While concrete is without doubt, an incredibly durable and reliable material to construct any type of building from, there will come a time in any structure’s lifespan when the concrete will need to be repaired. This may be due to damage or wear and tear, and extreme weather along with aggregate expansion are just two of the potential causes of such degradation and damage.
Not sure whether your concrete structure is in need of repairs from a professional masonry contractor? Here are 5 tell-tale signs that repairs are likely needed:
- Cracks that can clearly be seen
Whether the concrete has expanded over time, or extreme weather has caused cracks, they can occur when a build-up of stress in the concrete, is greater than its strength. Even the smallest of cracks should be addressed by a masonry contractor, otherwise what was a small problem, can gradually become a much bigger, costlier problem.
2. An uneven surface
Concrete should always be as flat and smooth as possible, and if the concrete on your structure once was, but now has lumps and bumps appearing in it, it could be a sign of serious structural damage, and requires immediate attention from a professional.
3. Surface discoloration
As a concrete structure ages, you’ll inevitably begin to notice minor changes in its surface color, which over time, can gradually worsen and make it look unsightly. Whether caused by spillages or sunlight exposure, concrete staining and discoloration should be restored by a masonry contractor, and in many cases, is a relatively straightforward job.
4. Spalling
It’s not uncommon for concrete to begin to peel away in thin layers, and when this happens, it’s known as concrete spalling. Typically caused by water becoming trapped in the concrete and going through freeze cycles, badly mixed concrete and improper curing may also be at fault.
When this occurs, small pieces of coating begin to lift away from the concrete’s surface, which goes on to leave an unlevel and dusty surface for holes and cracks to easily form on. To avoid harming the integrity of the structure as a whole, spalling issues should be attended to by a masonry contractor, sooner rather than later. Fortunately, though, this issue is usually easy and affordable to remedy.
5. Pooling water
Excess rain can cause concrete to age prematurely, and as the water continues to break down the concrete’s surface over time, holes and puddles quickly begin to form. If you’ve started to notice puddles forming in your concrete, it’s time to call out a masonry contractor and have them assess the situation. If left untreated, improper drainage will cause staining to the exterior of the structure (and moss will likely grow on it), and potentially weaken it at its core, too. Even concrete that has had a weatherproof coating applied can be susceptible to this problem over time.
If you’ve noticed any (or more than one) of the problems listed above, it’s time to contact a trusted masonry contractor and have your concrete repaired or restored.