In this blog post, you’ll learn the answer to the question, “Why are there cracks in the sidewalk?” If you need help with repairing your slab, contact Arise Concrete Leveling to schedule concrete leveling in Wichita, KS.
Common Causes of Concrete Cracks in Kansas
Kansas is a beautiful state, but the conditions here can sometimes cause cracks in sidewalks. The following sections describe some of the most common reasons cracks form in sidewalks in Kansas:
Soil Settlement and Moisture Intrusion
When rain or irrigation adds moisture, the soil expands. When dry conditions return, the soil shrinks and pulls away from the slab. This repeated expansion and contraction shifts the concrete, leaving sections unsupported and causing cracks to form.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Water enters small pores and surface cracks, then freezes when winter temperatures drop. The frozen water expands and forces the concrete apart. Each cycle widens existing cracks and creates new ones as the damage builds through the winter.
Improper Concrete Installation
Poor base preparation, lack of reinforcement, or rushed curing leaves the concrete unable to handle normal stress. Weak areas begin to crack early and continue to spread as weather and ground movement apply pressure.
Excessive Weight and Heavy Foot Traffic
If you drive vehicles or place heavy equipment on your sidewalk, the added weight can stress the concrete and cause it to crack.
How To Fix Cracks in Your Sidewalk
Cracks in your sidewalk don’t just look ugly; they also create tripping hazards and weaken the overall structure, which allows water to enter and spread the damage. The following list describes your realistic options for fixing cracks in your sidewalk:
- Seal or patch cracks: Fill small cracks to block water or use a patching compound for larger ones. These fixes improve appearance and slow down damage, but they won’t stop the slab from moving.
- Lift and level the concrete: Concrete leveling addresses the root problem. A technician injects polyurethane foam beneath the slab to fill voids, stabilize the soil, and lift the concrete back into place. This stops movement, closes gaps, and prevents cracks from spreading further.
- Replace severely damaged sections: Replacing the slab removes the damaged concrete and pours a new one when cracks run too deep for repair. This process takes longer and costs more, but it becomes necessary when the structure can no longer support its own weight.
If you have a sidewalk with cracks in it, don’t wait for you or somebody else to trip on it and injure themselves; contact Arise Concrete Leveling for repair services. Check out these tips for concrete care to avoid similar issues in the future.
Call Arise Concrete Leveling To Schedule Concrete Lifting Services
In this blog post, you learned the answer to the question, “Why are there cracks in the sidewalk?” If you’re tired of dealing with cracks in your sidewalk, call Arise Concrete Leveling at 316-867-6565 to schedule service.
Make sure you check out our other blog post that explains how to fix your uneven sidewalk to learn more about your repair options.
