Common Problems with Concrete Slabs and How to Repair Them
Concrete slabs are the backbone of most concrete structures. From sidewalks to driveways, concrete slabs have long been an important part of any construction project. However, these concrete slabs can come with their own problems that owners need to know about and be prepared for. This blog post will go over some common issues that you may encounter with concrete slabs and how to fix them!
Common problems with concrete slabs
Slab leaks are a common concrete slab issue. These can happen for many reasons, but the most common is the over-watering of plants or trees next to concrete slabs that have not had their roots removed. The runoff water from these plants will eventually start seeping through cracks in your concrete slab and begin eating away at it until finally, you end up with a hole! To avoid this problem, make sure there is space between any concrete structures and nearby vegetation so they do not get too much water on them, which may lead to plant growth issues.
Minor injuries such as scrapes and bruises might occur while concrete slabs are being worked on or when they break. To avoid any long-term issues, it is always a good idea to clean and cover your concrete slab with sheet metal to prevent these injuries from occurring in the first place!
Repair methods and solutions
There are a few things you can do to repair concrete slab leaks. The first is pouring concrete over the crack or hole in the concrete slab and then using an electric current to melt the concrete into place. This will help create a seal between your concrete for any future leaks! Another way is by installing metal sheets on top of the concrete slab with screws that penetrate through them, thereby sealing it from all sides! In addition, sometimes, when there are cracks in concrete slabs due to aging, adding reinforcements such as steel mesh or wire reinforcement bars might apply enough pressure onto these areas of weakness, so they don't continue cracking further.
Concrete slabs and coatings
One way concrete slab owners can protect their concrete from damages is by applying a concrete coating. These coatings protect the concrete and offer improved color, texture, and design options! Below, we will discuss what these types of concrete coatings are: Paint-based polymer paints; Polymer-modified paint, Epoxy resin powder, or liquid systems, Silicone rubberized emulsion polymers coated with acrylics or urethanes. Specialty epoxies (epoxy that has been designed to be applied as an overlay) - this type offers excellent resistance against chemicals, water penetration, or freeze/thaw cycles.
As you might imagine, though, there may be some support requirements depending on the chosen concrete coating type. For concrete slab owners interested in any paint-based concrete coatings, this will require that the concrete surface is clean and level to allow for a good sealant layer of paint! Polymer-modified paints also have support requirements as they need plenty of time to dry before they can be walked on or driven over with heavy equipment. Epoxy resin powder or liquid systems usually come with instructions but may require special tools such as brushes specifically designed for these types of projects.
Concrete slabs are common building material, and it's important to keep an eye on them for cracks. If you don't repair these cracks in time, they can lead to bigger problems with the slab that may not be easy or cheap to fix. For instance, water might start seeping into your home through the crack in your concrete slab, which could cause mold growth or other structural issues. To help prevent this from happening and save yourself money down the line, check for signs of cracking before it starts causing more damage!
Learn more about Slab Leaks below: