Cracked: 6 Telltale Signs That Your Concrete Needs Repairing
Concrete is one of the most common materials used in construction. The quality of concrete rests on how robust, durable and relatively inexpensive it is to install. Its tensile strength is legendary, and the finished product can last for decades. However, like all materials, it can suffer from wear and tear over time. Whether cracking, flaking, pitting or pooling water, concrete structures can show signs of age and damage.
Of course, regular maintenance and inspection can help you catch problems early on before they have a chance to cause severe damage. Despite even the best care, concrete can still succumb to the elements. Especially here in Portland, with its rainy weather and increasingly hotter summers. That’s why it’s essential to know the common signs of concrete wear so you can take action quickly. Otherwise, you risk further damage to your property.
In this blog post, Bridgeport Concrete Leveling LLC is ready to explore six telltale signs your concrete has suffered some damage and what you can do to fix them. Once you finish reading, give the concrete structures on your property a look-over to see if it needs attention. If it does, there’s only one concrete contractor in Portland to trust: Bridgeport.
Visible Cracks
When it comes to maintaining the integrity of your property, addressing visible structural cracks is paramount. Such cracks, often a result of weathering, shifting soil, and encroaching tree roots, can spell significant trouble if ignored. These seemingly minor issues can quickly escalate, leading to further damage that compromises the safety and value of your property. The most effective way to confront and remedy these concerns is through the replacement or resurfacing of the affected concrete areas. While some may opt for a simple fill-in solution, this is merely a band-aid on a problem that requires a more substantial fix. Settling for such temporary measures can lead to more significant issues down the line, underscoring the importance of choosing a reliable and thorough approach for your next concrete project.
Spalling or Flaking
Another common issue is spalling or flaking concrete. This occurs when the top layer of concrete begins to peel away from the rest of the slab. You can tell concrete is spalling or flaking by an increase in loose concrete. Extreme weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures or high humidity, often cause concrete to spall or flake.
Oregon weather can feature both states, so it’s essential to be on the lookout for spalling concrete. While a spot fix can solve the issue, it might result in an ugly bump or uneven surface. If you need help fixing significant flaking on your property, an expert concrete contractor is just the person to call.
Pitting or Potholes
Potholes and pits are other common issues with concrete. They occur when water seeps into the concrete and causes it to break down from the inside out. This can weaken the concrete and make it more susceptible to further damage. Potholes are more enormous, more obvious depressions. You can identify pitting as a series or area of small divets and depressions. Either issue is grounds enough to resurface the area.
Pooled water or sunk concrete
In addition to pitting and potholes, pooled water can also sink concrete. This occurs when the water cannot drain from the concrete, causing it to settle. This can create an uneven surface that’s more susceptible to damage. You can identify sunken concrete by looking for areas lower than the rest of the character. A professional concrete contractor can help you raise sunken concrete and level it with the rest of your property while also building in a slight grade to keep the water off.
Aged, weathered appearance
Weathering is a common issue with concrete. It’s caused by exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as sunlight, wind and rain. Setting a powerwasher too high can accelerate and intensify wear and tear on the concrete. This will eventually cause the concrete to fade, crack, chip or otherwise become uneven.
If you notice your concrete surface has lost its luster, it’s a sign that it might need more than just cleaning. Cleaned and polished concrete can only go so far. When it comes to giving your driveway, patio or sidewalk a new look, sometimes it’s just better to replace it with fresh concrete.
Rough areas and uneven slabs
Finally, if you notice rough areas or uneven slabs, it’s a sign that your concrete needs to be replaced or resurfaced. Rough spots are often caused by age, weathering or overly harsh or too-frequent cleanings. Uneven concrete can be caused by anything from improper installation to tree roots pushing the concrete up. Both rough areas and uneven slabs create trip hazards and make it difficult to walk on. If you have young children, this can be especially dangerous. The good news is that keeping walking areas level is best done by expert concrete contractors!
Need an Expert? Call Bridgeport Concrete Levelling
If you notice any of these common signs of substantial damage, you might have the confidence to attempt your repairs. Still, concrete is a notoriously finicky and challenging construction material to work with it. The control of concrete mixtures has sent many a person into a fit. As the old saying goes, you can always add more water, but you can’t take any away.
So instead of courting disaster, call in the modern concrete professionals! Bridgeport Concrete Leveling LLC has years of experience repairing, resurfacing and restoring concrete driveways, sidewalks and patios. That’s why we are the first name for high-strength concrete contractors in Portland, Oregon.
We’ll work with you to find the best solution for your next concrete project. Contact us via our website or call today at (503) 808-0060!