How to Find a Concrete Repair Near Me
Concrete is a long-lasting material but, like all surfaces, it eventually needs repair or restoration. Weather, heavy usage or exposure to chemicals can deteriorate concrete.
A contractor can resurface an existing concrete surface, making it look new again. They can also add steel bars or meshes to strengthen weakened areas of concrete.
Cracks
Depending on the severity, some cracks in concrete don’t need repair. For example, small hairline cracks near the surface of the concrete don’t usually pose a safety concern or detract from the appearance of the home. However, they should be repaired if they are widening or a tripping hazard.
Homeowners should always have cracks evaluated by a concrete contractor to ensure the cause is understood. This will help determine the method for repair, as different causes require a specific approach.
For instance, wide horizontal cracks in concrete walls or foundations can indicate that the concrete isn’t being adequately supported or may be structurally flawed. These should be repaired as soon as possible, before they worsen and pose a risk to the homeowner. In some cases, this may mean replacing the concrete. Other times, resurfacing the concrete with an appropriate coating may be sufficient. Some cracks are caused by tree roots that have pushed through concrete slabs or foundations.
Sunken Areas
Sunken areas are unsightly and can pose serious tripping hazards. Luckily, there are some smart ways to handle these problem areas.
Concrete patch kits and overlays are temporary solutions to this issue. These materials bond to the damaged concrete, but they are susceptible to expansion and contraction as the temperatures fluctuate. This can lead to chipping and the surface becoming uneven again.
Mudjacking and polyurethane foam concrete raising are two options that can lift up sunken areas. Both involve drilling holes into the slab and pumping a material in. The mudjacking mixture has a consistency that resembles sand and Portland cement, while polylift uses a high-density styrofoam material.
These options can be less expensive and less invasive than full replacement. They do, however, add more weight to the soil and may erode or wash out over time. It’s a good idea to apply a penetrating sealer after concrete placement to help prevent moisture-related spalling. This will also reduce the need for frequent repair.
Potholes
Potholes are a common problem that arise when the concrete or asphalt surface deteriorates due to weathering and continuous stress from traffic. Water infiltration can exacerbate existing cracks, widening them and creating a gap that eventually leads to chunks of material breaking away and falling into the hole.
Performing regular maintenance and inspections is key to prevent potholes and other serious damage to concrete surfaces. The best time to repair potholes is during dry weather conditions; the more moisture present, the more difficult it will be for the concrete and asphalt to cure properly.
To repair a pothole, a contractor should first prepare the area by removing any debris and applying a concrete bonding agent. Next, they should square the edges of the pothole as much as possible using a chisel and hammer. Once the pothole is prepared, the professional should fill the hole with a specialized concrete mix. The most important step is to ensure that the mixture is thoroughly mixed, avoiding any air pockets.
Restoration
Concrete is a strong, versatile material, but it isn’t indestructible. Over time, natural wear and tear or damage can cause surface or structural changes that become an eyesore or a safety hazard. Concrete restoration is designed to fix both damage and aesthetics, returning your concrete structure or surface to its original condition.
Concrete crack repair techniques vary depending on the size and severity of the crack. For smaller, shallow cracks, you can use a concrete crack filler to effectively seal the cracks and prevent further damage.
For bigger, deeper cracks, you can try epoxy injections. This non-disruptive method involves drilling entry and exit holes across the crack, then running a series of U-shaped metal staples through the holes to anchor them firmly in place. This is one of the most effective and minimally invasive concrete crack repair methods available, but it’s not a replacement for correcting whatever caused the crack to form in the first place.
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