How Concrete Repair Contractors are Helping to Protect Your Home This Winter

Concrete is as much a part of most homes as walls and windows forming the foundation upon which the rest of the structure is built. But aside from the foundation, we use concrete in all types of residential applications, from driveways and walkways to patios and pool surrounds. Properly sealed, not only is concrete very affordable, but it also has an extremely long life expectancy. However, the material is not immune to damage, and when it does fail, concrete repairs should be quickly seen by a qualified contractor.

The issue with ignoring minor concrete damage like chips or cracks, is that once the material is exposed to moisture, problems escalate quickly. As water seeps into these areas and expands and contracts with the freeze-thaw cycles during colder months it causes minor cracks to widen. Over time, this can compromise the structural integrity of the concrete, leading to more extensive and costly repairs.

Three Areas Where Concrete Can Fail

Driveway

Concrete driveways offer a number of advantages over other materials like asphalt. While it is more expensive initially, a concrete driveway can last upwards of 20 to 30 years, making it a good investment for many homeowners. However, to ensure you get the most out of your investment it’s important to have any concrete repair issues quickly addressed by a qualified contractor.

The most common problems relating to concrete driveways are cracking, spalling, and discolouration. Discolouration in itself does not pose a risk to the concrete slab, it’s just aesthetically unappealing. There are a few products available at your local hardware store that can be used to treat concrete stains, otherwise a contractor can resurface the driveway.

Cracking and spalling are more serious issues that could potentially affect the integrity of your concrete driveway if not repaired. A contractor will determine the most appropriate course of action based on the extent of the damage, but repairs will typically consist of patching or sealing the affected area or adding a fresh concrete overlay.

Walkway and Stairs

Concrete is also a very popular material for stairs and walkways. Compared to stone or wood poured concrete is extremely customizable, easy to maintain, and very affordable. However, just like concrete driveways, that material is not infallible, and any repair work needs to be taken care of sooner rather than later to avoid more extensive and costly repairs.

The biggest issue with concrete stairs and walkways tends to be chipping and cracking in the winter as temperatures fluctuate, although some homeowners also encounter more serious problems like sinking or unevenness due to shifting soil. Repairing cracks and chipping is relatively straightforward, and a good concrete contractor can take care of these problems quickly. Shifting slabs is a more challenging issue. This can sometimes be addressed by lifting and filling the impacted area, otherwise, where repairs are not possible, the slab may need to be replaced.

Patios and Pool Surrounds

Concrete is a transformative material in backyard landscaping, helping contractors create seating areas, patios, retaining walls, and even swimming pools. We might not think about these spaces as much in the winter, but they are very important to maintain. Concrete pool surrounds, for example, are prone to cracking and shifting, which can make them dangerous for walking. Patios can also face trouble with settling or spalling, leading to uneven surfaces or flaking that make them both visually unappalling and potentially unsafe.

Winter is a great time to have a concrete contractor repair these issues, so your home and yard are ready for summer fun!