Top Trends in Concrete Flatwork Design and Installation

While concrete flatwork has been around for a while, this field continues to evolve and adopt new and bold strategies. We’ve created this article to highlight the top current trends in flatwork design and installation to illuminate some of the most impressive advancements in this kind of work. Read on to learn the latest ideas in concrete work and much more.

What is Concrete Flatwork?

Before we continue with the top trends in flatwork, let’s ensure that you fully understand what this term is. After all, flatwork is a word more commonly spoken among construction professionals and concrete experts rather than average homeowners.

Simply put, flatwork refers to any form of horizontal concrete construction on your property. Flatwork can refer to patios, walkways, driveways, and more. The only defining feature of this concrete form is that it lies on a lateral plane and consists of concrete. Now that you understand flatwork in simple terms let’s consider a few top trends in this line of work.

Flatwork Design and Installation Trends

While many different trends are ongoing in the concrete industry, we have identified a few that are more prevalent than others. Below is a list of a few of the most noteworthy concrete design and installation trends that you’ll find today:

1. 3D Printing: The old-school way of installing concrete was to mix and pour it. However, nowadays, it is becoming increasingly common to 3D print custom concrete designs for a wide range of applications.
2. Built-In Optical Fibers: Most concrete is entirely solid. However, mixes now exist that result in translucent concrete and include optical fibers for an increasingly stunning visual effect.
3. Environmentally Friendly Concrete: Environmental consciousness is more widespread than ever before. This is true regarding the concrete flatwork industry, as it has begun to embrace ecologically friendly cement materials and binders. Through this work, the concrete installation process will leave behind a dramatically smaller carbon footprint.
4. Improved Healing Abilities: Amazingly, some types of concrete come with special smart healing agents that help to repair cracks when they form. This fantastic ability leads to greater resilience and longevity in the flatwork.
5. Variation in Color and Texture: When most people think of concrete, they think of a gray and dull material facade. However, contractors are now using concrete mixes that produce exciting colors and textures.
   
   

Those five trends represent the concrete industry’s willingness to embrace new technologies and new building techniques. However, there is a lot more to learn about concrete flatwork. Now that we have discussed the top trends in this field, it’s time to discuss more general topics related to concrete flatwork.

How Long Does Newly-Installed Flatwork Last?

Although it is interesting to consider the many trends in concrete flatwork, it is also essential to consider other practical matters. For instance, many homeowners are concerned about how long their newly installed concrete will last.

Of course, the longevity of your concrete depends on many factors, including its location, the wear and tear it receives, and the general care you give it. However, we can provide an estimate for how long this type of project should last.

Generally, concrete that includes rebar should last at least several decades. In best-case scenarios, new concrete will last for a full century or more. As such, if you hire an experienced concrete contractor, you can expect your concrete to be well worth the investment.

Signs of Concrete Flatwork Damage

In the previous section, we mentioned the longevity of well-built concrete. However, it remains entirely possible that your concrete will receive damage. When this happens, there are signs you should look for, such as the ones in the list below:

1. Cracks that are deep, wide, or both
2. Widespread spalling
3. Significant chipping
4. Potholes, whether large or small
5. Drainage issues such as pooling

Any of the indicators above can reveal damage to your flatwork. However, the only way to tell if the damage is minimal or significant is to seek the assistance of a concrete professional. The right contractor will quickly diagnose any issue with your concrete and match you to the correct solution.

Best Ways to Repair Concrete Flatwork

If you notice that your concrete has received damage, it is helpful to know about a few of the most common flatwork repair methods. Below are a few of the ways a professional team may go about repairing your concrete:

1. Polyjacking: This is the perfect solution if your flatwork has become uneven due to sinking into voids below. The process involves drilling holes in the concrete and injecting polyjacking material to fill the void and lift the slab.
2. Cement Patching: If your concrete has small cracks or holes, one of the best solutions is to hire someone to perform cement patching. Cement patching is just what it sounds like and involves using cement to fill and cover any minor gaps.
3. Concrete Resurfacing: This service is perfect if your concrete has widespread spalling or chipping. The resurfacing process will make your concrete level again and give it a lovely appearance.
4. Full or Partial Replacement: If the damage to your flatwork is widespread, you may need to opt for a full or partial replacement. While this operation is more expensive, it results in a new, stronger concrete area.

Get the Concrete Help You Need

The best way to diagnose and resolve concrete flatwork problems is to hire a professional specializing in concrete. For anyone living in Eastern North Carolina, Regional Foundation & Crawl Space Repair is the ideal team for any concrete flatwork concerns. Give us a call today to learn more about what we offer and how we can remedy your concrete concerns.