Repair Concrete
We use concrete as the foundation of our houses, porches, sidewalks, walkways, patios, and more. It is a tough, durable material that we can expect to last for decades. However, concrete can deteriorate due to abrasions, chemicals, natural weather conditions, and poor maintenance. If you have damaged concrete in your home, here is how experts go about making repairs.
Know what caused the problem
The first thing you should do is find out what caused the problem and how it did it. For example, if water is the cause of deterioration, you will often see cracking, flaking, discoloration, peeling paint, presence of mold or white residue. Chemicals that contain acids or alkali can also cause the leaching of concrete material.
It is best to work with a professional to determine the exact cause of deterioration. Discovering the cause will help you make sound decisions about fixing the damage. Repairing concrete without knowing the exact cause leads to deterioration again in a couple of years.
Evaluate the extent of the damage
Once the professional has figured out the exact cause of your concrete damage, the next step is determining whether the deterioration is superficial or structural. A large diagonal crack in the concrete may suggest structural damage, which you will need expert assistance with. Hiring an expert is a good idea because you may never know the extent of the crack within the concrete matrix or if the problem has something to do with the steel reinforcements.
A professional may use a hammer to investigate the level of delamination on the concrete surface. They'll gently ping the surface and take note of the sound produced. Superficially delaminated concrete sends off a dull hollow sound, whereas structural damage may give off a hard ringing sound.
Gather appropriate tools for repair
What does a professional need to fix the concrete damage? High-quality concrete is at the top of the list. However, companies now make various polymers as alternatives that are also strong and last a long time. In fact, many repair materials available today are a mixture of polymer and Portland cement.
When selecting a repair material, a professional will consider factors like:
The compressive strength of the concrete
How quickly you want to use that concrete surface again
The type of repair they are trying to achieve, from a simple cover-up to fixing a deep crack
The common cause of concrete damage in your home
How you want to spruce up your outdoor space by making some improvements during the repair
Hire a professional
If you want something to last a lifetime, you want the best repairs. Working with professionals at Allied Outdoor Solutions can help you get to the bottom of the issue. They'll ensure you get your concrete fixed.
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