When To Repair Vs. Replace Concrete

At some point, most home and business owners must decide whether to repair or replace their property's concrete driveways, walkways, steps, and parking spaces. Over time, concrete can become stained, cracked, and sunken due to use and exposure to natural elements. Let's explore why your concrete may deteriorate and when you should repair or replace it.

Reasons Concrete Deteriorates

• Weather cycles can cause cracking in concrete.
• Concrete contracts in the cold and expands in hot temperatures; fluctuations can worsen matters.
• Poor soil conditions and erosion can lead to concrete sinking.
• Poor installation can result in concrete lifting.
• Concrete can stain due to oils, grime, and natural debris.
• Tree roots cause concrete to crack.
• Heavy use of equipment creates wear and tear.
• Water gets under the concrete's surface, causing expansion.

Cracks In Your Concrete Give You Insightful Clues

• Check, and shrinkage cracks: Check and shrinkage cracks are easy to identify as they form most often on the top layer of your concrete. Shrinkage cracks are normal and occur during the initial hydration process of concrete.
• Structural or settlement cracks: Structural or settlement cracks in the concrete stretch for long distances and typically across from one side to the other. Grade preparation and soil shifting both contribute to structural damage.
• Off-set structural cracks: Off-set structural cracks in concrete can be identified by the raised surface on either side of the damage. This crack shifts from side to side and maybe even out of place.

When To Repair Concrete

• Stained and dirty concrete can be cleaned using professional power washing services that take care not to loosen the concrete as they clean.
• Sunken concrete may be able to be remedied by poly jacking, a method involving the drilling of tiny holes around your property and filling them with polyurethane.
• Cracks in the concrete that are superficial can be filled with polymer or other substances to ward off further cracking.

When To Replace Concrete

• When concrete is sinking more than 8", it is more cost-effective to replace it.
• When the cracks in concrete are too deep or extensive, the surface's integrity is compromised.
• When concrete holes present hazards that threaten people's safety.
• When concrete damage or deterioration covers large surface areas, repair becomes ineffective cost-wise.

Keeping Concrete In Like-New Condition

Concrete can last many years when taken care of properly. Keeping your concrete in like-new condition requires regular removal of stains and grime to keep the surface's integrity intact. Also, be mindful of the growth of trees and shrubs near the concrete to ensure roots don't disturb the ground underneath.