Two Common Questions About Concrete Repair For Your Patio Or Driveway

When it comes to concrete, many people are surprised to find that it isn't as invincible as you might think. In fact, concrete is vulnerable to damage and failed repairs for many reasons. Understanding the threats to your concrete and what you can expect of damage repairs may help you to ensure repairs that will last. Here's a look at some of the most common questions homeowners ask about concrete vulnerability and damage.

Can't Concrete Stand Up to Anything?

Concrete is durable, and can hold up to a lot of demands, but there are a few things that can still damage it. Understanding these hazards may help you protect your concrete from unnecessary wear and cracking.

Exposure to abrasive chemicals is dangerous for concrete. Keep acids and other caustic chemicals away from your concrete surfaces. Additionally, the surface isn't impervious to mechanical damage. Keep heavy equipment off the concrete as much as possible. Be very cautious any time you do have to cross it with this type of equipment so that you don't gouge, scratch or chip the surface.

Some of the hazards are beyond your control and occur during installation. For example, make sure that you know exactly what aggregates are in your concrete and ask the supplier about the longevity of the mixture. This ensures that there are no chemical reactions between the components that weaken the structural integrity later. Also, if the sublayer isn't prepared properly, you may face some heaving and cracks due to freezing and thawing.

What Do I Do About Visible Damage?

If you're starting to see damage to your concrete, it's time to take action. You'll want to explore the extent of the damage and see if you can identify the cause of the problem. After you've narrowed down the source of the issue, then you can start developing your action plan.

You'll need to determine if the damage can be repaired, or if the whole concrete surface needs to be replaced. In most cases, repairing the damage should be enough, but you can talk with a concrete repair technician if you aren't sure. As long as the damage isn't structural or deep in the concrete, repairs should be sufficient. For significant damage, you'll probably have to replace it.

What Can I Do to Repair It?

Luckily, there are several repair options for surface damage. If the damage is shallow, you should be able to use simple repair techniques. For example, surface cracks can be filled with a concrete filler material, spread smooth and left to dry. Chips should be filled in with a concrete patch.

Extensive cracking, crevices or other damage should be left to professionals, though. Don't ignore them for long – water seeping in those cracks will lead to more damage from freezing later. Once the repairs are done, seal the surface of the concrete to help create a protective barrier that reduces the risk of later problems. With companies like Osco Mudjacking & Shotcreting Ltd concrete repair can be stress-free.