Key Takeaways –
People love doing things themselves. It’s empowering and gives a sense of accomplishment to care for something without help. But when it comes to concrete repair and resurfacing, it’s time to put the hammer down and call in the pros. Here’s why…
We all know concrete is strong, durable, reliable, and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. But that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. Over time, even the most rigid concrete can show its age. If you’re noticing cracks, chips, or other damage to your concrete, it might be time for repair or resurfacing. Here are five reasons why you might need to take action:
A temperature change is not always ideal for unprepared concrete pavement. For example, when water freezes during winter, it expands. And when it expands, it puts pressure on the concrete around it. The expansion causes cracks and other concrete surface damage. Similarly, when the temperature gets too hot, the water in the concrete can evaporate, shrinking the concrete and again leading to cracks and other damage.
Improper concrete mixture or impurities can lead to long-term problems. As the impurities work out, they can cause cracking, flaking, or other surface damage, which might need a complete concrete overhaul.
Another factor that can lead to concrete damage is poor drainage around the slab. If water pools on the slab’s surface for an extended period, it can seep into any cracks or pores in the concrete and disintegrate the structure from within. The surface crumbles, causing severe problems like sinkholes or total collapse of slab sections.
As trees grow around the surface, their roots spread out underground in search of water and nutrients. If those roots run into a slab of concrete, they can lift it and crack it as they continue to grow.
Finally, soil erosion is another contributing factor to concrete damage—especially if there isn’t proper drainage around the slab to combat it. Soil erosion happens when rainwater or irrigation washes away topsoil around your foundation slab. This exposes the underlying rocks, which start putting pressure on your foundation, causing cracking or shifting.
While cracks in concrete are inevitable, some are too big to ignore. So, how can you tell if it’s time to bite the bullet and resurface your concrete? Here are five surefire signs:
We’re not talking about hairline fractures here. We’re talking about big, gaping cracks that make you think the surface might cave in at any moment. If your concrete has seen better days, resurfacing is probably your best bet.
This is when the surface of the concrete begins to break into small pieces. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also be dangerous if someone slips on a loose piece of concrete. If your concrete is spalling, resurfacing is a great way to bring it back to life.
Spills happen. But it might be time to call reinforcements if you’ve tried everything under the sun and those red wine stains won’t budge. A professional concrete resurfacing company will have the tools and expertise necessary to eliminate those pesky stains.
If your concrete is no longer level or has begun to sag in certain areas, resurfacing is the way to go. An uneven surface can be unsightly and pose a safety hazard if someone were to trip and fall.
Just like anything else, concrete wears down over time. So, if your concrete sidewalk or patio hasn’t been resurfaced in 20 years, it’s probably time to give it a much-needed overhaul.
Also, Read – Mistakes to Avoid When Line Striping Your Parking Lot
Even if you’re reasonably handy, some jobs are best left to the professionals. Concrete repair is one of those jobs. We’ve seen the disasters that can occur when someone attempts a concrete repair without the required skills or knowledge. Here are a few reasons you should leave concrete repair jobs to the pros.
Let’s face it, dealing with concrete is a messy business. And unless you’re experienced in working with concrete, chances are that you’ll make quite a mess. Not to mention, concrete can be pretty heavy and difficult to maneuver. So, unless you’re prepared to deal with the mess and have the muscle to lift heavy bags of concrete, we suggest leaving this job to the professionals.
Dealing with concrete also carries the risk of injury. A lot can go wrong, from lifting heavy bags to working with power tools. And even if you manage to avoid serious injury, there’s always the risk of minor cuts and scrapes. Save yourself the trouble and let the professionals handle it.
Another considerable risk of attempted DIY concrete repair is damaging your or your neighbor’s property. If you’re not experienced in working with concrete, it’s too easy to make a mistake that could cause significant damage. And if you accidentally damage your neighbor’s property, you could end up in small claims court. Not worth the risk, right?
DIY projects are all the rage, but when it comes to concrete resurfacing and repair, leave it to the professionals. Doctor Asphalt in St Paul, MN has years of experience repairing foundations, sidewalks, curbs, patios – you name it! We’ve seen it all, and we know how to make your property look its best. Call us today for a free quote, and let us show you what we can do!