Are you considering a concrete replacement for your home? Repairing and covering problems can only take your concrete so far. Prolonging a concrete replacement exposes your concrete to inclement weather and further deterioration, only making matters worse.
In this article, we will discuss the five signs for when you need to replace your concrete. Factors such as aging concrete, potholes, and uneven slabs are signs to look out for when considering a concrete replacement.
1) Concrete has reached its useful life
Is your concrete older than 10 years? Concrete ages due to weather, vehicular weight, and other daily recreational usage. If your concrete is older than 10 years, you may need to consider a replacement.
Concrete loses its strength and durability with age, which tends to crack through weathering. Weathering can’t necessarily be avoided with concrete, as it’s a natural phenomenon.
In the southeast, weather conditions aren’t as brutal to concrete as up north, but we get our fair share of inclement weather. Over time, small cracks can form on the surface by weathering or even as extreme as subgrade cracks (discussed next).
A concrete replacement should not be confused with a concrete repair. Replacing means removing the existing concrete with fresh concrete.
2) Poor installment resulting in cracks to sub-grade
When long cracks greater than 0.25” in width are present, the base or subgrade is damaged and requires a replacement. The base and subgrade are the foundation of the concrete. This is typically as a result of a poor installment done by a DIY project or an inexperienced contractor.
Repairing by filling in the crack is only a temporary fix to this structural problem. A concrete replacement is recommended. Speak with one of our concrete specialists about your concrete replacement needs today.
3) Concrete is sinking
Sinking concrete is caused by the lack of slab support due to settling and compaction. The level of compaction and moisture in the soil upon installment is essential when determining the longevity of your concrete.
When the soil’s load-bearing capacity is exceeded due to heavy items such as trucks or machinery, the soil tends to compress and disturb the concrete’s smooth surface.
Additionally, if the concrete rests purely on soil, there are times when heavy rain showers can wash out the soil beneath the concrete surface. The washing out of soil creates holes or gaps between the base of the concrete and the soil.
It’s a matter of time before the concrete settles in the gap, causing it to sink.
4) Potholes are present
Potholes are tell-tale signs that your concrete needs a fresh new start. While patching and repairing them may work temporarily, potholes are often an indicator that the structural integrity of the underlying concrete has deteriorated—and that it’s time for a concrete replacement.
How do potholes form:
Potholes develop as a result of the concrete deteriorating overtime due to various factors. As the concrete deteriorates, it becomes more prone to cracking and breaking. During freeze-thaw cycles, water seeps into these cracks and causes the concrete to expand and contract, which weakens the structural integrity of the concrete and forms potholes. In addition, constant traffic and the weight of vehicles exacerbates the problem by putting pressure on the underlying concrete, causing further damage. Other factors like age, poor construction, or improper maintenance can also lead to the development of potholes, creating a hazardous situation at your home.
Dangers of potholes:
Although they may seem like a minor problem, the presence of potholes on your property can pose significant dangers to both pedestrians and drivers alike. Potholes can cause pedestrians to trip and fall, leading to potential injuries. Hitting potholes can wreak havoc on your car and cause damages to it, such as ruining your tires or suspensions. Even worse, potholes can result in an accident if you lose control of your vehicle while encountering them. That’s why it’s important to replace your concrete early on to prevent these potential hazards from occurring.
When it comes to potholes, it’s important to not let them fester to ensure the safety and comfort of your home. The sooner you act upon replacing your concrete, the better.
5) Uneven slabs
Just like potholes, uneven slabs are a sign that your concrete needs replacement. When your concrete slabs become uneven, it’s usually as a result of various reasons. These factors include the shifting and settling of the ground beneath the concrete, soil erosion, moisture, or even poor installation. Uneven slabs can cause visible signs of cracks and gaps between slabs to form, posing a tripping hazard. Also, when your surface becomes not level, it can indicate that there is an underlying structural integrity problem with your concrete. Once this happens, it’s critical that you consider hiring a concrete professional to take a closer look at what’s going on. This way, you can replace your damaged concrete with fresh new slabs.
Schedule a Concrete Replacement Consultation Today
There you have it—five signs you should be aware of to know when it’s time to replace your concrete. If you experience any of these problems, it may be time for replacement. At Summit Concrete, our concrete specialists can further investigate whether your concrete needs repair or replacement.
Since 2015, our team has been proudly serving the greater Middle Tennessee area for all your concrete needs, including Brentwood, Franklin, Lebanon, Murfreesboro, and Nashville. Whatever concrete needs you have, we can help. From planning to execution, we’re setting a quality standard “yards” above the rest. Discover how.
Schedule a consultation, or give us a call at (615) 295-4547. For questions or more information, send an email to [email protected].
