Concrete is widely used in construction especially in driveways, patios, sidewalks and in various structures due to its strength. Yet, even the most durable concrete surfaces may deteriorate after some time has passed. It is therefore important to know when your concrete needs repair to ensure that it is not damaged beyond repair. The following are the five signs that suggest your concrete may need repair:
1. Cracks and Fractures
There are various signs that will help you tell when your concrete is in dire need of repair and one of them is the cracks. Cracks can be small and hairline or big and wide, deep fissures that run through the wall. Nevertheless, the small cracks can be dangerous if not treated appropriately as they are the precursors to the major problems. There are several causes of the cracks, that is, temperature variations, soil movement, and moisture seepage.
The size of the cracks that you should consider in the concrete include the length, width and depth of the cracks. A small crack that is only a few millimeters wide may only require a patching agent to fix it while a wider crack may need more attention as they may be a sign of other structural issues. These cracks if left unfixed can also cause water to penetrate through the concrete, cause further damage and pose some risks.
At times, cracks also point towards the problems with the subgrade or the foundation below the concrete. If you observe horizontal cracks or the cracks that expand horizontally, it is advisable to seek the services of a professional in this field. Preventive measures can be taken to avoid such further complications and expensive damages later on.
2. Potholes
Potholes are another tell-tale signs that your concrete needs repair work to be done on it. These depressions appear when the ground on which the concrete is laid sinks in due to erosion of the soil or poor drainage. Potholes are also very hazardous because they are likely to cause damage to vehicles as well as pose a tripping hazard to pedestrians.
The formation of potholes is known to be caused by the constant stress on areas of the concrete that is already compromised, such as driveways or parking lots. When you realize that potholes are developing in your driveway or patio, it is advisable to repair them as soon as possible. Apart from making roads safe to drive on, repairing potholes is crucial in avoiding the deterioration of the surrounding concrete.
To repair a pothole, you may have to clear the pothole of any loose material then patch it with a suitable patching material meant for concrete. It is important to compact the fill material properly to avoid formation of potholes in that area in the future.
3. Uneven Surfaces
There are various signs that indicate that your concrete surfaces require repairs, and one of them is that the appearance of the concrete surfaces is uneven. If there are some parts of the concrete that has sunk or moved slightly, then there could be a problem with the base or the ground underneath the concrete. There are cases where the surface irregularities are caused by improper installation or they develop over time due to the weight of the load placed on the floor.
Apart from being aesthetically displeasing, imperfections in concrete surfaces are dangerous. Such problems include; Sloped or raised areas that poses a threat of tripping and falling hence requires immediate attention. Concrete leveling or resurfacing is one of the methods used in repairing uneven concrete while in the worst case, the entire concrete is replaced.
For minor unevenness, you may use a self leveling compound that is meant for concrete surfaces. This product can be used to create a fine and to bring back functionality on the surface of the item. However, if the unevenness is very bad or if it is present in other areas of the home, then it may be time to seek advice from a professional contractor to know what should be done.
4. Signs of Aging
However, years pass by and even the strongest concrete surfaces start to crack and fade. Some signs that may make you realize that your concrete needs maintenance include faded color, wear on the surface, and discoloration. These include effects from exposure to ultraviolet light, effects from rain water and the effects of traffic.
However, it is not always that aging of concrete requires some immediate repair to be made, but it is always important to check on the state of the concrete. If its appearance has become faded or has a rough surface, it can be sealed or resurfaced to look better and to prevent it from deteriorating further.
This is important as it will ensure that the concrete surfaces are well maintained and thus will have a longer lifespan. Regular washing of the concrete also helps to eliminate stains as well as discoloration that is as a result of dirt accumulation.
5. Standing Water
Concrete surfaces require proper drainage in order to minimize the chances of cracks and other damages. Concrete that has cracks or any other signs of damage is also an indication that it is time to call in a professional for repair services especially if there is water pooling on the driveway or the patio after a down pour. That is why water seepage is dangerous as it enters cracks and pores in the concrete and makes the condition worse.
Water standing on a surface also has a negative effect as it leads to deterioration and growth of mould and mildew. Drainage should be attended to as early as possible to avoid long term impacts on the concrete surfaces to ensure they are in good health.
To enhance drainage around the compound, it is advisable to ensure that proper grading or drainage systems are put in place to help in draining water away from the concrete surfaces. Furthermore, using suitable materials to fill some areas makes it easier to level the ground so that water can drain appropriately.
Conclusion
It is therefore important to identify these five signs that your concrete needs repair to ensure that the structure is not compromised and looks good. It may be seams that require fixing, or standing water that requires attention to the drainage system, both of which could be fixed in the initial stage to avoid further complications.
If you observe any of these signs in your driveway, patio or sidewalk, it is advisable to seek the services of a professional for diagnosis and repair. These problems should be attended to on a regular basis so that the concrete will remain strong and long lasting in the future.
Therefore, if you pay attention to your concrete surfaces and repair any issues that may occur, it will be possible to increase the lifespan of the concrete and also ensure that everyone who uses the surfaces will be safe. Do not let these signs go unnoticed; act now to protect your concrete structures!