Concrete is one of the world’s most-utilized man-made materials and can be found everywhere from buildings to swimming pools. When working with this material, make sure your contractor has experience handling both commercial and industrial projects.
If your concrete slab becomes uneven, hiring a lifting service to repair it is one solution to safer and less invasive repairs like mudjacking.
1. Repairing Cracks
Concrete cracks can be both annoying and hazardous. Depending on their size, some may need to be filled to stop water entering through and further damaging the concrete structure.
Repairing large cracks in concrete requires additional time and tools. But it doesn’t have to be difficult; just follow a few tips and select an appropriate product.
Once a crack has been cleared of debris and loose material that might interfere with adhering the filler to concrete, create a rough surface by sanding, which will help it stick better to concrete and scrubbed down with a wire brush for any remaining dirt and debris. Read your manufacturer’s instructions carefully and apply crack filler accordingly.
2. Staining
Concrete is one of the most beloved building materials, yet many homeowners are unaware that it can be stained to add vibrant hues and make their concrete appear new again. Staining is an affordable way to make any surface appear new again!
Chemical stains (which react with the lime in concrete to produce color results) or water-based stains may be best, although both options provide you with numerous color choices. Water based stains tend to be easier for users.
If you’re staining a large area, using a sprayer is the fastest and most even way to cover it. Be sure to tape off any areas you don’t want stained as stain can be hard to remove once applied in unexpected places. Hose-type sprayers can be purchased for around $50 from home improvement stores; try practicing first on some nondescript part of your concrete so you know what results to expect.
3. Sealing
Concrete is one of the toughest building materials out there, but even it can succumb to wear and tear over time. Moisture fluctuations and temperature swings can cause cracks in outdoor concrete surfaces while daily wear and tear may stain interior concrete surfaces – both can be avoided by sealing your surfaces regularly. Luckily, sealing will protect them.
Clean the concrete surface using professional cleaners designed to remove contaminants such as dirt, oil and grease from its surface. This step is important as contaminants may compromise sealer longevity as well as negatively affect its appearance.
Choose the type of sealer that best meets your needs. Acrylic sealers come in transparent, tinted, glossy and matte finishes and can be used indoors and outdoors. Polyurethane and epoxy sealers tend to be more costly but provide thicker protection – great for high traffic areas but require regular upkeep.
4. Repairing Damaged Foundations
Cracked concrete walls or bowing walls in your home? A qualified concrete contractor can repair them. If the crack is small enough, concrete crack filler may help seal it to avoid moisture penetration and potential structural issues.
On occasion, cracks may require more drastic treatment. An experienced foundation specialist may recommend installing steel piers into the soil in order to stabilize a foundation, as these cylindrical supports are built to withstand strong ground pressure and resist further settlement of foundation cracks.
Concrete leveling (sometimes known as slab jacking) is another viable solution for sinking concrete surfaces, known as slab jacking. This involves drilling holes under failing sections of a slab and injecting dense polyurethane foam or concrete slurry directly under them – this method being less invasive and cheaper than excavation; suitable for basements, patios and any area experiencing sinking concrete as well as eco-friendly properties.
5. Adding Decorative Finishes
Concrete has quickly become one of the world’s go-to building materials and an invaluable choice for modern homeowners. Thanks to advances in staining, stamping, texture printing, and pattern creation techniques, decorative concrete surfaces can now look visually striking while remaining safe and hygienic.
Stenciled and acid stained concrete finishes are two of the most frequently employed decorative concrete finishes. Acid staining involves adding inorganic salts to water, creating a mottled marbleized effect in the finished piece; stenciling utilizes stencils to create patterns on newly laid and curing concrete surfaces.
decorative concrete overlays offer an alternative to replacing existing surfaces, which is more cost- and time-efficient. When applied over existing surfaces, decorative concrete overlays can instantly transform how your home appears; adding an attractive driveway or pool deck could make your entire property seem newer!
6. Repairing Damaged Driveways
Concrete driveways, walkways, patios and steps all take a beating from Mother Nature; but don’t despair: repairs are typically simpler than you may expect!
At first, whether working with concrete or asphalt surfaces, the first step should be a thorough cleaning. A pressure washer equipped with a high-pressure nozzle works effectively for this, or alternatively use a masonry cleaner that contains degreasing agents or removes mold and mildew effectively.
Once repaired, small cracks and holes can be filled using concrete patching products; for larger or deeper cracks, a standard concrete mix that contains gravel works best. After repairs have been completed, sealant should be applied over newly formed surfaces to protect them from weather damage and staining as an additional preventive measure to extend its lifetime and save you money over time. It will also give your home an improved aesthetic and increase its resale value.
7. Repairing Damaged Patios
Patios provide the ideal setting for relaxation or backyard BBQs with family and friends alike. However, like any outdoor space, they can become damaged through neglect or naturally-occurring damage such as settling and cracking.
Concrete patios are regularly exposed to extreme weather conditions and extra wear and tear from foot traffic, which often causes cracks to appear over time. Most patio cracks can be repaired with an effective filler product such as crack repair filler.
If your patio slabs have sunken or raised areas, professional concrete leveling services can restore an even surface. This process is also ideal for leveling uneven foundations in basements and garages around your home. When hiring contractors to level patio concrete surfaces, be sure to ask for pictures or reviews of previous projects they have completed before hiring them.
8. Repairing Damaged Pool Decks
Pool decks are essential parts of the summer experience, but damage to yours can ruin it completely. Professional concrete pool deck repairers offer fast and effective services so that you can continue enjoying it throughout summer.
Cracked pool decks may occur due to soil compaction, settlement or even leaks in a swimming pool. Cracks present trip hazards and should be repaired as soon as they appear for safety reasons.
Large cracks can be challenging to repair on your own and should be left to professionals. Slab jacking foam can be used to lift concrete slabs using hydraulic pressurization. A new layer is then laid on top to restore its original surface. However, smaller cracks may be patched easily by homeowners themselves using patching products which harden in 30 minutes sandable and paintable by means of patching tools available on the market.
9. Repairing Damaged Walls
No matter if it has been damaged from rain, wind, or any other natural elements, a concrete contractor can make repairs. Depending on the extent of damage, repairs may involve chipping away existing concrete surfaces or completely resurfacing them with new surface.
Residential concrete contractors offer residential installation of new concrete at your home. For smaller-scale projects like landings and walkways, such as bagged cement mix may be mixed onsite using a portable cement mixer; or they may bring in a trucked mixer for foundations and slabs.
Search for a concrete contractor that belongs to industry organizations and has experience in commercial construction projects. Such firms typically boast some of the highest revenues in their industries and rank highly with Engineering News-Record (ENR). You should also inquire as to their insurance, certification and bonding.
10. Repairing Damaged Fences
Residential concrete contractors specialize in both new and existing concrete work in your home. For smaller jobs such as landings or walkways, bagged cement mix may suffice; larger projects, like foundations or slabs may require the services of a concrete mixer truck.
Wood fences can become damaged in storms or over time through wear-and-tear. However, with some simple DIY repairs you can extend their lifespan. This could include sanding and re-staining to remove dirt, mildew, or mold growth; and providing extra support to any leaning posts.
If your wooden fence has become severely damaged, replacing it may be necessary. A metal post base can help with this by attaching to the bottom of each post and bracing them against the ground; this can add up to 20 pounds of additional strength to its structure.