Solved! What to Do About
Cracks in Concrete
Let’s face it, concrete, although the strongest material for flooring, is also one of the most crack-developing materials for our surfaces. Owning concrete, indoors or out, is going to experience some cracking, so what should you do to prepare or fix the inevitable? Below are some tips and tricks on how to ensure the longevity of your concrete slab as a whole.
Repair the Crack
Don’t wait, waiting to fix, repair, fill, or whatever you want to call it, will just make the crack worse. If the crack is caught early, you’re in luck, these types of cracks are spiderweb-like and are typically just cosmetic. Superficial cracks can be a simple do-it-yourself type of problem. If the issue seems a little more serious, simply contact a professional to move forward.
Resurfacing is an option
If your concrete is cracking due to fatigue, age, and exposure, like most driveways, you should consider resurfacing the area. Concrete resurfacing is an extremely affordable and quick way to upgrade your concrete without spending thousands of dollars on completely replacing the surface as a whole. With a professional resurfacing company your concrete will finish seamlessly, be high-quality, and be extremely long-lasting.
There are different ways to design your surface, including pavers, and different color schemes that can truly raise the property value of your home or business. Resurfacing requires meticulous cleaning, hyper-attention to detail, and fantastic conditions to truly be successful, hiring a professional is recommended.
Sized Cracks
The size of your crack does in fact matter on the urgency of the issue. You can seal cracks that are around ¼ inch in width with a sealant because these unsightly areas are not typically a signal of foundation problems, most of the time the situation occurs simply because of pouring concrete. Sealing these small cracks soon is the best way to ensure larger and more impactful issues are avoided.
Full Slab-Replacement
Sometimes, a tree root that cannot be removed grows under your driveway and causes irreparable damage. Sometimes cracks happen in an area that lacks a control joint, and other times small problems grow into bigger ones. In any of these scenarios, you may find yourself needing to replace the entire slab. Concrete is the strongest most durable surface you can install; however, it doesn’t last forever.
Driveway Cracks
There are areas on your driveway that you just shouldn’t drive on! Like the outside of the surface where the concrete is a bit weaker and less supported. These areas are easy to repair with setting cement and some type of acrylic additive. It will be beneficial in this situation to converse with a professional directly to ensure there aren’t other precautionary steps that must be taken.