Make Sure Your Concrete is Truly a Concrete Solution

Everyone around the world is familiar with the versatility of concrete. It is a very strong material that is favored for numerous types of construction projects. However, is concrete truly the right solution for your project? Concrete is not perfect but it is a fantastic material for many applications. It requires proper maintenance and repair to ensure its longevity.

We will discuss how to repair previously laid concrete and install new concrete correctly. Our goal is to help you understand the importance of proper installation and maintenance to keep your concrete in excellent condition so it truly can withstand everything Mother Nature throws at it.

Concrete Repair – Fixing Problems & Previous Work

To get right to it – some contractors do not take their time and follow best practices. They are often just looking for how fast and cheap they can get the job done. We have had countless owners and managers come to us to repair shoddy work other crews have done.

Sometimes the job was done with the best intentions but didn’t hold up. As mentioned, concrete is not indestructible. It will start showing signs of wear and tear – especially without proper maintenance. There might come a time when you have to repair previously done concrete.

Without a doubt, concrete repairs are essential for maintaining the integrity and appearance of your pavement.

Expansion/Contraction and Temperature Changes

Expansion, contraction and wide temperature changes can create stress on existing concrete. When concrete expands or contracts due to temperature fluctuations, cracks and other structural problems can develop. Therefore, it is crucial to install concrete at the right times to minimize these effects.

By choosing the appropriate time for installation, you can reduce the risk of temperature-related damage.

When to Pour Concrete

Concerns over expansion/contraction and temperature change bring us to a new topic – when is the right time to lay concrete?

Laying concrete at the right time ensures its durability and longevity.

Yes, it’s true that the timing of concrete installation significantly impacts its strength and resistance to cracking, expansion/contraction, and other forms of damage.

Avoiding Extreme Temperatures

Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can cause problems during the concrete installation process.

Hot Weather: High temperatures can cause the concrete to set too quickly, leading to surface cracks and reduced strength
Cold Weather: Low temperatures slow down the curing process, which can result in weak concrete that is more susceptible to cracking. In freezing conditions, water in the concrete mix can freeze and expand, causing damage.

Humidity and Precipitation

Humidity and precipitation also impact concrete curing. High humidity levels can slow down the evaporation of water from the concrete, prolonging the curing time. On the other hand, low humidity can cause rapid evaporation, leading to surface cracks.

Additionally, heavy rain can damage the concrete mix before it has a chance to set properly. Therefore, it is best to lay concrete when the weather is dry and the humidity is moderate.

Proper Planning and Preparation

When laying concrete – planning and preparation matter.

Here are some steps to take before laying concrete:

Check the Weather Forecast: As we outlined above, the weather matters when laying concrete, so always check the forecast.
Prepare the Site: Make sure the site is adequately prepared, including proper grading and drainage, to prevent water accumulation and ensure a stable foundation for the concrete.
Gather Necessary Materials: Have all the materials and tools you need on hand before starting the project, including concrete mix, forms, and curing blankets if necessary.
Plan for Curing Time: Make sure you allow enough time for the concrete to cure properly before subjecting it to any stress or loads. Curing time can vary depending on the weather conditions and the type of concrete used.

Proper Expansion

Properly installed concrete should allow for expansion without causing damage.

Expansion joints are essential in concrete installations as they accommodate the natural movement of the material. Without these joints, concrete can crack or buckle under pressure.

Ensuring that your concrete has the necessary expansion joints will help it withstand temperature changes and other environmental factors.

Adjusting for Poor Construction

We discussed shoddy repair jobs above but want to take a second to talk about when the whole installation is done incorrectly.

Unfortunately, not all concrete installations are done correctly. Poor construction practices can lead to a variety of issues, including cracking, uneven surfaces, and premature wear.

If you have concrete that was poorly installed, then you’ll want to take care of the problems before they become larger problems. A dependable concrete repair job prevents further damage and extends the lifespan of your concrete.

Improper Drainage and Grading

We hate to share bad news, but concrete that was laid down without proper drainage considerations will not last.

Water accumulation can cause significant damage to concrete surfaces, leading to cracks, erosion, and other issues. Proper drainage and grading are crucial to ensure that water does not pool on your concrete surfaces.

If your existing concrete has drainage problems, it is essential to address these issues through proper grading and installation of drainage systems.

Installing New Concrete Properly

When installing new concrete, it is vital to follow best practices to ensure a durable and long-lasting surface.

Proper installation techniques will help you avoid common problems in the long run and keep your concrete in excellent condition for years to come. Remember, don’t cut corners when it comes to concrete installation. Yes, initially it might cost you more but if you avoid future problems then you’ll actually come out ahead financially.

What We Fix

At McConnell & Associates (MAC), we specialize in repairing and maintaining concrete surfaces. Our team of experts can address a wide range of issues, including:

- Cracks and Potholes: We repair cracks and potholes to restore the integrity and appearance of your concrete surfaces.
- Uneven Surfaces: We correct uneven surfaces caused by poor installation or settling, ensuring a smooth and level finish.
- Drainage Issues: We address drainage problems by installing proper drainage systems and grading the area to prevent water accumulation.
- Expansion Joint Installation: We install expansion joints to accommodate the natural movement of concrete and prevent damage caused by temperature fluctuations.

Damage from Salt and Ice Melt: Common repairs usually involve total concrete replacement. In order to prevent this, we can apply a premium protective sealant to minimize damage from salt or ice melt.

By choosing McConnell & Associates for your concrete repair and maintenance needs, you can trust that your concrete surfaces will be in good hands. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures that your concrete will remain in excellent condition for years to come.

In conclusion, proper pavement maintenance and repair are essential for keeping your concrete surfaces in top condition. By addressing issues such as contraction, expansion, poor construction, and drainage problems, you extend the lifespan of your concrete.

Additionally, following best practices for new concrete installations helps you avoid common problems. You can enjoy durable, long-lasting surfaces for years with very little maintenance or concern.

At McConnell & Associates, we are dedicated to providing high-quality concrete repair and maintenance services.