Once builders have finished pouring our home’s concrete surfaces, most of us rarely give them a second thought. But, if you think about it, they take the most abuse of any area. To keep your home at its best, you need to inspect your driveway, patio slab, sidewalks, and foundation regularly for signs of wear and tear.
You Notice Visible Cracks
Changes in weather cause the soil below your concrete to change shape. Whether your climate is prone to excessive rain, drought, freezing temps, or heat advisories, these changes in weather throughout the year will affect your concrete. As the soil expands and contracts, driveways, sidewalks, and slabs are forced to move with it. In time, cracks form that can become fall hazards and cause excessive damage to the surface. An expert contractor can assess the extent of the damage and determine the type of repair you need.
Surface Has an Uneven Look
If you notice a general uneven appearance in your concrete, this could be for a variety of reasons. Extensive wear and tear, weather exposure, and poor craftsmanship are the most common culprits. Talk to a professional to figure out what is causing the unevenness on your surface. Sometimes, resealing the concrete or filling in the damaged areas will do the trick. However, if you are dealing with a terrible installation job, your best bet may be to install a fresh, high-quality product.
Standing or Pooling Water
Anytime you notice standing water on your property’s exterior, you need to address it immediately. Water pooling is a sign that it is not draining away from the home and you need to understand why. Not only can it become a breeding ground for insects and bacteria, but soggy soil can damage your home’s foundation and other concrete surfaces. Depending on your situation, you may find that you only need to reapply the waterproof coating.
Any Signs of Aging
Concrete surfaces take a lot of wear and tear. From foot traffic, vehicles driving on them, absorbing harsh UV rays, and varying weather conditions, they will eventually show signs of aging. Small cracks spread and surfaces buckle. Prolonged exposure to the sun oxidizes the surface and weakens it. Potholes commonly form, and edges may chip away. At some point, these problems need to be repaired. Given early attention, you will be more likely to need minor repairs and boost curb appeal. However, left unaddressed, concrete aging can become hazardous and lead to major repairs, or even a full replacement.
Cracks/Swelling on Garage Floor
If you have an attached garage, it is most likely the only exposed concrete portion of your home’s slab foundation. Any cracks, swelling or uneven areas in your garage are a red flag. The garage floor’s surface is typically not exposed to many weather elements, so it will show signs of aging at a significantly slower rate than outdoor concrete. So, if you notice anything suspicious, contact a professional for an inspection. They will help you determine if you simply need a minor repair, or if your home is suffering from foundation problems.
How to Choose a Concrete Repair Company
When you need concrete repair, it’s important to know how to choose the right company. Concrete contractors in Scottsdale, AZ provide high-quality concrete installations and repairs for both interiors and exteriors. When selecting a contractor, you want to find one who:
- Has a reputation for providing quality work: Ask your friends and family for referrals. Research their online reviews through Google. This way, you can weed out any companies using poor business practices.
- Experience: Find out how much experience the company has in the business. Concrete work takes a lot of expertise. Without the right training and experience, it’s a job that can be botched easily.
- Check out their website: Do they offer the services you need? Some companies are strictly residential, while others operate strictly commercially. Find out what maintenance services they offer, as well.
- Get several quotes: Once you’ve created your shortlist, get quotes from 3 to 5 companies. Make sure you understand what the work covers and any fees involved. If their recommendations on the work needed differ, make sure you find out why. A company may offer a lower rate only to discover “additional problems” that need repairing after work has already begun.
Not every sign points to a major problem. In fact, if you address problems early, you are more likely to face minor repairs and extend the life of your concrete. Complete surface replacements are always a last resort solution, and experienced concrete contractors know how to avoid them at all costs.
