Is It Normal for Concrete to Crack in 2 Days?

Is It Normal for Concrete to Crack in 2 Days? Complete Guide

Seeing cracks in your new concrete within days of pouring is alarming, but not all cracks are problems. Understanding which cracks are normal and which indicate problems helps you know when to worry and when to relax.

Hairline Cracks in Control Joints: Normal and Good

Yes, this is completely normal and actually desirable. Control joints are intentional cuts or grooves that create weak points where the concrete is designed to crack.

How Control Joints Work

Control joints are placed at regular intervals (typically every 10-15 feet)
They weaken the concrete at specific locations
When concrete shrinks during curing (which it always does), it cracks at these joints
This prevents random, unsightly cracks elsewhere

Why This is Good

Cracking in control joints means they're working as designed
Prevents cracks from appearing in random locations
Keeps cracks straight, narrow, and in predictable locations
These cracks are cosmetic only—they don't affect structural integrity

What They Look Like

Hairline cracks (very thin, barely visible)
Located exactly in control joints
Straight, uniform appearance
Typically 1/16 inch or less in width

Shrinkage Cracks in the Middle of Slab: Usually a Problem

Cracks that appear away from control joints, especially in the middle of the slab, often indicate issues:

Common Cause: Concrete Poured Too Wet

Excess water in the mix causes problems:

Increased shrinkage: More water = more shrinkage as it evaporates
Weaker concrete: Excess water weakens the final product
Uncontrolled cracking: Cracks appear where they shouldn't

How to Identify This Problem

Cracks appear away from control joints
Cracks in random locations across the slab
May be wider than hairline
Appears early in curing process

What This Means

The concrete mix had too much water
May indicate quality control issues
Cracks may continue to widen over time
May affect long-term durability

Other Causes of Early Cracking

Rapid Drying

Concrete drying too quickly (hot weather, wind, direct sun)
Causes rapid shrinkage and cracking
Prevented by proper curing (keeping surface moist)

Poor Base Preparation

Unstable or poorly compacted base
Uneven settlement causes cracking
Indicates construction issues

Insufficient Control Joints

Not enough control joints
Concrete cracks between joints instead
Design or installation issue

When to Worry

Consult a professional if you see:

Cracks wider than 1/8 inch: May indicate structural issues
Cracks that continue to widen: Active problem, not just shrinkage
Multiple random cracks: May indicate mix or construction problems
Cracks with vertical displacement: Slab may be settling or heaving

What to Do

For Control Joint Cracks

Do nothing—this is normal and expected
Cracks are doing their job
No action needed

For Random Cracks

Document with photos
Contact your contractor
Have it evaluated by a professional
May need repair or replacement depending on severity

The Bottom Line

Hairline cracks in control joints are completely normal and good—they mean the joints are working as designed to prevent random cracking. However, shrinkage cracks in the middle of a slab usually indicate the concrete was poured too wet, which is a quality issue that may need attention.

If cracks appear in control joints, relax—this is expected. If cracks appear randomly across the slab, especially early in the curing process, consult a professional to determine if it's a quality issue requiring attention.

Concerned about cracks in your concrete? Contact Local Concrete Contractor. We can evaluate whether cracks are normal or indicate problems requiring attention.