Concrete is one of the most durable materials around. However, it isn’t impervious to the damage that can be caused by improper installation or extreme weather conditions of the sort that we’re used to here in the Ottawa Valley.
If your home or business has a concrete foundation, driveway or parking lot, you should be aware of the types of damage that can occur. This will allow you to spot issues before significant degradation takes place. Here are the most common issues that our concrete contractors repair in Ottawa.
Cracks will inevitably appear in concrete at some point. If the concrete wasn’t laid properly, cracking can appear as soon as a few weeks after the concrete was poured. But even concrete that’s perfectly applied will crack in time.
Call a concrete contractor if it looks like water is getting through the cracks, if cracking has become a safety hazard or if it just looks bad. Generally cracks can be filled and the concrete resurfaced, but certain cases may require replacing the concrete altogether.
Spalling refers to flaking and chipping on the concrete’s surface. It’s usually the result of moisture infiltration, but can also be caused by damage from road salt. The freeze-thaw cycle we experience every year contributes to this issue, as does concrete that was improperly mixed to begin with. In many cases, the top layer of concrete can be removed and then resurfaced.
Settlement occurs when the ground under the concrete wasn’t compacted enough or when it undergoes a significant change in moisture. When this happens, parts of the concrete sink into the earth. This poses considerable risk for tripping on sidewalks, or tire damage on sunken driveways and parking lots.
Worn surfaces are usually due to wear and tear that happens gradually. As long as there isn’t any structural damage caused by the above issues, worn concrete just needs to be resurfaced to restore it to its original look.
FIX SMALL ISSUES BEFORE THEY BECOME BIG PROBLEMS
If you notice any sort of concrete damage on your foundation or parking lot, it’s important to have a professional repair it as quickly as possible. Fixing minor issues in a timely manner can prevent the need for more extensive repairs. The experts at Reitano Concrete in Ottawa have been helping the community with their concrete for almost 25 years. Call us today to find out how we can help you too.