Concrete Cracking Perth — What's Normal and What's Not

Almost all concrete cracks to some degree — it's the nature of the material. The trick is knowing which cracks are harmless and which signal a problem with the job or the ground beneath it.

Normal Hairline Cracks

Fine surface cracks from shrinkage as concrete cures are common and usually cosmetic. Perth's hot, dry conditions can speed up curing, making minor shrinkage cracking more likely if a slab isn't cured properly.

Cracks to Worry About

• Wide cracks you can fit a coin into
• Cracks with uneven heights on either side (a sign of movement)
• Cracking soon after pouring, which can indicate poor mix or prep

The Role of Control Joints

Good concreters cut control joints to direct where cracks form. On Perth's reactive clay and sandy soils, proper sub-base preparation and joint spacing make a big difference to how a slab ages.

Ask About Prep

When getting a quote, ask how the ground will be prepared and where control joints will go. Quality prep is what separates a slab that lasts decades from one that cracks within a year.