It's natural to be concerned about cracks in freshly poured concrete. The truth is that some cracks are unavoidable due to the structure of the surface. Let's look at why fresh concrete can crack. In addition to traditional curing methods, concrete additives and curing compounds can help concrete cure faster and withstand the cold.
If your concrete is a bit older, a concrete repair specialist can help you fix the cracks. Instead, cover the concrete with an insulating plastic sheet or even straw to trap moisture and help the concrete cure at an even rate. A reliable local concrete driveway specialist will know the best way to keep a concrete slab in good condition for optimal curing. But it's essential for concrete contractors to follow well-established guidelines regarding concrete placement.
After the concrete has fully cured, you can also consider using a concrete sealing compound to improve appearance and reduce cracking. While shrinkage cracks can appear on the surface within hours of pouring concrete, it takes a full month for new concrete to fully settle. In general, cracks wider than a credit card and running through the depth of concrete are structural in nature and could be a sign of more serious issues (see Evaluating Concrete Crack Repair). Read here about methods for curing concrete and understand how your contractor will cure concrete.
If the crack is larger or larger (an “active crack”), or if one side of the crack is higher than the other, you may need a structural engineer to review the work.
