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Common Concrete Issues

Concrete is a common material used due to its durability and versatility. Under the right conditions, it is a sustainable material. But, there are numerous common concrete problems, which can prevent concrete from attaining its longevity. Recognizing these problems and understanding the solutions can improve the overall performance of concrete. The common concrete problems include dusting, blistering, plastic shrinkage cracking, discoloration, and scaling.

Dusting

Dusting on concrete occurs when a hardened concrete surface appears as a powdery material. Laitance, which is a layer of cement, water, and fine aggregates is the primary reason why dusting occurs on concrete. The laitance layer is weak, porous, and thin. As a result, the laitance makes the hardened concrete surface vulnerable and weak.

Other reasons why dusting appears include improper cure of the concrete surface, exposing the concrete to carbon dioxide while it is in a plastic state, and conducting finish operation on the concrete surface while it still has bleed water—this is water that separates itself from the concrete.

To avoid these problems, proper concrete curing procedures should always be followed; equipment that produces carbon dioxide should always be vented while the surface is in the plastic state, and the finishing operation should always be conducted on the concrete surface after bleed water has been removed.

Blistering

Blistering appears on a hardened or fresh concrete surface as bumps. These blisters occur when bleeding water or entrapped air rises to the sealed concrete surface. Blistering of concrete surfaces is problematic, as it causes the concrete to break easily under stresses like traffic. Other reasons why blistering occurs include excessive or inadequate use of vibration during concrete compaction, setting concrete surfaces over the vapor barrier, and sealing the concrete surface early.

To prevent blistering from occurring, appropriate concrete compaction procedures have to be followed, if possible, concrete should not be placed over vapor barriers, and trowel blades must be kept flat at all times to avoid sealing the concrete surface early.

Plastic Shrinkage Cracking

Plastic shrinkage cracking occurs when a crack appears on fresh, hardened concrete surfaces. Like the name suggests, these cracks develop while the surface is still in the plastic state. These cracks occur when the concrete surface experiences a rapid loss of water before it sets. Although plastic shrinkage cracking is an aesthetics issue and not a structural issue, these cracks end up allowing chemicals to penetrate the surface, and this can result in structural problems later on.

The loss of water on concrete surfaces can occur due to several reasons like low relative humidity, high winds, and high concrete temperature or ambient air. To avoid these conditions, ensure you use fog spraying equipment, windscreens and windbreaks should be installed, and always avoid placing concrete at midday.

Discoloration

Discoloration of concrete can occur due to various reasons like material exposure, weather conditions, and even the curing time. Although concrete discoloration may look aesthetically unpleasing, there are numerous ways you can repair these issues. The first method is using a concrete cleaner. These will help give the concrete a better and natural look. If that does not work, you consider using a concrete stain.

Scaling

Scaling on concrete surfaces occurs when the surfaces start to chip or flake away. This is usually because of freeze-thaw, water seepage, poor concrete finishing, or weak concrete surfaces. To repair scaling issues, use trowel-grade light coat, as it helps fill the scaled area. Also, ensure that you seal your concrete at all times, as this helps to reduce scaling significantly.

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The Top Reasons You Should Be Sealing & Finishing Your Concrete

When properly installed and maintained, concrete has a lot to offer to business owners. This manmade substance is affordable, durable, attractive, and easy to keep clean. Having your concrete finished and sealed is key to getting the best results.

So what are finishing and sealing? Finishing is a process that smooths down the surface of the concrete. It’s typically done when the material has had time to partially dry but is still soft and workable. Sealing, meanwhile, is the application of various substances like acrylics, epoxies, and silicates. When applied to clean and dry concrete, they form a protective barrier. If these two jobs are skipped or rushed, you may find yourself with an expensive headache on your hands.

Here are the top five reasons why you need to have your concrete finished and sealed to keep it looking and functioning great:

1: Finished Concrete is Safer

The process of finishing concrete creates a smooth and level surface. It eliminates most of the micro-ridges and hollows that roughly poured concrete can have. This means that the surface doesn’t have hidden tripping hazards which your employees or customers could stumble over. Liquids will also glide away instead of pooling and creating slick spots. Finally, a smooth surface will not damage tires or objects placed on it.

2: Finished Concrete is Stronger

This advantage is due to several effects. Properly finished concrete has shed its excess water while maintaining the mix’s integrity. When the water evaporates, a highly durable form of concrete is left behind.

A flat or gently banked surface also does not collect rainwater, spilled chemicals, and other such substances. These liquids can eat into the concrete, creating pits that may turn into potholes over time. If the spills happen in freezing winter temperatures, the concrete will become damaged even faster. Although heavily damaged concrete can be repaired or resurfaced, these are major expenses that a savvy business owner can avoid.

3: Sealed Concrete is Protected From the Climate

Concrete companies urge you to seal your new concrete floors, parking lots, and sidewalks for good reason. Rain, ice, and snow are more likely to get into tiny cracks and pits in unsealed concrete. Sealing creates a water-resistant barrier that adds to the longevity of this material.

