Finding a Concrete Repair Near Me
Concrete repairs are complex jobs that require specific knowledge. The right contractor can help you choose the best repair method for your situation.
Homeowners sometimes look at a crack and think the whole slab needs to be replaced, but that may not be necessary. It all depends on the severity and type of crack.
Tree Roots
Tree roots are essential to a tree’s health, as they help anchor it and provide a system for transporting water and nutrients. However, they can also damage concrete structures by digging up and settling it.
Roots often seek out uncompacted soil, rich in oxygen, which is often found under sidewalks and driveways. If these areas are compacted, the tree can no longer get the nutrients it needs from the soil.
Moreover, if the roots find their way under your slabs, they can cause the concrete to lift up or buckle. This can lead to serious structural issues for your home and cost you a lot of money in repair costs. To avoid this, it’s best to have the tree moved or install a root barrier before pouring the concrete. If you need to cut a root, it’s best to let a certified arborist do so, as any mistakes may result in permanent damage or death of the tree.
Ground Shifts
Some cracks in concrete are easy enough for homeowners to fill on their own. Hairline cracks less than 1/4 inch wide that don’t increase in size over time can be easily filled with a cement patch or concrete filler, as can broken or chipped edges of slabs, pavers and steps.
However, if a crack is wider than that or shows signs of shifting or movement in the concrete surface, it’s important for homeowners to consult a professional immediately. This type of crack can cause structural collapse of a slab or foundation, and it isn’t always safe for people to walk on.
Heaving and settling are common problems in concrete slabs and home foundations, often caused by soil expansion and contraction, plumbing leaks and weather. Homeowners can sometimes correct these issues by using slabjacking or hydraulic jacking to raise the sunken concrete. These techniques involve pumping a grout under the concrete to create a lifting force.
Water Damage
Concrete is a durable material, but it isn’t impervious to moisture damage. Leaving water-damaged concrete unattended can lead to cracking, sunken concrete, and structural damage. Fortunately, there are a few ways to tell if you have water damage to your concrete.
One of the first signs of moisture damage is discoloration. Black or dark spots on concrete indicate a consistent drip, spill, or leak. Another sign of water damage is mold or a musty smell. Mold needs warm, moist conditions to thrive.
Lastly, concrete may begin to scale when exposed to constant moisture. Concrete scaling is a surface erosion caused by the absorption of water through the concrete’s pores. This can also be accelerated by deicing chemicals and freezing temperatures. If your concrete has mild or severe scaling, it’s time to call a professional concrete repair company for help. Depending on the extent of the scaling, mudjacking or slab lifting may be necessary to restore your concrete.
Sealing
Concrete sealers keep moisture, ice and dirt out, slow deterioration and abrasion, and reduces the risk of weed growth. They can be applied to new or existing concrete surfaces. However, sealing can be tricky for the do-it-yourselfer, as there are many variables and the process requires a certain level of experience to ensure a professional job.
Replacing concrete is time-consuming and expensive. It requires removing the old slab, pouring in new concrete and then waiting for 28 days before you can put weight on it again. Fortunately, repairs are less invasive and cost-effective than replacement.
Repairing and sealing are a great way to get your concrete back into shape. Contact a concrete restoration specialist for more information about how to repair cracks and tripping hazards in your sidewalk or driveway. They’ll also discuss the benefits of cleaning and sealing concrete to protect it for years to come. *Reminder: Some concrete sealers contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). You should always use these products in a well-ventilated area and away from heat sources.
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