Concrete Repair Near Me

Some concrete damage can be repaired without the need for major reconstruction. Small cracks that don’t grow over time and do not affect the load-bearing capacity of a slab or foundation can be filled with concrete repair products.

Buckling or heaving in concrete, however, is usually too significant for such a repair. Homeowners should contact a concrete specialist immediately to assess the situation.

Cracks

Concrete is a strong material, but it’s not perfect. All buildings experience some degree of settling, and this may cause cracks in slabs or poured masonry walls. Depending on the size, location and severity of the cracks, it may be necessary to call in professional help.

Widening cracks that are not addressed could pose serious issues for the durability and structural integrity of a building or structure. They may allow moisture penetration, trap dirt and present tripping hazards. Cracks that are wide and/or run through the entire depth of a concrete element should be inspected by a licenced inspector to classify the crack, its causes and whether it is dormant or live in order to determine the best repair method.

Plastic settlement cracks, which are hairline in width, are usually a result of the exothermic chemical reaction that occurs as soon as a concrete mix is placed. If left untreated these cracks can grow and expose reinforcement steel to moisture and oxygen which may speed up corrosion and damage the strength and durability of the concrete structure.

Shifting Ground

Even when the concrete is new and has a solid base, shifting soil can cause it to sink or separate. This type of damage is often caused by changes in weather, but it can also be a result of overwatering or heavy construction on the soil around the area.

One of the biggest problems with sunken concrete is that it creates a tripping hazard for everyone who walks over it. Children and elderly people are particularly prone to trip over these areas, so having them repaired as soon as they appear is an investment in safety that pays off.

In some cases, homeowners can identify signs of ground shifts by examining the edges of molding and trim boards in their homes. These areas may be uneven, which can be a sign that the foundation of the house is shifting and could eventually collapse. A professional can diagnose this problem and provide solutions. The method used will depend on the severity of the issue.

Damaged Foundation

Some cracks aren’t necessarily structurally significant and can be repaired with concrete patch options. However, it’s important to check whether the cracks are a danger (tripping hazards, for example) or pose any other problems like blocking water or pests.

If the cracks are zig-zagging or extend all the way to the foundation, it is time to call in a professional for an inspection. This is the kind of damage that can quickly turn into a major problem and can threaten the stability of your home or business.

The good news is that there are early warning signs you can watch out for to prevent this from happening. Take note of the condition of moldings and trim boards, mortar joints in brick walls, and windows that suddenly jam or are hard to open. You should also pay attention to your floor and ceilings; if they begin to sag or warp, it’s a sign that the foundation slab is sinking or shifting.

Uneven Surfaces

Concrete contractors use the same methods to repair uneven surfaces as they do to address cracks. Whether it’s a sidewalk that has sunk or a driveway that forms pools of water after rain, these issues are unsightly and create tripping hazards.

Uneven concrete often occurs when a slab was poured improperly. Using the wrong ratio of water to cement can lead to shrinkage and create a discrepancy between the surface and the base. This can be corrected with concrete leveling, which involves drilling small holes into the existing concrete and adding a material to raise it.

This method is also called mud jacking or slab jacking, and is more cost-effective than replacing the entire surface of a concrete area. It can be done in a shorter period of time too. However, the new section of concrete may not match the color and texture of the original sections that were left undisturbed. This is something that a homeowner will need to consider carefully before moving forward with the repair.

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