Can I Stop Concrete from Cracking?

As with most issues, it is best to take steps to prevent damage to the concrete surfaces in and around your home where possible. This can be easier said than done, and once damage has started to show, you will need to call someone who is able to do repairs. However, taking protective measures can still prevent an issue from snowballing while you wait for help. 

Moisture Management (Exterior) 

Exterior concrete surfaces are incredibly exposed, so protecting them is a little harder than protecting interior concrete floors and walls. Things like your property’s driveway and sidewalks, for example, are always in the firing line when it comes to climate and weather. As such, the best thing you can do for exterior concrete surfaces is managing the amount of moisture they are subjected to. This means keeping your drains healthy. 

Preventing perimeter saturation and flooding, as well as making sure that your yard has proper drainage, will make issues like frost heave, soil expansion, and flooding far less common. This will also minimize soil washout during heavy thaws and rainstorms. All in all, these measures will ease some of the strain on your property as a whole and minimize the chances of concrete damage. 

Waterproofing and Insulation (Interior) 

When it comes to your foundation and interior concrete surfaces, waterproofing and insulation are your best bets. By ensuring that any water that makes it into your home is expelled quickly (and taken beyond the property perimeter), you will not only prevent damage to your foundation and interior walls. You will help to protect the outside of your property too. 

Likewise, by insulating your pipes and your basement before adding things like a vapor barrier and sump pump, you will prevent extreme temperature fluctuations and minimize the risk of plumbing floods. This will also keep the relative humidity low, and protect your interior walls from mold formation and other forms of cosmetic damage. This actually has benefits for you that go beyond structural protection. A well-insulated and waterproofed basement is healthier and will even make your home more energy-efficient.