Common Concrete Issues
While there are many benefits to having concrete surfaces, they, like most materials, begin to show wear and tear over time. Outdoor concrete surfaces such as driveways, walkways, and patios are susceptible to damage from the elements of Mother Nature, but indoor surfaces will also eventually need maintenance and repair.
With the right knowledge and tools, virtually any concrete problem can be addressed. Here are a few of the most common issues we see at FASCRETE, and if you are ready to repair your concrete, shop our selection of DIY, easy-to-use concrete repair products today.
Cracking
This likely doesn’t come as a surprise, but one of the most common problems regarding concrete is cracking. Even if you notice a small crack in a concrete surface, it can lead to a much bigger problem down the road if it isn’t properly taken care of. Several factors that can cause cracks in concrete to worsen over time include weather conditions, heavy vehicles, and changes in temperature. As concrete cures, it also naturally shrinks which may also cause cracking, but these are typically just cosmetic and don’t affect the integrity of the structure.
A fast and easy way to repair cracks in concrete is to patch the concrete using a quality concrete repair product such as FASCRETE. This will also help to keep water from penetrating into the concrete, in turn helping to minimize freeze-thaw damages.
Debris
Weather conditions like rain create the perfect wet environment for algae, moss, fungi, and other organisms to grow, which can create both an unattractive and potentially dangerous surface on concrete areas such as patios, driveways, and walkways. Rain will also wash nearby debris and dirt onto concrete surfaces where it can then settle into grooves and cracks, causing erosion to the concrete and overall decreasing its lifespan. This tends to be the most common during the fall when leaves are falling and create a wet blanket over concrete that allows for these organisms to flourish and dirt to become trapped.
As for fixing this issue, we recommend cleaning your outdoor concrete surfaces using a pressure washer every now and then and cleaning your indoor concrete with a scrub brush. There are also great options for heavy-duty cleaners that can be used. Once you have your concrete spic and span, using a concrete repair product to seal up those cracks and debris-prone spots can help to prevent debris from getting in in the future.
Stains
Staining and discoloration can occur to concrete for several reasons, including material exposure, weather conditions, and curing time. While discoloration may not look the most aesthetically pleasing, there are several ways of repairing this unsightly issue.
The first method would be to purchase a concrete cleaner. These cleaners are created in order to give your concrete a better overall appearance and are oftentimes all you need to get your concrete looking fresh and clean. However, if this method doesn’t do the trick, you may consider staining your concrete with a new color. Not only will this help to get rid of the stain, but it can be a great way to give a fresh, new look to your concrete.
Sagging and Cracking
Over time, concrete can begin to sag or even crumble due to the underlying soil eroding. This often occurs because the soil underneath the concrete was not compacted as firmly as it should’ve been before the concrete surface was laid. This is common with driveways, and this paired with the weight of a heavy vehicle can ultimately cause a driveway to sag.
While erosion can become a real problem (especially if the surface isn’t level), the good news is that, like most other concrete issues, it can be handled with the right tools and expertise.
Shop FASCRETE Today
As you now know, most concrete problems can be fixed with resurfacing, staining, pressure washing or scrub brushing, and sealing with products such as FASCRETE. FASCRETE is a fast-setting, easy-to-use concrete repair product that bonds strong to existing concrete surfaces and lasts long. All you need to do is simply mix the dry powder with a liquid activator for about a minute, place it, and boom — you’re done! Get your FASCRETE today and see the difference for yourself!