Shrinkage Cracking
Fine cracking caused by cementitious material contracting as it loses moisture, either while still plastic or over the following weeks.
On an actual building
It is largely controllable through curing and joint layout. Panel joints set out before a screed pour give shrinkage a planned place to open; without them it finds its own line across the finished surface.
What we most often have to correct
That it indicates structural failure. Shrinkage cracking is a surface and durability issue, but it opens water paths and should not be ignored.
Where this comes up in our work
Terms that come up alongside this one
- Curing
Keeping cementitious material adequately moist and at a suitable temperature while it hydrates and develops strength and impermeability..
- Thermal Movement
Expansion and contraction of building materials as temperature changes.
- IPS (Indian Patent Stone)
A cement-concrete topping laid and floated to a hard monolithic surface, typically 25 to 50 mm thick, used as a screed or wearing course..
Shrinkage Cracking — questions we get asked
What does shrinkage cracking mean in waterproofing?
Fine cracking caused by cementitious material contracting as it loses moisture, either while still plastic or over the following weeks.
Why does shrinkage cracking matter on a real project?
It is largely controllable through curing and joint layout. Panel joints set out before a screed pour give shrinkage a planned place to open; without them it finds its own line across the finished surface.
What do people commonly get wrong about shrinkage cracking?
That it indicates structural failure. Shrinkage cracking is a surface and durability issue, but it opens water paths and should not be ignored.
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