Concrete Repairs
Concrete is perhaps one of the most pervasive construction materials. You will find it in almost every type of modern building. It is commonly used for foundation slabs, driveways, sidewalks, walls, and floors. Such areas gradually wear out over time and become damaged. The good news is you can have them repaired to restore functionality or curb appeal. Here are some of the common types of damage that concrete repair can address for your home or business.
Cracks
Concrete can crack for several reasons. For instance, this will happen if it dries too quickly when there is too much water in the mix, or if there are not enough control joints to relieve the pressure that leads to cracking after pouring a slab. Extreme weather conditions may contribute to this problem as well.
The extent of damage will determine whether or not concrete crack repair is required. Hairline cracks may be unsightly, but will not lead to big problems. However, you should consider patching up any crevices on your cemented surfaces if:
● The gaps are big enough to cause slips, trips, & falls.
● There is water getting underneath your floor slab
● The cracks looks quite bad and are making your concrete surfaces look uninviting
Before patching up cracks on concrete surfaces, it is necessary to vacuum the crevices or flush them with water to remove any dirt or contamination. Cracks with wide will require filling using mortar patching compound. On the other hand, cracks less than a quarter of an inch wide are easy to fix with an epoxy injection or concrete caulk filler. Afterward, the compound is left to cure and finally sealed or painted (if necessary) to blend in with the surrounding area.
Spalling
With this type of damage, you will notice concrete flaking on the surface. It is a common problem in outdoor areas where cement remains exposed to the elements. Although freezing and thawing can cause the top layer of concrete to chip away, this may also result from improper mixing. Such cosmetic blemishes require resurfacing and resealing to fix.
Ideally, you can cover the spalled concrete surface with a polymer-modified overlay in a color that matches the existing surfaces. Once the overlay cures, applying a waterproof sealer every few years will prevent the problem from reoccurring again.
Damage to concrete foundations may come about due to settling, erosion from an underground water leak, or poorly compacted fill-soil during pouring. These issues pose serious structural problems that require immediate attention. It’s possible to fix a damaged concrete foundation through slab jacking and hydraulic jacking.
To level sinking concrete foundations, a slabjacker drills strategic holes into the slab. Next, flexible hoses go through these holes to fill the subgrade with a mixture of sand, fly ash, cement, and other additives, thus returning the slab to its original level.
Lifting Damage
Are the paved footpaths around your garden or within your property suddenly bulging off the ground? Well, that is one of the telltale signs of lifting damage. It may be due to frozen moisture or tree roots growing underneath paved surfaces. If you notice such damage, make sure to get it fixed quickly by a concrete sidewalk repair specialist because it can be a safety hazard for both pedestrians and wheelchair users.
Rejuvenating Old Concrete
If you have old unappealing concrete surfaces, you can spruce them up to look more attractive. Several repairs can help you to accomplish this goal. For instance, thin overlays fix chipping, cracking and uneven surfaces while epoxy concrete repair prevents such damage from happening again. Alternatively, acid-stained finishes give concrete an elegant look that resembles customized flooring.
You can also elect to apply a stamped overlay over existing concrete. With this option, you will be able to replicate the texture and aesthetic appeal of slate, brick, wood, natural stone, and other materials. It will also be more economical than replacing your concrete slab.
Worn Out Pavements
Pavements withstand both foot and vehicular traffic. Therefore, they are susceptible to wear and tear. In addition to sealing cracks, removing oil spots, and weed control, concrete driveway repair also involves restoration of worn-out curbs on your property. Layover finishes can easily fix deterioration on the surface. However, if you need to replace the pavements along your driveway, it is also recommended to reinforce them against future damage.
Although you can find many DIY videos on how to fix different kinds of concrete degradation, it is best to have professionals help you with such repairs. As a layperson, you are more likely to make mistakes, not have the right tools, or overlook structural issues of concern.
Our experienced concrete repair contractors can offer a professional service. They will investigate whether the damage that requires fixing is due to an underlying problem that needs attention so that you can minimize the cost of recurrent concrete repairs.
Keep in mind that these are just some of the repairs that you may need for the concrete features within your property. For all your concrete repairs in Oshawa, look no further. We can fix both structural and cosmetic damage on concrete installations and advise you on the best fixes for both indoor and outdoor areas. Get in touch with us now and get professional repairs by experienced concrete contractors.
