Concrete Repair and Maintenance Go Hand-In-Hand

Once concrete is mixed and set properly, and then applied and reinforced well, the next step in the assurance of the surface’s long life span is the ongoing job of concrete repair and maintenance. These two functions go hand-in-hand, fighting for the same cause. Over time, damage from elements, chemicals, vandalism, impact, or shifting makes concrete repair a very pertinent occupation. But what about maintenance? Can concrete maintenance cut down on repair? Absolutely.

Concrete Repair

Surface maintenance over time will minimize the need for future concrete repair. Coatings, sealers, and stains will help protect concrete from chemical and elemental stress, giving it a longer life span. The option to resurface an existing area as opposed to replacing it is becoming more attainable. For bigger spaces, advanced tools such as rebar locators will aid contractors with locating problematic areas where reinforcing bars may have corrosion or weakening issues. And smaller maintenance on areas like patios, walkways and driveways like washing and removing stains and grime immediately after they occur can in turn extend the life of the sealer or coating already at work protecting the surface. The need for concrete repair is still out there, but it is less frequent.

When concrete is damaged beyond repair and must be removed, it is taken to a landfill. In addition to this not being an environmental benefit, the material is often crushed and reused in concrete mixing as aggregates. While recycling materials is an environmental benefit, recycled concrete aggregates can limit the new mix’s strength, initiating future concrete repair before it is even used.

There will always be the need for concrete repair, since concrete is such a widely used material, but proper maintenance definitely lessens necessity.