Concrete Cracks, Flaking, Popping, and Winter Maintenance

One of the most common questions homeowners ask about concrete is, “Will it crack?” The simple answer is yes, concrete can crack, but that does not automatically mean there is a problem with the slab.

Concrete is a very durable material, but it is still affected by curing, shrinkage, weather, moisture, freeze and thaw cycles, and normal use. The goal is not always to stop every small crack from happening. The goal is to prepare, reinforce, place, and finish the concrete properly so it performs as intended for many years.

Will Concrete Crack?

As concrete hardens, it begins to shrink slightly. Concrete can shrink approximately 1/16 of an inch for every 10 feet of length placed. This movement can result in small cracks, sometimes shortly after the slab hardens, or even years later.

Cracking can happen for many reasons, including curing, temperature changes, moisture conditions, ground movement, normal settlement, and regular use. Smaller surface cracks are common and usually do not affect the strength, function, or intended use of the slab.

Experienced contractors understand this, which is why control joints, also called contraction joints or crack control joints, are often used. These joints help encourage concrete to crack in planned locations instead of randomly across the slab.

What We Do to Help Reduce Cracking

At Alta Home, we take proper concrete preparation seriously. While no contractor can guarantee that concrete will never crack, proper preparation and installation greatly reduce the risk of serious issues.

We ensure that every concrete slab we pour is:

• Placed on a firm and properly compacted base
• Reinforced with minimum 10M rebar at 24 inches on center, or as required for the intended use
• Placed on 10 mil underslab vapour barrier and retarder to reduce moisture and vapour penetration through the slab
• Reinforced with consistent and properly placed steel reinforcement
• Poured with concrete mixed to the correct strength for the intended use, with a minimum 32 MPa concrete mix for garage slabs
• Poured with sufficient concrete depth to support the intended use

While a large portion of the curing process happens within the first 3 to 4 weeks, concrete continues to cure and gain strength over a much longer period. In many cases, the full curing process continues for several months.

Smaller cracks are usually sealed after approximately one year of use. Alternatively, the slab may be painted or protected with an epoxy, polyurethane, or polyaspartic coating.

A normal surface crack does not compromise the intended function, shape, or grade of the slab.

Concrete Cracks Versus Concrete Breaks

It is important to understand the difference between a crack and a break.

A crack is typically a surface blemish and does not affect the structural integrity or intended function of the slab. Cracks are common in concrete and are not covered under our warranty policy. This is consistent with common provincial concrete guidelines and industry standards, including resources from organizations such as the Alberta Ready Mix Concrete Association and the Alberta New Home Warranty Program concrete guide.

A break is different. A break is usually identified by a crack that has opened into a significant void of 1/4 inch or more, or where there is noticeable vertical or horizontal shifting. If normal wear and exposure are able to turn a crack into a break, that may indicate a product or installation issue.

Alta Home Garages & More guarantees against concrete breaks for 10 years.

Flaking, Popping, and Surface Scaling

Although concrete is known for its durability and long service life, it can occasionally show surface imperfections such as flaking, popping, or scaling. These issues are usually cosmetic and do not affect the structural strength or intended function of the concrete slab.

In Alberta’s climate, surface scaling is most commonly caused by a combination of moisture, freezing and thawing, snow, slush, and salt or de-icing chemicals. This is especially common during the first winter after the concrete is poured, while the concrete is still continuing to cure and gain long-term durability.

Even if salt is not applied directly to the concrete, road salt can still be carried onto the surface by vehicles. Snow and slush can melt, sit on the slab, and then refreeze, which can contribute to surface damage.

For this reason, Alta Home strongly recommends avoiding salt, ice melt, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and other de-icing chemicals on new concrete, especially during the first winter season. Sand may be used for traction instead.

How to Protect New Concrete During the First Winter

New concrete requires extra care during its first winter. Even though it may look fully hardened shortly after the pour, it is still continuing to cure and gain durability.

To help protect the surface of your concrete, we recommend the following:

• Avoid using salt or chemical de-icers, especially during the first winter
• Use sand for traction when needed
• Remove snow, slush, and standing water when possible
• Do not allow salty winter water to sit on the slab for long periods
• If vehicles are parked inside the garage, squeegee standing water toward the overhead door when possible
• Keep the garage reasonably ventilated to help reduce excess moisture and humidity
• Consider applying a dedicated long-term concrete sealer or coating after the concrete has fully cured

In garage areas, winter slush and road salt can collect underneath vehicles and drip onto the slab. If that water sits on the concrete and goes through repeated freeze and thaw cycles, surface scaling can occur.

We also include concrete care and maintenance guidance in our customer FAQ section. For more information, please visit our Alta Home FAQ page.

Cure and Seal Versus Long-Term Concrete Sealer

Alta Home applies a cure and seal product shortly after the concrete is poured as part of our standard process. This helps with proper curing and provides an initial protective layer.

However, cure and seal is not the same as a dedicated long-term concrete sealer, epoxy coating, or polyaspartic coating. These products are typically applied after the concrete has fully cured, usually around 28 days, and can provide additional protection against moisture, staining, salt exposure, and regular wear.

For garage floors, epoxy or polyaspartic coatings may be a good option for homeowners who want a more durable, sealed, and easier-to-clean surface.

Warranty and Maintenance Clarification

Surface scaling, flaking, or popping caused by salt, de-icing products, road salt, standing water, winter slush, or freeze and thaw exposure is considered environmental wear and is not covered under workmanship warranty.

These surface conditions are generally cosmetic and do not affect the structural integrity or intended function of the slab.

By following proper concrete maintenance guidelines, especially during the first winter season, homeowners can help preserve the appearance and longevity of their concrete installation.