As one of the most durable and versatile building materials, concrete is used in a wide array of man-made structures in order to stabilize them. Despite its sturdiness and strength, concrete is continuously subjected to elements that wear it down over time.

So, how do you find out if the concrete in your homes and buildings is in need of repair? Here are some telltale signs:

1. Cracking

Eventually, you’re bound to notice cracks in your concrete, but not all cracks are a cause for alarm. Quite often, cracks in the driveway are caused due to the expansion and contraction of the soil underneath the concrete slab — subject to the interchanging seasons of rain and drought. These cracks don’t require your immediate attention.

However, cracks in your basement walls need to be inspected by experts as soon as they are detected since they may be indicative of serious foundation problems. It’s possible that the concrete will require touch-up or will undergo leveling to prevent the structure form further damage.

2. Uneven appearance of concrete

If you notice that the concrete in your vertical walls or horizontal driveways is not as smooth and even as it initially was, then this may point to a serious underlying issue. Uneven concrete can be caused by either shoddy foundation work or weathering and it will only continue to crumble and break if ignored. Techniques like mud jacking and slab jacking — where grout mixture is inserted in the concrete slab through a drilled hole— can fill the voids and level the uneven sections of slabs.

However, it’s highly recommended that you contact a professional concrete repair service to inspect the uneven appearance of your concrete.

3. Water pooling

If water starts to unusually puddle on the concrete pathway following rain, it may be a sign of a sunken concrete area. This can also be because your concrete doesn’t allow for natural drainage or an efficient drainage system wasn’t incorporated at the time of installation. On the other hand, if the water is absorbed into the concrete slabs, this may indicate that the existing sealer has become ineffective over time.

If not addressed in time, water pooling can damage the longevity of your concrete. Plus, standing water doesn’t do any favor for your curb appeal either.

If you’re looking for professional services to repair and restore your concrete, you’ve come to the right place! We have over 13 years of professional experience in concrete repair, commercial restoration, foundation proofing and brick and stone restoration. Contact us for more details.