Your contractor probably told you that your concrete surface would last up to three decades. So, why is it already showing signs of deterioration? The following are some of the causes of concrete damage:
·      Blistering: this happens if the concrete is not finished properly
·      Moisture: if water seeps into the concrete and then freezes, it causes cracking.
·      Chemical damage: concrete has calcium hydroxide, a compound that reacts with carbon dioxide to form calcium carbonate. This carbonation reduces the strength of concrete and increases acidity, which erodes the steel reinforcement.
·      Cracks: cracks are inevitable due to moisture, blistering, and heavy traffic. These cracks trap water, which freezes and expands, causing even wider cracks.

When To Call A Concrete Repair Professional?
Does your concrete surface need repair? There could be cracks, bulges, sinkholes, or graying of the surface. While small cracks can be easily fixed using concrete patching kits, most other damages require professional concrete repair.

The following are some tips to help you determine if the damage requires a professional concrete repair:
·      How wide is the crack? It might be just a hairline crack, in which a concrete patch kit might do the job. However, wide cracks and crocodile cracking require a professional. Applying band-aid fixes to such cracking does not address the cause of the damage. In fact, it might make the problem worse.
·      Are there signs of sinking? If there is sinking, buckling, or heaving, patching or sealing the cracks is not a solution. You need to call a concrete repair professional for replacement or professional concrete resurfacing.
·      Are you planning to sell the property? If so, you cannot afford to take shortcuts with concrete repair. The poorly done concrete repair will negatively affect the aesthetic appeal and the value of your property.

Concrete Resurfacing Versus Replacement

Well, when your sidewalk damage has not reached the sub base, the surface can be resurfaced. We look at the extent of the cracks and other forms of damages, such as sinking and buckling, to determine the extent of the damage. When resurfacing the concrete, a new layer of concrete is poured over your existing driveway after the top layer has been removed. The result is a silky-smooth surface that’s intact and damage-free.
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On the other hand, if your surface is more than two decades old, we recommend replacement. At about two decades, the degradation is so severe that it has reached the sub base. Additionally, you will be dealing with lots of patches from previously done resurfacing and crack repairs.
However, you need to factor in downtime and disruption especially for businesses. While replacement may be your only option, remember it’s an extensive project that could take several days. So, make the necessary arrangement if the damage is not too much, and your concrete has to be replaced.

For more information on concrete repair, contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.