13 Oct Concrete Deterioration: Options for Fixing
Concrete Deterioration:
Options for Fixing | types and causes of concrete deterioration
Over the years, concrete can chip, crack, sink, and deteriorate, creating a need to replace or repair the old concrete, so here’s everything you need to know about the different types and causes of concrete deterioration.
Types and Causes of Concrete Deterioration
How do I know when my concrete needs to be repaired? What are the signs?
Here are some of the signs that a concrete repair is needed:
- Cracking
- Chipping
- Lifting of concrete
- Crumbling loose pieces
- Pitted concrete
- Exposure of the aggregate within the concrete
- Existing joints are getting wider
- Joint filler is starting to come out
If your concrete is showing any of these signs, your concrete likely needs to be repaired. Most facilities don’t want to wait for an employee to trip and fall before they realize they need repair old concrete, so be sure to address any problems promptly. Often, a facility is aware they need to address their old concrete, but they need to plan for it in their budget. Our experts at SwedeBro can provide estimates for budget planning for epoxy school flooring, counties, cities, and municipalities, for future use. Once annually, we will reach out to customers that we’ve provided quotes for to give them updated pricing if it has changed.
Repair vs. Replacement of Concrete Floors
A common question we get asked is if there is a difference in floor condition that would warrant a full replacement vs. just a repair. We’ve seen some extremely bad concrete, so it’s possible to repair just about anything regardless of condition. The more damaged the concrete however, the more expensive it will be. If the concrete is extremely damaged, it will also take more time to repair.
Causes of Concrete Deterioration
We also often get asked what the main types and causes of concrete deterioration for floors are. In Minnesota it’s salt, water, and ice. Uncoated or unsealed concrete will deteriorate at a much faster rate, so it’s important to keep up a proper maintenance routine.
How expensive is concrete restoration?
A concrete repair project can commonly cost between $5 and $10 per square foot. If it is a large facility, such as a public works facility or airplane hangar, the cost can be significantly lower, at around $2 per square foot.
Some facilities try using their own concrete patching materials to repair damaged areas. These solutions often don’t work for very long, however. There are several types of concrete based fillers and levelers, so using the wrong one will not give the desired results. Also, even if the correct patching material is used, the concrete itself is still uncoated. The bare concrete and patching materials are not designed to hold up to the conditions that caused the damage to begin with, so restoring the concrete floor in its entirety is significantly better at keeping it safe and strong in the long run.
No matter the types and causes of concrete deterioration, a proper repair is the best way to ensure long term safety. Our experts at SwedeBro can help you determine the exact types and causes of concrete deterioration and provide an estimate for your specific needs.