Concrete is one of the most used materials for building homes, floorings, decorations, and other construction purposes. But even though it is known for being durable, concrete is not immune to damage or degradation over time. Factors such as extreme weather conditions and aggregate expansion can damage your concrete and compromise the integrity of the structure. With that in mind, here are 5 common signs that your concrete structure needs repair.

Visible Cracks in The Concrete

Cracks can be caused by various factors, including but not limited to concrete expansion and extreme weathering. Cracks occur when stress build-up in the concrete exceeds its strength. Even if it is a small crack, one should not ignore these signs to avoid high repair costs in the future. Cracks in your concrete structure can also increase the risk of pests in your area. Consult a professional right away to inspect it or repair as needed. 

The Surface Appears To Be Uneven

Ideally, concrete should be flat and smooth. If your concrete is not as smooth as it was in the past and has noticeable bumps, you may be dealing with a bigger problem than you would think. Uneven walls should never be ignored as they could be a sign of serious structural damage. Uneven surfaces can create an unsafe environment for everyone around, so you must seek professional assistance to fix it.  

Discolorations on The Surface of the Concrete

From time to time, your concrete will age and you will notice some changes in its color. Discoloration can be caused by spills and too much exposure to sunlight or other elements resulting in stains. It is important to maintain the cleanliness of your concrete to make it look neat and to prolong the durability of your concrete. 

Your concrete’s discoloration is also a sign that it needs to be restored. You can do the restoration yourself, but you would need tools, materials and of course, the knowledge on how to properly do it. The best approach is to seek help from experts and let them handle it for you. In some cases, the discoloration can not be easily removed and may need a complete restoration job. 

Spalling or Flaking

Your concrete may also begin to peel away into thin layers – known as concrete spalling. Spalling is where tiny pieces of coating lift up from the surface and turn your concrete into a dusty unlevel surface where holes and cracks form. This issue must be fixed before it’s too late or you may risk the integrity of the structure. 

Spalling happens when water that is trapped inside concrete goes through many freeze cycles. Aside from the water that gets trapped, spalling can also be caused by other factors such as bad concrete mix and improper curing. This issue is very common and can be easily fixed with the right tools.

Pooling Water Over The Concrete

Wet weathers and heavy rains is one of the main reasons why concrete ages quickly. Water breaks down concrete surfaces over time, creating holes and puddles. When water puddles start to form in your concrete, this is a clear indication that your concrete surface is not allowing water to drain naturally. 

Improper drainage will not only stain the structure from the outside but also weaken its core strength. Some types of concrete have a waterproof coating, but you cannot rely on it entirely because it wears off over time. Moss would start forming and pests like mosquitoes are more likely to multiply faster on pooling waters.

Seek the Right Crew

If you notice any sign of concrete damage around your house, you must get it fixed right away. Even smaller issues can grow into bigger ones if proper care is not provided at the right time. With that in mind, if you need any concrete repairs on your property, Turnbull Masonry is here to help. 

At Turnbull Masonry, we provide many masonry services including tuckpointing, chimney repairs, brick repair, and more. If you are not sure whether your home needs concrete repair, allow our team to survey and give you the best resolution.