Construction & Contractors Blog
If your concrete has taken some abuse this winter, you might need to schedule some repairs once spring arrives. If you haven't been paying attention to your concrete, you might not have noticed the damage. If that's the case, now's the time to conduct a thorough inspection of all your exterior concrete surfaces. This should include your driveways, sidewalks, and patios. Luckily, most concrete damage is visible on the surface, which means you'll be able to identify it with an inspection. Read the list provided below. If you notice any of the issues described here, contact a concrete contractor for repairs as soon as possible.
Cracking
When it comes to concrete damage, cracking is one of the most common occurrences. Cracking can happen for a number of reasons. First, concrete can crack when there's too much water in the initial mixture. Second, concrete can crack when there are no control joints. Finally, cracking can occur when soil erodes under the surface.
Crazing is one type of concrete cracking that should be addressed right away. Crazing occurs when a network of small cracks develops on the surface of the concrete. Without repairs, the surface of the concrete can separate along the cracks. If your concrete is cracked, you need to take care of repairs right away. Without the right repairs, those small cracks could become more severe.
Spalling
If you're worried about your concrete, it's important that you inspect for signs of spalling. Without proper care, spalling can lead to delamination, which can jeopardize the structural integrity of the concrete. When delamination occurs, large sections of the concrete surface separate from the substrate. Unfortunately, if spalling and delamination continue without repair, concrete can crumble. If that happens, you'll be looking at costly repairs. In fact, you may need to have the concrete structure replaced altogether. To avoid that, have your concrete repaired at the first sign of spalling, or delamination.
Scaling
If your concrete has been exposed to freezing temperatures this winter, you'll need to check for signs of scaling. Scaling occurs when concrete is exposed to constant freeze/thaw cycles. Unfortunately, deicing chemicals can make the problem even worse, which is why you need to take care of repairs right away. Inspect your concrete. If you see patches where the aggregate material is exposed, it's time to have your concrete repaired.
Don't take chances with your concrete. If your concrete is experiencing any of the issues described here, call a company such as Outdoor Construction Services repairs this spring.
Share4 February 2022
