Concrete is a durable construction material, commonly used on sidewalks, curbs, and parking lots for its strength. However, over time, the concrete may become damaged.
Have you noticed small cracks and holes on your sidewalk as you walk to your office? Or maybe, you noticed that your driveway is uneven? Cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces are examples of minor concrete and asphalt repair you need on your grounds. They may seem negligible at first but can expand into major concrete repairs if ignored. It’s essential to identify the problems and fix them before they cause further damage.
Frost Heave
Frost heave causes significant damage to concrete surfaces. As the temperature drops and ice begins to form, the ground freezes too. Any water in the subsurface soil turns into ice and expands, forcing the concrete to rise out of place. Later on, when the temperature rises, the ice thaws, and the ground sinks, forcing the slab to sink. The repeated freeze-and-thaw process causes concrete to form cracks.
You can’t stop ice formation, but you can reduce damage to concrete surfaces by installing and sealing the areas properly.
Spalling
Spalling tends to happen when the concrete breaks away from a slab, usually until the reinforcement bars. The concrete surface may appear patchy and uneven to walk or drive on. Spalling can happen because the bars inside are rusty and corroded, or because the concrete joints were weak. Fortunately, you can fix spalling by:
- Applying a water sealant on the concrete surface to prevent water entry.
- Providing the right thickness of concrete cover for rebar when building, especially around the edges.
- Preventing excess water in your concrete mix.
- Placing concrete joints in the right places.
Poor Subgrade and Sub-base
What you place beneath your concrete affects the quality of the finish and durability. Proper subgrade and subbase create an ideal foundation for your concrete works. If your soil is well-drained and possible to compact, you can level the ground and lay the slabs on top. However, poorly drained soil that doesn’t compact affects your concrete, causing it to spall or crack.
A subbase provides proper support and loading for your concrete slab. The subbase also provides good drainage to prevent water from damaging the slab through ground movement.
Act Now to Avoid Major Repairs Later
If you already have concrete damage, here are several concrete repairs you can consider:
- Patching the spalled area with concrete and a waterproofing membrane.
- Cleaning corroded brushes to remove rust and applying a rust inhibitor to prevent damage.
- Pumping cement slurry beneath the concrete to put a slab back into place.
Hiring a Concrete Repair Company
Fixing concrete damage, especially without the right knowledge or tools, can prove to be arduous. What’s more, if you have multiple locations to consider, the task becomes more challenging. With Strategic Grounds Management, you can ensure the maintenance of all concrete surfaces in your business locations to avoid major concrete repairs.
