How many times have you walked outside and seen cracks in your concrete? If you’re like most people, this probably happens quite often. It’s not uncommon for our concrete to crack due to the nature of its composition. But don’t worry! There are several ways to determine whether or not you need concrete repair or replacement. Read on for more information about diagnosing cracked concrete.
Why is a concrete inspection necessary?
The answer is simple: a concrete slab can last for decades with proper care and maintenance. However, if it’s not inspected regularly, you might not know that there are problems until they become much more significant – and more expensive – to fix. Just like everything else, normal wear will eventually happen and may lead to further damage if not taken care of.
Determine the type of concrete you have
How to know what type of concrete you have? There are different types of concrete. To understand what type is installed in your driveway or sidewalk, you will need to take a sample and have it tested. The most common types of concrete are:
- Portland cement
- Concrete made with fly ash
- Roller compacted concrete
The location of the concrete construction project can also help determine what type was used. For example, a Portland cement mix was likely used if the concrete is at a garage door. A roller probably compacted concrete mix was used if the concrete is in a basement. Concrete made with fly ash will be used in areas where there is a lot of air pollution.
How to inspect your concrete
Once you have determined the type of concrete, there are still some things you can look for to help determine if concrete repair or replacement is necessary:
- Cracks: If the cracks are wider than a quarter-inch and growing, replacement is likely necessary
- Spalling: This occurs when the surface of the concrete flakes away.
- Efflorescence: A white powder that appears on the surface of the concrete; can be caused by water seeping through the cracks.
- Pitting: This can be caused by salt seeping through cracks and eroding the concrete.
- Shifting: If your driveway or sidewalk has recently settled, replacement may be necessary.
If you see any of these signs, it is best to test the concrete. Knowing what type of concrete was used will help determine if replacement or concrete repair is necessary, and testing can give a better idea of how much work needs to be done.
How to repair concrete yourself
If you are looking for an easy way to repair your concrete yourself, there is no need to worry. With prep work, some simple supplies and a little bit of know-how, you can do it yourself. However, hiring concrete repair contractors may be your best bet if the damage is more severe.
No matter what route you choose, make sure you correctly diagnose the problem before starting any repairs. By taking the time to inspect and accurately identify the issue, you can be sure that you are dealing with the situation safely and efficiently.
Tools needed to do the concrete repair if you’re going for the DIY route:
You will need some essential tools to repair concrete, including a hammer, chisel, and cold chisel. You’ll also need a trowel, mortar mix, hawk, and grout bag. If you’re not comfortable using these tools or if the damage is too extensive for a DIY fix, it’s best to call a concrete contractor.
Concrete repair is a critical task for homeowners, as cracked and damaged concrete can lead to water damage if it’s not fixed in time. Remember that patience and practice will help you get the job done right if you’re going with the DIY concrete repair method. You’ll also want to wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, and a dust mask to avoid getting concrete dust in your eyes or lungs. For minor repairs, a DIY method is a viable option.
Hiring concrete repair services
For larger projects, it’s best to call in concrete services as the damage may be too extensive for an amateur job.
You’ll need to check references and make sure the concrete company has insurance. You should also know if they specialize in concrete repair or work on other types of projects. If you want to go even further, ask for pictures from past jobs so that you can see their quality of work firsthand.
Concrete repair is a big job, and it’s essential to make sure you’re hiring the right concrete services for the job. Checking references and insurance is an excellent place to start, but don’t stop there! Get as much information as possible about the contractor so that you can be confident in their ability to do the job correctly and safely.
If your damage is extensive, you may want to consider replacing the area altogether. This will ensure that the concrete installation matches the rest of your driveway and won’t become damaged as quickly due to poor installation techniques. If you’re going for a complete replacement, make sure you get a few quotes and compare them before deciding.
Concrete inspection is an essential part of home ownership, as it can help you catch minor problems before they turn into big ones. By catching damage early on, you can save yourself time, money, and aggravation in the long run. If you’re not comfortable performing a concrete inspection yourself, it’s best to call in a professional. They will assess the damage and let you know what steps need to be taken to fix it.
Even a tiny crack in the service area can lead to problems down the road, so catching and fixing damage right away is always recommended before you begin your project.
Conclusion
Tulsa Concrete Contractors is the best way to get your concrete repaired or replaced. If you want to be sure that your sidewalk, driveway, porch steps are safe for years of use, it’s essential to take care of them now, so they don’t need repair in the future. The experts at Tulsa Concrete Contractors will help you diagnose whether or not your concrete needs repairs/replacement and then offer a plan with options that fit within any budget. You can visit the website to check the proper installation, quality work and expertise our Oklahoma team provide.
Call us now for a free estimate!
