How to Identify and Fix Common Concrete Repair Issues

Concrete is a highly reliable and robust building material. One could even say that it’s the foundation of modern construction. But even this sturdy material isn’t immune to damage over time. Cracks, chips, and other signs of wear and tear can not only affect the aesthetics of your concrete surfaces but also their integrity and safety.

In this blog post, we will guide you through the common concrete ailments that could plague your property. But more importantly, we’ll help you understand the how and why behind each issue and offer practical solutions to repair and revitalize your concrete. This isn’t just about a quick fix; it’s about providing long-lasting solutions that stand the test of time.

Common Concrete Problems

While countless problems can arise in concrete, some are more common than others. The list below shares a few of the most prevalent concrete concerns that you may face on your property:

1. Cracks: Concrete cracks are easy to see and identify. This concrete issue can also arise from many different underlying causes.
2. Curling: This concrete issue occurs when concrete fails to cure uniformly. In such cases, the edges of a concrete slab can begin to curl upwards.
3. Efflorescence: This issue results in a powdery white substance appearing on the surface of your concrete. This most commonly occurs when concrete is mixed improperly.
4. Scaling: When scaling occurs, you’ll notice that the surface of your concrete is flaking or peeling away. This problem can arise from freezing and thawing or an error in construction.
5. Spalling: Concrete spalling looks similar to scaling but indicates a deeper issue within the concrete. Spalling occurs most often when rebar becomes corroded, causing it to expand and deform the shape of the concrete.

Causes of Concrete Issues

Below is a quick summary of some of the forces that can cause the above concrete issues to arise in the first place:

1. Settlement: Many cracks in concrete foundations result from differential settlement. Similarly, concrete slabs can settle, become uneven, and crack when there’s movement in the soil below them.
2. Curing problems: Issues in the curing process will likely be blamed if you notice your concrete has curling, efflorescence, or scaling. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do after the fact other than replacing the concrete.
3. Mixing errors: Errors can also happen during the concrete mixing process. When concrete is mixed incorrectly, cracking, spalling, and scaling are more likely to occur.
4. Freezing and thawing: Concrete is porous and because of this, it soaks up water. When that water freezes, it expands and pushes against the concrete from the inside. This can eventually cause the concrete to deteriorate. Also, as water in the soil freezes and expands below or around a piece of concrete, it can cause the concrete to break under the pressure of the expansion.
5. Corrosion: Although steel rebar remains intact in many cases, it can experience corrosion, which can cause the concrete to start spalling.

Best Repair Methods for Concrete

Before we conclude this article, let’s discuss a few of the best repair and replacement options for concrete issues. However, before we do that, it’s essential to note that individuals should not attempt to perform these projects independently. DIY concrete repair is not only unsafe, but it is also unlikely to be successful if you lack experience. A better approach is to hire a concrete professional who can do the work for you. When you hire a concrete contractor to repair your concrete, they may recommend one of the following solutions:

Patching Concrete

For non-structural cracks in concrete, patching is an excellent approach. By applying cement to the cracks and gaps in your concrete, your concrete repair team can make them look like they were never there before. Patching is also a common final step for other, more in-depth repair methods.

Polyjacking

If you are dealing with uneven concrete slabs on your property, one of the best solutions you can choose is a service known as polyjacking. Polyjacking allows a contractor to raise your slabs so they are even and usable again. To begin this process, your construction repair team will drill small holes in the concrete. The next step is to inject polyjacking material through the holes to fill the voids in the soil below the concrete. As the voids fill, the concrete rises and returns to a level state. After leveling the concrete, the repair team will use cement to patch the holes and other cracks.

Full or Partial Replacement

Sometimes, the damage to your concrete may be so pervasive that you must replace it entirely. This is often when the concrete is not mixed or cured correctly. It is also an appropriate response when the rebar has become corroded or when the concrete is severely damaged. While digging up and replacing concrete is more expensive than repairing it, it’s sometimes the only option. The good news is that it will leave you with a new concrete surface that will be stronger and have greater longevity.

Get Concrete Advice from a Pro

Although this article provides some critical insights about concrete issues, how to notice them, and repair options, it is always best to seek the help of a professional in these situations. The right professional team will diagnose your concrete problems and quickly match you to the ideal solution.

For anyone experiencing concrete issues in Eastern North Carolina, Regional Foundation & Crawl Space Repair should be your first call. We offer concrete repair, polyjacking, and many other construction services. Contact us today to learn more about what we can provide you with.