How Do You Determine When Concrete Needs Repair Or Replacement?

Repairing Vs. Replacing

Identifying the difference between needing a repair or a replacement for concrete surfaces and slabs is an important part of taking care of concrete. Minor problems can often be solved with a simple repair, however as the issues become more major it may be more cost effective to have the concrete replaced, especially if the underlying issues will continue to get exponentially worse. Reach out to a professional like Tolliver & Curl Pavement to get an estimate and schedule an inspection.

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Concrete Potholes

Potholes can be a signifier of a serious issue, but if they are small and haven’t yet spread across the concrete slab you may simply be able to repair them. Smaller potholes that appear on a concrete surface are typically a type of damage that can be repaired. Potholes can appear due to a number of reasons, but are most likely caused by the Freeze-Thaw cycle that occurs in many areas of the country. In order to simply fix a concrete pothole it should be addressed sooner than later. As concrete potholes become larger they will spread cracks across the slab causing more damage. As the cracks spread across the surface the concrete may begin to crumble and become dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles. This can quickly become a bigger issue and require a complete concrete replacement. It can be difficult to tell how severe a pothole is and if a repair will fix it. Consult with professional concrete contractors to get a clear understanding if the potholes on your property can be fixed with a simple repair.

How Cold Environments Impact Concrete

This phenomenon is a result of the shifting temperatures. When water finds its way into cracks, the foundation, or any pieces of the concrete that need repairing it will expand as it freezes. As the water turns to ice the concrete around it is pushed causing microfractures, which impact the structural integrity of the concrete slab, or the foundation itself. As the outside temperature warms up, the ice melts into water releasing the pressure on the concrete. As this cycle continues both the foundation and the surface of the concrete can begin to show signs of cracks, and can even begin to break apart. During Autumn and Spring this cycle repeats rapidly with changing temperatures, and the frozen water can cause damage, and even lead to needing an entire replacement for the concrete slab.

Common Concrete Repair Issues

Repairs come in all shapes and sizes, and understanding which issues with your concrete surface need to be repaired can save you a lot of money. Often the difference between a repair and a replacement is how severe the problems are, and those symptoms typically become more severe if they are left unrepaired and unaddressed. Hairline cracks, discoloration, broken edges, missing chunks, chips, small cracks, holes, and small potholes are all problems that can likely be addressed without having to replace the concrete. Some of these problems may be a symptom of a larger underlying issue, but a professional will be able to best determine the cause of the issues.

Common Reasons to Replace Your Concrete

In situations where the damage is more severe it is likely that a larger issue is causing many symptoms and should be addressed sooner than later. Large, wide cracks, or cracks in multiple spots can mean the concrete experiencing pressure. Multiple large potholes, uneven slabs, improper installation, and crumbling concrete are all signs that a replacement is necessary.

Swelling Concrete Surfaces

Swelling concrete pavements are a sign that the concrete needs replacing. Concrete swelling can be caused by reactions of different materials, issues with the substrate, and problems with water freezing below. The smooth surface of the concrete becomes rigid as the concrete swells upwards and cracks form. Repairing concrete swelling isn’t worth the time or money since the underlying issue can’t be solved without replacing the slab. Concrete swelling can pose a dangerous threat to both vehicles and those walking on the surface. The damage from swelling done to the surface can cause people to trip, and if severe enough can damage vehicles. Have a professional concrete team inspect the swelling to best determine the next course of action, however be aware that a replacement is likely the answer you will receive.

Uneven Concrete Slabs

When concrete begins to sink in certain areas of the concrete surface the joints can become uneven which can lead to injury and damage. Concrete sinking is usually a result of the soil eroding away under the slab, or poor installation. When concrete is poured the subgrade soil should be compacted to avoid shifting under the foundation of the concrete. If water is pooling under the concrete and the substrate is being washed away the only real solution is to replace the concrete entirely. While the uneven concrete surface, uneven joints, cracks, and other issues are unappealing visually, all of these issues can be dangerous for vehicles and people. Uneven floors can cause people to trip and hurt themselves. By removing the concrete, correctly compacting the subgrade soil, and finally replacing the concrete this should fix the problem.

Repairing Concrete Cracks

Cracks in the concrete can be caused by a lot of different issues from underlying soil being washed away to water freezing beneath the surface of the concrete. The amount of size of cracks in the concrete will help us to understand the severity and whether or not a repair is sufficient or if the entire surface will need a replacement. Small cracks often only need a repair and can be done rather easily. Sometimes a flexible calk that is made with concrete can be applied and slow the crack from spreading. No matter what any crack can turn into a larger issue, so it is best to have repairs handled and not left untreated. Having a professional repair minor problems with your concrete is the best course of action since they will be able to reduce the likelihood that the crack will continue to grow.

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Broken & Chipped Concrete

If a concrete slab is broken or chipped this is likely just an indication that a repair is needed. Less significant forms of damage are almost always repairable, and having them repaired should be a relatively simple process. Chipped edges, broken steps, and minor fractures are all symptoms of wear and tear. While these issues may be an eyesore and even can cause some safety risks, simply fixing them is likely to be the best course of action. If the structural integrity of the concrete is compromised then it’s a good idea to replace the concrete before it worsens and someone gets hurt. In the event that the chipped or broken concrete is easy to patch or fix, that will not be the deciding factor of whether or not it’s time for a replacement.

Knowing When to Replace Your Concrete

Cracks around potholes indicate a larger issue that can rapidly spread. If a crack is wider and larger it’s best to have a professional come inspect the property to better understand the situation. Any structural integrity, weakening, or crumbling is typically a sign that it is time to replace the concrete. Replacing a concrete slab is an investment, so by repairing the existing concrete you are extending the lifespan of the investment.

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How Poor Installation Impacts The Health of Concrete

Unfortunately as concrete contractors sometimes we are hired to fix the mistakes of others. Pouring concrete is a delicate process and every step is crucial in order to ensure the concrete lasts its expected timeframe. There are plenty of simple mistakes that amateurs can make during the concrete installation process. One of the biggest problems we run into is improperly treated substrate. This can lead to significant issues including unlevel and uneven concrete surfaces, cracking, potholes, loss of structural integrity, and more.

Determining When to Stop Repairing

Like many large investments, repairing is the best option, until replacing becomes necessary. Unfortunately when concrete is installed improperly repairing is only a temporary fix for a much larger solution. If you are concerned about a concrete slab on your property and believe it may have been installed poorly, reach out to Tolliver & Curl Paving, request an estimate, and schedule an inspection of the property.