Issues That Could Ruin Your Home That You Don't Know
Kyl Roelofs • November 27, 2024
5 Concrete Issues That Could Be Ruining Your Home
How to Uncover Common Hidden Concrete Issues (And How to Fix Them)
Concrete is one of the most durable building materials, but it isn’t immune to problems. Hidden issues in your home’s concrete structures can lead to bigger problems if left unchecked. Here are five common concrete issues, how to identify them, and what to do to fix them:
Cracks in Concrete Foundations
Small cracks in your foundation may not seem serious, but they can allow water infiltration and lead to structural instability. Look for signs of uneven floors or doors that don’t close properly. Repair options include crack injection and epoxy sealing. This may be unsightly but it's better to treat a crack early than let it get out of hand. Replacement is much more costly than patching.
Uneven Concrete Driveways
Over time, driveways can become uneven due to soil settlement or tree roots. Uneven surfaces can be hazardous and diminish curb appeal. Concrete leveling is a cost-effective solution to restore a smooth surface. Uneven or improperly graded concrete surfaces can cause water to pool and lead to bigger foundational issues later down the line. If you see puddles of water on your concrete, you may have uneven surfaces.
Spalling on Concrete Surfaces
Spalling occurs when the surface
of the concrete flakes or peels. This is often due to water damage or poor installation. Resurfacing can repair the damage and add a decorative finish. Flaking concrete can make it dangerous or slippery to walk or drive across so make sure surfaces are smooth and crack-free for safety.
Sunken Sidewalks
A sunken concrete sidewalk
or walkway to doors not only looks bad but also poses a tripping hazard. There are many ways to counter balance the sinking from backfilling, mudjacking or foam leveling to lift the concrete back into place.
Structural Concrete Damage
Visible cracks or exposed rebar in retaining walls or load-bearing structures are serious concerns. If you see large horizontal, diagonal, or vertical cracks over .25 inch thick be alarmed. You can test if you can fit quarter into the crack, if so it's too wide to ignore! These require professional structural concrete repairs to ensure safety.
Conducting regular concrete
maintenance and visual inspections can prevent these issues from escalating. If you suspect a problem, don’t hesitate to call us for a free estimate.