If you’re like most people, you’re probably wondering how you can tell if your concrete needs repair? In an age where video games and high-tech electronics rule everyday life, we are all accustomed to a “glass will never break” mentality. We accept that glass is strong and that nothing else is as durable or resilient. While it’s true that glass won’t break, it is not indestructible. And as our modern world becomes more reliant on materials that don’t break easily, you should be concerned about how well your concrete is holding up.
Concrete OKC is a porous material made out of finely ground sand and water. When mixed with cement and heated, it becomes tough and inflexible. As the years pass, this substance begins to weaken due to the expansion and contraction during forming concrete. If you live in an area that gets heavy rain or snow, you know how easily concrete can be damaged. If it’s never been sealed properly, then you may see evidence of damage in the form of cracks and blotchy blotches.
Fortunately, there are several ways for you to tell if your concrete needs repair, including:
If there is a yellowish or brownish tint to the surface. This is one common indication of weakened concrete. You can test for this by shining a flashlight through it or examining the surface closely. If there is any stain at all, it will be a brownish color. If the concrete is stained at least six inches away from the wall, it is probably beyond repair and will need to be replaced by professional Concrete Contractors OKC.
Look at the sealer granules: Sealing requires a chemical that softens the outer surface of the concrete. When you apply a new sealer, tiny air pockets are created, allowing the sealer to adhere to the concrete better. If the granules are cloudy or white, you will not get a good seal. This means that you will not be effectively sealing your concrete, and it will need to be replaced.
Cracks: A couple of other indicators can help you tell if your concrete needs a professional sealer. If you notice that the surface of the sealer has begun to crack, become misshapen, or has a rough texture, then you may be beyond the point of using a sealer. You also want to check if the granules have begun to take on an unusual shape, are cloudy, or have a loose feel.
Consider the weather conditions when you next plan to apply a new sealer: Extreme cold or scorching temperatures can damage the quality of the finish that you get. Applying a sealant when it is significantly colder or warmer than normal can negatively impact the finish. If you find that your finished concrete has lost its gloss and it has started to look patchy, then you may have to go back to the drawing board and reapply the sealer.
Look how thick the coating of the sealer is: You will generally find that the wider the coat, the better the sealer will perform. The thickness will dictate how well the sealer can adhere to the concrete and its duration. If you are doing the work yourself, you will want to make sure that the surface of the project is adequately prepared, the sealer has been appropriately applied, and there is no evidence that the surface has been damaged in any way.
You can look for several signs to determine whether you need to contact a professional about your deteriorating concrete. For example, if there are cracks in the surface, this is a sign that the concrete is about to crack again. In addition, if the surface is starting to chip, you may have problems with water damage, which will inevitably lead to more cracking. Finally, if you find that your driveway is slowly becoming blocked by cracks or holes, then you will most likely need to call a professional to take care of the problem.
Benefits of Concrete Repair
- Concrete repair is an inexpensive solution.
- It can be completed quickly, so you’ll have your concrete back to normal in no time.
- The process does not require any specialized skills, making it easy for anyone to complete the job.
- Concrete repair is a simple way to improve your home or business’s look without spending too much money.
- You won’t need to worry about replacing the entire slab – focus on repairing cracks and holes instead!
- There are many different types of concrete repair materials available, including epoxy sealers, acrylics, and polyurethanes.