Concrete Problems To Expect in Your Home

Addressing Short-Term Concrete Problems 

Some of the common problems you can run into with concrete reveal themselves early. These sorts of problems can be dealt with before they evolve into something more severe. As a new homeowner without the measures in place to protect your concrete, you may find yourself contending with: 

Damage from Early Cutting 

Concrete during its curing phase is more sensitive than it may seem. If concrete cures too quickly, it can become brittle upon hardening and dissolve with greater ease. Alternatively, if a construction team cuts concrete prior to the point where it’s completely dry, the cut edges may be more prone to damage. 

In most cases, this damage is superficial. However, you’ll want to get a handle on it before larger chunks of your pour start to break off from your select structures. 

Cracks 

Concrete that isn’t protected from the effects of rain and standing water can also begin to crack shortly after your initial pour. While not all cracks are dangerous, even superficial cracks can put your family’s safety at risk. The longer you leave these cracks, the more likely it is that they’ll expand and become more dangerous or allow additional moisture into the compromised structure, not to mention the ground around your home. 

Mistakes During Construction 

Sometimes, the team who poured your concrete accessories makes mistakes. For example, a team may unevenly pour your concrete out. In these cases, it’s in your best interest to invest in a repour. Uneven concrete tends to sink over time, and it presents an immediate threat to the safety of your family. 

Contending with Long-Term Concrete Problems 

While short-term concrete problems are straightforward to deal with, they can also be easy to miss or ignore. Unfortunately, failing to take care of these smaller problems can be costly in the long run. For example, homeowners five years to a decade into homeownership can start to see some of the following common concrete problems across their property: 

Concrete Crawl 

This refers to the process through which concrete expands and contracts. Concrete that heats up and cools down too quickly can outgrow its originally poured confines and it can begin to push the structural supports you have surrounding your home out of their original positions. This kind of growth compromises the integrity of your concrete as well as the rest of your home. To combat this kind of damage, you may need to repour the damaged concrete and either shore up or replace the structural supports that have moved out of place. 

Erosion 

Concrete is far more porous than its smooth surface might suggest. Concrete that’s suffered from long-term exposure to moisture can break down. You may notice your porch or driveway crumbling around the edges after several years of heavy snow and rain. Alternatively, you may notice your patio picking in the middle. Fixing this damage can involve repouring your concrete. To explore all your potential avenues for repairs you’ll want to reach out to the repair professionals in your area. 

Why Is Your Concrete Damaged? 

There are different forces like tree roots, foundation soils, and animals such as rats for example—that can cause your concrete to start showing signs of wear, but hydrostatic pressure is the biggest offender in the world of damaged concrete. 

Hydrostatic pressure forms around your property’s concrete structures when water starts to pool in the area, be it underground or on the concrete’s surface. That water can cause your concrete to shrink and expand on an unseeable level. If your concrete changes size too rapidly, as it does in the case of concrete crawl, it can find itself under a significant amount of stress. If that stress grows to the point where it outweighs the forces keeping your concrete together, your structures can crack and otherwise begin to take on damage. 

Repairing Damaged Concrete Around Your Home 

You are under no obligation to try and fix the damaged concrete around your home without professional guidance. Attempting DIY concrete repair may do more harm to your home than good. You can, however, reach out to the professionals serving Grand Rapids, MI. 

The expert team at FSM can look over your home’s various concrete accessories with you and determine whether or not they are in good health. If you’re in need of repairs or if you want to explore the protective measures that may help you limit the kind of damage you see in the future, these pros can help you find the means to begin. To get started, you can request a free inspection and repair quote. 

FAQs

Will there be any visible signs of repair after concrete lifting? 

The repair process requires drilling small holes in the concrete, which are then filled and sealed after lifting. These patches may be visible but can often be made to blend with the existing concrete over time.

Is concrete leveling a long-term solution?

Yes, concrete leveling, especially when done using polyurethane foam injection, is a long-term solution to most concrete problems. This method not only raises and levels the concrete but also stabilizes the soil beneath, reducing the likelihood of future settling. However, the longevity of the repair can also depend on addressing the underlying issues that caused the unevenness, such as improving drainage around the driveway.

Why are my concrete steps showing wear?

External concrete stairs can experience issues, such as cracking and settling, for varied reasons. Many stem from the soil conditions on your property, like soil movement and erosion, waterlogged soil, freeze-thaw cycles, and alterations from expanding tree roots. Foundation Systems of Michigan pinpoints the origins of your concrete step issues and the most effective remedy during a complimentary evaluation. 

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with nearly ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.

_{*Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Foundation Systems of Michigan does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.}