Concrete Repair

Why does concrete need to be repaired?

There are many reasons why a homeowner might need a concrete restoration. A house's foundations are most commonly made of concrete. It can be cracked and damaged over time due to factors such as erosion, floods, and tree roots. A crack in a foundation is a major problem that can affect the integrity of the structure of a house or building. Driveways also crack often due to tools such as shovels or erosion, creating an uneven surface to drive on. Even surfaces such as concrete countertops can be damaged through the wear and tear of daily cooking. Depending on the severity of the damage, some might only need a concrete refinishing, rather than a full concrete repair.

How often does concrete need to be repaired?

Concrete is a strong and durable material that is meant to have a long life span. It will usually last for about 30 years if well-maintained. After 30 years, wear and tear might drive the need for a concrete repair. Cement repair might need to be performed sooner if the concrete has undergone significant damage before 30 years. How much damage concrete endures depends on the type of concrete and its location. Smaller concrete projects such as concrete countertops will endure less damage than larger concrete projects such as driveways. Foundations must support the weight of a house or building, putting them under quite a bit of pressure. They are also located in the ground, leaving them susceptible to damage from plants, water, and soil. Flooring in areas with more foot traffic has more opportunities to be damaged than flooring located in less frequented areas.

What are the different types of concrete repair?

There are many different types of concrete repair. Larger jobs such as concrete driveway repair and pool concrete repair will likely require larger amounts of more durable cement so that the concrete will withstand the outdoor elements. Foundation crack repair in particular, requires stronger materials so that it can support the weight of a house or building. These repairs are often performed by professional contractors. Smaller projects, such as repairing a concrete countertop can be repaired with smaller amounts of epoxies and sealants. Epoxy is often found in smaller tubes and is used by consumers for smaller projects. Materials such as quick-drying cement are available in larger amounts and are meant for larger projects.