Concrete Cracks: Should I be concerned?
- Outlook Homes
- Dec 26, 2025
- 2 min read
If you’ve ever walked past a freshly poured sidewalk, driveway, or even a bag of concrete from your local Home Depot, you may have noticed small cracks appearing (even larger ones over time). While it can be alarming at first glance, concrete cracking is completely normal and expected—so much so that experts almost guarantee it will occur.
According to the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), cracking is a natural part of how concrete behaves. Even with proper design, construction, and maintenance, concrete is prone to developing cracks due to its inherent properties. Even new concrete can begin cracking almost immediately.
Why Concrete Cracks
Several common factors contribute to cracking in concrete:
Shrinkage – As concrete cures and dries, it naturally shrinks. This can happen within days of placement and is one of the most common causes of cracks.
Thermal Expansion and Contraction – Concrete expands in warm temperatures and contracts when it cools. Over time, these temperature shifts create stress, which can lead to cracks.
Settlement – Minor settling of a home or surrounding soil is common in new construction, and concrete resting on or near shifting ground may develop cracks.
Restraint of Movement – When concrete is prevented from moving freely, internal stresses build up, which can cause cracking.
Managing Cracks
While cracking is expected, there are ways to manage it and minimize its impact:
Control Joints – Strategic cuts or joints in the concrete allow it to crack in a controlled, less noticeable way. Outlook Homes cuts control joints in all our large concrete pours. While we do this there is no guarantee concrete will crack at the joints only.
Proper Reinforcement – Steel rebar or wire mesh can help limit the width of cracks and maintain the integrity of the concrete.
Are Cracks Dangerous?
Most concrete cracks are non-structural. They do not affect the performance, strength, or durability of the concrete. Think of cracks as a natural “relief valve” for the material—it’s simply the concrete adjusting to its environment.
Bottom Line
Concrete cracking is normal, expected, and almost guaranteed, whether in your driveway, basement slab, garage, porch, or even a bag of pre-mixed concrete from a local store. While the sight of a crack might be concerning, in most cases, it is purely cosmetic and does not indicate a structural problem. Proper design, control joints, and reinforcement help manage cracking and ensure your concrete remains strong and functional for years to come.
The RWC Warranty provided with an Outlook Home also states, “Shrinkage cracks are common and should be expected.” Builder will correct cracks which exceed 1/4 in. in width or vertical displacement. Surface patching and epoxy injections are examples of acceptable repair methods.
