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What causes concrete to sink?
Based on the type of soil composition & quality of compaction of the building ground, concrete naturally settles over the course of 15 years since its initial pour, this is true for driveways, foundations and patios, pretty much anything made of concrete. In Southern Idaho, earthquake activity also contributes to the moving and settling of concrete abroad. Water and ice also play a huge role in the sinking of concrete over time.
How is the strength of concrete measured?
Concrete is measured in Psi or "bag" measurements. 4000psi, or 6 bag concrete is the recommended mix for all concrete pours, but in recent years many concrete contractors have been trying to save costs by pouring 5 bag and sometimes even 4 bag concrete. This causes the concrete to weaken, flake away and crack more often.
Can cracked or eroded concrete stairs be repaired or should they be replaced?
Yes, they can be repaired very well and affordably, they can also be resurfaced with a polymer concrete resurfacer we use to fix concrete flaking.
How frequent should cracks be sealed?
Concrete cracks should be repaired as soon as possible. Every time they become larger than 1/8th of an inch gap. Control joints between pads are also suggested to be filled to prevent ice, earth movement and other factors from expanding the joint further. this is accomplished by filling the void with polyurethane sealant
Can stains and discoloration on concrete surfaces be repaired?
Yes, in recent years a new product of a polymer substance has entered the market and allowed concrete to be resurfaced and feather edged. This was not possible beforehand and thus many still live with old knowledge that "chipped concrete cannot be fixed only repoured" that is not the state of the industry anymore. Though the resurfacing does make the concrete looks fixed and will never look as good as new concrete it is a much more affordable alternative to a tear out and repour, resurfacing usually costs about half of that of a new pour.
Can my existing concrete drive be overlayed?
Yes, using a new technology , we call "recap" and other brands of the polymer concrete resurfacer, any concrete can be overlayed.
How do you repair cracks in exterior concrete like driveways, patios, and slabs?
Best repair is to fill the crack with polyurethane sealant that must be applied after the crack has been power washed and underfilled to ensure the sealant doesn't leak in the crack, but instead fills the top 1/2 inch of the crack. Any crack over the size of a 1/8th of an inch should be treated this way or the crack will only worsen with time.
My concrete is cracking after only a short period. Is there something wrong with it and can it be repaired?
That depends, if the concrete was poured wrong and is cracking too much a re-pour may be a good idea, but it is best to consult with a concrete repairman before making the decision to tear out and repour, very often they will be able to resurface or fix the cracks for much cheaper.
How often should a concrete driveway be sealed?
If done correctly, polyurethane sealant can last between 15-25 years. However, weather and other circumstances can decrease that expected life of the product. But products such as tar or more concrete are not recommended, as they will flake out or only worsen the problem. If done preventatively, concrete driveways sealed with polyurethane sealant can last 3-4X as long than the one with none, as it prevents ice, water and minor earth movement from damaging the concrete long term.
