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 "The only thing you can
guarantee about concrete is that it will crack." Wise words
spoken by a man with over 40 years of concrete experience. What can
be done to stop cracks or even prevent them from happening in the
first place? If a crack has just started in your concrete, this
guide may be the key to stopping it before it gets any worse.
Concrete Cracks
So what can be done to stop an already widening crack in
existing concrete or to possibly prevent it in the first place?
Grooving or jointing the wet concrete helps ensure that the cracks
are hidden below the surface. Sometimes though, cracks can start
from earth shifting and various other stresses on the dried
concrete. And once they start, thereís little you can do to
stop them.
However, you can provide a temporary
solution.If this starts to happen after the concrete has set
completely, itís best to cut the slab with a diamond blade
to create an artificial joint for the crack to follow.MK Diamond provides a wide selection of blades
for your cutting needs.From Double Row Blades to wet and dry blades, MK Diamond is sure to have the size
and depth blade needed for your rolling or handheld concrete
saw. >
What you need to know about blades.
Quite typically, the average contractor will know enough about
whether a wet blade or dry one is needed. There are even
combination blades good for either wet or dry use. For the average
user, it's recommended that a dry blade be used. You must keep in
mind that the diamonds on a dry blade can quickly get used up if
you "force" the cut, or worse the blade can break, causing injury.
This is extremely important when using a hand-held saw, where user
error is far more prone.
How to cut.
Be sure to read the user manual carefully before attempting any
cutting yourself. Always wear the correct safety equipment when
operating any type of tool.
 >If you're using a hand-held saw, or a walk-behind saw, snap a line with a chalk box precisely where you plan to cut.
Cutting on a vertical plane is far more difficult than
horizontally. If you get off the line when cutting (which is quite
easy when there's water and concrete dust everywhere), pick the
saw up out of the cut. At this point you have two options. You can
continue the cut from where you left off or attempt to get back on
line (you did chalk it right?). Unfortunately, there's little that
can be done to correct a cut once it's made.
Depth.
You should attempt to cut 1" for a 4" slab - anything deeper
will wear out your blade very quickly and is not necessary. After
all, you're making an artificial crack on the top of the concrete
so that any existing cracks will follow your cut and not spiderweb
out.
 >After the
Cut.
>
After you've finished making the cut and the concrete has
completely dried (if using a wet blade), you can leave it as it is
or fill it in with silicone based caulk. Before adding the caulking
though, be sure to blow out any remaining dust and debris with an
air compressor. After applying the caulk liberally, you can use a
wet finger (spit works the best) and get a nice smooth indention in
the caulk itself. Keep a paper towel or rag handy for extra
cleanup. Let the caulking dry and enjoy your sightly new concrete.
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