Why are there lines on the sidewalk?

It seems a silly question, I know.

But Seriously.

Have you ever wondered why concrete cracks or lines are created in finished concrete work?

I remember as a child, there was a song we'd sing. "Step on a crack, break your mother's back, step on a line, break your mother's spine." As an adult, I still mentally cringe when I step on those things, though it doesn't stop me from walking normally. That's not why, of course.

The lines or 'joints' are created by concrete contractors because all concrete cracks, especially if you live in Pennsylvania.

If you have cold winters and hot summers, the cold weather will contract the concrete, and the hot weather will expand it.

The concrete is meant to crack within the joint tooled in by the concrete professional so that the concrete doesn't crack wherever else the concrete wants to break.

If the concrete had its way, it would create an unsightly mess! Eventually, you'd have a pile of rocks instead of pavement.

This expansion and contraction of concrete is also why you will find the thick black felt type material instead of a groove between concrete blocks.

That is called an expansion joint, which does what it says on the box! It keeps the concrete from cracking by providing a buffer between blocks every few feet.

Hiring D&B Concrete & Excavation, a professional concrete contractor, is essential because any amateur can pour concrete on your property. Still, only a professional will know how much stone you need, if you need rebar, how many inches of concrete, how far apart the joints ought to be, and many other essential artisan details. You want your project to last years, not just a season!

Any questions? Comments? Feel free to leave them below! You never know; your question may become the topic of an upcoming blog!

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