to catch it now than later when it would be more expensive to repair.
That crack looks like a typical shrinkage crack, especially during the first couple of days of curing. It usually happens when the concrete dries too fast or if the contractor didn't cut expansion joints in time. Most of the time, these aren't a structural issue as long as the base was good and some rebar or mesh is used. But it’s something to keep an eye on!
Yeah, if it's all dried up and really cracked, you might need to re-pour that section to ensure it holds up. Just be sure to have an open conversation with your contractor about the best steps moving forward.