Concrete is one of the oldest building materials that’s still routinely used in modern applications around the world. It consists of water, one or more varieties of aggregate – gravel, rock, or sand, for example – and the binding agent of cement. Although concrete has many upsides to its use, everything has downfalls. Concrete repair in Edmonton area is a fairly routine necessity. Here are some common causes of concrete problems and how to prevent them.
Although It Comes From the Ground, the Earth Often Causes Concrete Problems
Thanks to its simple recipe and the easy, widespread availability of its ingredients, concrete has long been one of humanity’s go-to building materials. Unfortunately, when concrete is poured on surfaces that aren’t rock-solid and tamped down well, it is highly prone to cracking. To prevent this from happening, make sure to remove all topsoil, living material – mainly plants – and loamy dirt before pouring concrete.
Scaling Is Often Caused by This Simple Mistake
Homeowners often feel like they need to clean their concrete driveways, sidewalks, and other surfaces every year. Some wait until winter, thinking that concrete is most receptive to damage during colder times of the year and begin to liberally apply cleaning chemicals. This often results in scaling where pieces of concrete flake off at the surface level. Stay away from salt and other harsh cleaning materials to prevent scaling.
Freezing and Thawing Seriously Damages Concrete
Ever notice how potholes form in roads after wintry precipitation? This is a result of freezing and thawing, which kills concrete and its cousins like asphalt. Costlier, winter-resistant types of concrete mix are better able to deal with such situations. Furthermore, regularly applying protective coatings and water repellants are good ways to prevent this damage from occurring.
Need Help? Come to Us
When you need concrete repair in Edmonton, contact Eilers Construction and Consulting today.
