5 Common Concrete Repair Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
You paid a concrete repair service to fix some concrete cracks, only to find that the repairs are failing much sooner than you would have expected.
This is a frustrating problem to have, and one that can lead to safety concerns, lost productivity, and emergency repairs.
Indeed, concrete repair mistakes can become an endless problem if they are not caught and remedied. But how do you know what to look out for and how to make sure the fix holds?
Are you having issues with cracks in the concrete around your home or business? Keep reading for some insight on how to keep your concrete areas in good repair.
1. Proper Diagnoses
Many times, a contractor will focus on filling concrete cracks, without looking for the cause of the crack. Repairs that do not address the source of the problem will not hold indefinitely, and fixes like epoxy and polyurethane will fail with time.
Make sure they assess the whole area properly, not only the visible cracks. In order to diagnose the cause of the crack, contractors should check the weak zone.
2. Use the Right Material
Some contractors make the simple mistake of using concrete to repair concrete. While this may hold for a while, in time you will end up with the same issues that needed a repair, to begin with. It is important to repair with a material that is stronger than concrete, such as carbon fiber.
Because of its strength, carbon fiber is being used more often in construction and building projects. It has also decreased in cost over the years and is now a cost-effective way of repairing concrete in structures. By using the right concrete repair equipment and materials, you will be able to avoid costly mistakes that keep occurring.
3. Ask the Right Questions
Contractors should ask certain questions before doing a repair. This way you have as much information as possible to make the correct repair. Once you have these answers, you will use the right tools and approach
- How long since they noticed the crack?
- Does it open and close depending on the weather or season?
- Does it reappear at certain times?
- Has there been any disruption to the foundation?
- Have there been any changes to the stress load of the structure?
4. Prepare to Repair
Ensure that the area is correctly prepared before the repair is done. Cutting corners will only lead to bigger problems later, so don’t skip any steps. Also remember that each crack should be approached as a unique problem, and not with a one-size-fits-all solution.
By properly preparing the area, you can save time and money with a good repair, rather than having to replace elements just because a few simple steps were not followed. Repairs done well can help prevent expensive and unnecessary emergency replacements.
5. The Right Maintenance
If concrete repairs are maintained correctly, they will hold for longer. Keep the area clean and free of debris and plants with roots that might cause the concrete to crack. Clean up any spills quickly as concrete absorbs liquid and can stain almost immediately.
Apply sealer every few years to protect the concrete and maintain the finish. Since concrete is so durable and versatile you will find it has been used in many places. Looking after it now will save you time and money in the future.
Avoid Concrete Repair Mistakes
Follow a few simple steps, and there should be very few concrete repair mistakes that cannot be dealt with. Use the right materials and look after the problem areas, and you shouldn’t have problems for a long time.
If you would like to know more about concrete repair or maintenance, call us today and we will answer any questions you may have.
