The Great Big World of ConcreteThe Great Big World of Concrete


About Me

The Great Big World of Concrete

Think about how many things in the built environment are made from concrete. Even just in your home, you may have a concrete foundation or concrete basement walls. Maybe you have a concrete pad or patio out back, and you probably have a concrete sidewalk leading to and past your home. Then, there's your greater community. There are likely concrete barriers to restrict where people park. Large, concrete buildings serve as schools, court buildings, and other community structures. The list goes on, but the point is, concrete contractors create all sorts of different structures. We're excited to write articles about them here.

Categories

Archive

Important Warning Signs That Your Concrete Slab Needs Repairs Quickly

Concrete slabs are found in many residential buildings across the country and are very valuable because they are so strong and long-lasting. However, they can, occasionally, be affected by certain environmental factors which will then require repairs or else these issues could spiral out of control. These issues will often present warning signs that they are about to arise so it is important that you know what they are so that you can call for residential concrete slab repair before it is too late. Here are three of the most important warning signs that your concrete slab needs immediate help. 

Large Cracks

Concrete is prone to cracking for numerous reasons, but the one that this point is concerned with is the build-up of water beneath the slab that has created pockets in the supporting earth. While tiny cracks and small chips in your concrete are nothing to be worried about and are natural as concrete flexes due to temperature changes, when the cracks become larger, with at least an inch diameter across and over a foot in length, then you should call for an inspection and repair. If there is a pocket in the earth beneath your concrete then this can be fixed and the concrete repaired, but it is much easier to do this before a major accident happens.

Epoxy Coating Destruction

If you have an epoxy coating on your concrete slab, as many would advise you to do as it helps with protection against liquids, scratches, chemicals and so on, then you need to be aware of when it deteriorates as well. While this resin is very powerful and not easy to destroy, consistent wear and tear will eventually reveal the bare concrete beneath it in certain areas. Look for obvious discolorations when surveying the whole concrete slab and feel if the texture of the floor is rougher there. If it is, then your concrete slab is exposed and you should get a new epoxy coating.

Your Own Little Potholes

While potholes are primarily thought of as being an issue on the roads, there can become quite noticeable craters in your own residential concrete slab that resemble this phenomenon. This is more common on older concrete slabs that have been around for decades, but when they do happen, that does not mean the house needs to be foreclosed and demolished, far from it. Dealing with potholes quickly is always important, as once the surface integrity of your concrete is broken it can be more easily chipped away at the sides, which will lead to exponential growth. Slab repair can fill these in so that it looks good as new. 

Reach out to a residential concrete slab repair contractor to learn more.