Concrete is one of the most durable construction materials in use today, but there are several things that can take a toll on these types of surfaces. Some of them can include but may not be limited to:
- Poor installation.
- Normal wear and tear.
- Exposure to chemicals.
- Extreme temperatures.
If your concrete is starting to look rough around the edges, there’s a good chance it can be fixed. Whether it’s spalling on a concrete slab, scratches on a concrete countertop, or crumbling edges on concrete steps, it can often be restored to its original condition by using the right techniques and repair products.
Warning Signs of Damaged Concrete
Finding damaged concrete isn’t difficult. Just look for cracked or sunken areas on the slab. If you see any of these warning signs, you should contact a professional so you can determine the cause of the problem. If you don’t take care of the issue, it will only get worse as time goes on.
Here are some of the signs that your concrete is damaged:
- Uneven Driveway — Like any other concrete surface, your driveway can get damaged (which can have a number of causes). In many cases, it will lead to uneven areas that can damage cars and cause people to trip.
- Unlevel Steps — Outdoor steps are supported by a concrete base, which can get damaged in the same way as other concrete structures when they’re exposed to weak soil.
- Soil Washout — This can lead to unlevel concrete every single time. Water sources (such as rain or sprinklers) can saturate the soil on your property, which can cause the ground to become weak.
- Concrete Pitting, Flaking, and Staining — Concrete can become discolored and structurally weak for a variety of reasons. In most cases, pitting, flaking, and staining isn’t something you can control. But, it still needs to be fixed.
If you see any of these warning signs, be sure to speak to a professional as soon as possible.
Causes of Concrete Damage
Problems with the soil under a concrete slab are often the root cause of most types of damage. Other causes of concrete damage can also include:
- Drought or dry conditions.
- Invasive tree roots.
- Soil erosion.
- Soil shrinkage, compaction, and settling.
Be sure to speak to a professional for more information.
How to Repair Damaged Concrete
When it comes to concrete repair, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional (even if the damage looks minor). Any damage that is left to go for too long could get worse, which can turn a small issue into a major problem. Repairing damaged concrete can be more cost-effective than doing a replacement. It will also take less time. If it’s done right, it will be less noticeable. A good concrete repair can be just as good, and it will last just as long as the original build. There are times, however, when a total replacement may be necessary. But, it will depend on the extent of the damage.
Concrete Repair FAQ
Cracks, erosion, and stains on concrete surfaces can look unsightly. But it can also compromise the integrity of the concrete, which reduces its longevity. Exterior concrete surfaces (such as driveways and patios) can last for 20-40 years if they’re properly maintained, but interior surfaces (such as foundations, floors, and countertops) can last even longer. Doing regular repairs and resealing can ensure its durability over the years and can help preserve its original appearance for many decades.
Here are some common questions people ask about concrete repair.
Sweep and wash any debris or dirt out of the hole before you fill it. Use a sand mix of concrete for small or medium holes, but you will need to use a gravel mix to fill up larger holes.
If you have small cracks or minor pitting and spalling, use a crack filler in the same way that you would use grout or spackle. But for larger cracks, you will need to apply a concrete resurfacing product. Use a towel or squeegee to pack the material into the crack while smoothing it over pitted or uneven surfaces. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure it’s cured properly. Once you have repaired the surface, investing in a polyurethane sealer is a good way to minimize how much it will get damaged in the future.
You can patch cracked stairs with a crack filler. But if large chunks of concrete are starting to crumble away, the damaged sections will have to be removed before a quick-setting filler is molded and shaped. If you have a lot of stairs that are damaged beyond repair, they can be removed with a sledgehammer or jackhammer so the broken area can be reframed and re-poured.
You will need to contact a foundation repair specialist for this kind of damage. If there are visible cracks in the concrete or you have uneven floors around your doors and windows, the damage is serious enough to require the help of a professional.
Scrubbing the surface with hot water may release the stain from the concrete surface. But if it’s still there after repeated attempts, you might be able to use an acid wash to penetrate the surface and release the stain. If neither of these options is effective, your only option is to use a stain or colored sealer to blend the colors in or to recolor the entire surface.
If an indoor concrete surface has a lot of scuffs and scrapes that are visible enough to warrant repair, the entire surface will need to be resealed. In some cases, you can apply the same brand of sealer that you used in the last treatment if the surface is clean and dry. But there may be times when the existing sealant needs to be stripped before a new layer can be applied.
Raising concrete can be a great alternative to replacing it. If it’s a walkway, driveway, patio, or floor that’s still structurally sound (which means that it has no major cracks, flaking, or scaling) and has just settled, raising it might be the most cost-effective solution. This is especially true if you have a small section that needs to be repaired, because many concrete contractors won’t do small jobs. Raising it may be your only option. It’s a quick process that doesn’t come with as much hassle. Most projects are completed in about 1-2 hours.
Using polyurethane injection to raise a concrete surface and stabilize the soil has a lot of advantages over mudjacking, which uses cement and sand. But here are some of the important ones:
Longevity — Polyurethane won’t shrink or break down over time.
Aesthetics — Smaller and fewer injection holes are needed to complete the job, so it will look better overall.
Performance — It’s lighter compared to sand or cement, and it’s more effective at filling open voids.
If you’re looking for one of the best Corpus Christi contractors to help you with repairing a damaged concrete slab, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair.