Why Does Concrete Crack So Much in Colorado? And When Should You Consider Pavers Instead?
We get this question a lot—and honestly, it makes sense. You just had a new patio, driveway, or walkway poured… and then boom, a crack shows up.
So what gives? Is it normal? Is it bad? Did someone screw up?
Here’s the truth:
Yes, some cracking is normal.
But not all cracks are created equal.
Let’s break it down.
Why Concrete Cracks (Especially Here in Colorado):
Shrinkage During Curing
When concrete is fresh, it’s full of water. As it dries, it shrinks—like a sponge drying out. That shrinkage can cause small cracks.
Totally normal. Not a big deal.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles (This One’s a Biggie)
Colorado = warm days + freezing nights. That daily flip causes moisture in the concrete to freeze, expand, then thaw.
Repeat that a few hundred times a year… and yeah, cracks happen.
Soil Movement
The ground underneath your concrete isn’t staying perfectly still. Our clay-heavy soils expand when wet and shrink when dry.
If the ground shifts, your concrete moves with it—and might crack.
Heavy Loads
Cars, trailers, hot tubs, delivery trucks—if the concrete wasn’t poured thick enough or didn’t have proper reinforcement, it might not handle the weight.
Missing Control Joints
Concrete wants to crack. Control joints are like “pre-planned escape routes” for cracks. If they’re not placed properly, you’ll get cracks wherever concrete feels like it.
So… Is Cracking Normal?
Yes. Every slab of concrete will crack.
The important thing is what kind of crack it is:
Tiny hairline cracks (<1/8”) — No stress. Totally normal.
Wider cracks (>1/4”) — Could be worth a closer look.
Uneven cracks that lift or shift — Might mean soil problems or drainage issues. Time to investigate.
Can You Prevent It?
You can’t stop all cracks, but you can reduce how bad or how often they show up:
Use control joints to guide cracking in clean lines.
Seal the surface every 2–3 years to block out moisture and road salts.
Make sure water drains away from the slab.
Fix small cracks early before they grow.
What About Stamped & Decorative Concrete?
Still a great option!
Stamped, stained, or colored concrete can look amazing and hold up beautifully—as long as you understand that minor cracking is part of the package. Think of it like wood furniture: gorgeous, strong, but not totally immune to wear over time.
Want something even more flexible?
Pavers are a great alternative—they shift with the ground, and individual pieces can be replaced if needed. You’ve got options!
