What if concrete cracks? Cracks are an inevitable fact of life in any material. Concrete is no different. You may have to deal with cracks in your driveway, sidewalks, pool coping, patio, and garden material. Although some people may see a crack as a cosmetic problem, think about the potential damage that could be done if an unseen or undetected crack is left untreated.
A crack in a concrete surface can compromise the structural integrity of the entire structure. In addition, cracks in concrete can allow water to seep underneath, causing additional structural damage. Not only does this damage the interior of the structure, it also exposes the foundation’s weak points and increases the likelihood of further structural failure. What if concrete cracks?
What if concrete cracks because of a flaw? If a small crack grows and enlarges, the situation becomes even more precarious. The expansion of the crack can eventually lead to the cracking of the underlying aggregate material. What if concrete cracks because of this common flaw?
One of the best ways to avoid the devastating consequences of an untreated crack is to make sure that you schedule regular concrete repairs. This will not only ensure that your structure is always in safe condition but will help to reduce the need for costly and extensive repairs down the road. You should schedule routine maintenance visits for exterior concrete repairs at least once a year. By scheduling quick preventive maintenance visits, you can stop cracks from getting worse before they get out of control. By getting started as soon as possible, you can be on the way to protecting your investment rather than incurring costly repairs.
What if concrete starts cracking but won’t stop? If cracks continue, the situation becomes even more problematic. Cracks in concrete are a sign that the material is deteriorating and requires immediate attention to prevent structural damage and increase the likelihood of mold growth.
What if concrete cracks but won’t spread? Just like cracks in other materials, the right kind of maintenance and timely repairs can prevent the spread of cracks in concrete. Preventive maintenance visits will include cleaning away any dirt or dust that may have built up on the surface, and apply a high-quality sealer. These two basic steps can prevent cracks from becoming worse before they become a larger issue, and will also make them less noticeable. This will also reduce the need for costly repairs later on.
What if concrete starts cracking but won’t spread? In this case, the only thing you can do to avoid structural damage is to wait it out. Wait until the weather gets warmer and your next routine maintenance visit should be able to prevent further cracking. But if you’ve already started to notice cracks in concrete, it’s probably time to call in the professionals for a more thorough job.
What if concrete cracks and doesn’t just break apart? You can still repair most cracked concrete, but you’ll have to take it up to a higher level and work with it a little harder. If your cracks aren’t large and require more than a sandblasting session, you should contact a contractor that deals with concrete repairs. They will be able to properly seal your area, remove any loose concrete, and start your restoration process. With some time, your damaged concrete should look as good as new, and hopefully, will continue to look that way.
What if concrete begins to stain after a storm? While stains may be unavoidable, you can easily treat and remove them yourself. Start by putting some ice on the stained area, then apply some cleaning detergent and rubbing alcohol. Allow the stain to sit for a few minutes, then rinse it away with water. This should help to remove any stubborn stains and prevent future ones from occurring.
What if concrete starts to cave in? When your concrete begins to cave in, it’s best to call in a professional immediately. A chisel will be needed to chip away at the concrete and remove any excess water. The contractor will use heavy duty steel woolers to sand down the newly repaired area, and will wrap the repaired area with vinyl to keep it from getting too wet or moldy.
What if concrete starts to cave in again? This is usually the case when there is an improper fixing method. Usually the area needs to be filled with concrete mix and the surrounding area has to be rebarored before the rest of the home can be installed. However, if the rest of the home is being built correctly, the problem should be fixed before finishing the rest of the home.