Certain kinds of sealers will also chemically penetrate the concrete. This creates a denser and stronger material. Your concrete contractor can advise you on the best products for your business’s needs.

4: Sealed Concrete is Easier to Keep Clean

You don’t want to work in an unsightly environment or have your customers see mystery stains on the concrete. Sealant can protect this surface from discoloration due to road salts, motor oil, spilled chemicals, etc. These dry and sealed surfaces also resist hard-to-remove mildew and staining mold growth.

5: Sealed Concrete is Stylish

Different concrete sealers can create different effects. One type may have an attractive high shine gloss reminiscent of polished marble. Another might create a matte finish that reduces glare from the sun. This can be a great feature in sunny working areas.

You can also order tinted concrete sealers. These come in a wide variety of color options, from neutrals to brighter shades. However, tinted sealers aren’t just for looks. Ask your concrete company to lay down strategic stripes or boxes of contrasting color and you can mark out walking paths, dangerous loading zones, and more.

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Asphalt Pavement vs Concrete Pavement

Although the most obvious difference between asphalt pavement and concrete pavement is the appearance, there are many more differences that you may not notice at first sight. When deciding between the two surfaces, appearance is only one of the many factors to consider; continue reading to learn about the five main differences between asphalt and concrete: cost, lifespan, upkeep, sensitivity to temperature, and ease of repair.

Cost

When deciding between asphalt and concrete driveways, price is often the first consideration. Asphalt is typically cheaper, running $2-$5 per square foot on average. Concrete prices begin around $3-$9 per square foot. Many people who choose concrete driveways opt for customized designs, which can drive the price even higher.

Lifespan

While concrete may cost more initially, it has an average lifespan of about 30, and even up to 40 years, compared to an average lifespan of about 20 years for asphalt. This makes costs more comparable when thinking about the long term. This is something to consider when deciding between the two. If you will be in your home for 30-40 years, concrete may actually be more cost effective in the long run. Regardless of the pavement type, both require strategies for upkeep.

Upkeep

In order to keep asphalt pavement functioning to its highest potential, it needs to be re-sealed every few years. For asphalt pavement, sealing is strictly for function, and not for appearance, as the dark color of asphalt naturally hides stains and spills.

Concrete does not require as much upkeep, but it is more likely to stain or fade over time, so in order to maintain the appearance of concrete pavement, it can also be sealed.

Sensitivity to Temperature

If you’ve ever flown from north to south or vice versa, you’ve probably noticed that the majority of the driveways in the north are asphalt, while the majority of driveways in the south are concrete. This is because of how well each material withstands and reacts to temperature.

In extreme heat, asphalt can become gooey and even start to melt, and when it gets cold, it becomes much harder and more brittle. When asphalt continually goes through these temperature fluctuations, it is much more likely to crack.

Concrete, on the other hand, has a tendency to crack and buckle in extreme cold. Concrete also tends to be more popular in warmer climates because it doesn’t retain heat like asphalt does.

Ease of Repair

Even when you do everything you can to properly maintain a pavement surface, damages may still happen. When asphalt cracks or develops holes, it can be filled and sealed relatively easily. Because of the dark color, repairs are not very noticeable.

When repairing cracks in concrete, the repairs can be extremely obvious. Often, when there is a crack in concrete asphalt, the decision is made to replace the entire surface, rather than trying to repair and match the existing surface.

Conclusion

If you’re trying to decide between asphalt and concrete pavement, be sure to thoroughly research and think about your options. Your budget and the climate in which you live might be two of the biggest factors to take into consideration.

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7 Types of Asphalt Cracking and Their Causes

There are numerous causes of asphalt cracking. These include harsh weather or climate conditions, drainage problems, incorrect or poor quality materials, and traffic loads. Proper identification of crack type and cause is vital. Each type of crack has distinct causes. Timely maintenance is critical to keep asphalt conditions from deteriorating further. Here are 7 types of asphalt cracking, the major reasons why the cracks occur, and the possible fixes for each.

1. Edge cracking

Edge cracks are longitudinal cracks within a few feet of one of the edges of the pavement. They can be caused by settlement of the underlying material, soil drying, or lack of lateral support. Possible contributors can be nearby trees or shrubs. These should be cleared away. Filling with asphalt emulsion slurry will often take care of this problem. Drainage may need improvement.

2. Slippage cracking

These cracks are crescent shaped. A number of factors can lead to slippage cracks. Non-adhesive materials, such as water or dirt between layers, can lead to poor bonding between the surface and material beneath. Low-strength or deficient asphalt mix is one possible factor. Usually the solution is to remove material around the crack until a layer with good bonding is reached. The upper area can then be patched.

3. Reflection cracking

Reflection cracking happens because of asphalt pavement overlays that have been placed over a pavement structure that has been cracked or jointed. There is then shifting or movement of the old pavement. These cracks or joints can reflect from that pavement to the surface. Crack sealant can sometimes fix low severity cracks. Pavement that is cracked more severely may need the layer replaced.

4. Transverse cracking

Cracks approximately perpendicular to the centerline are commonly known as transverse cracks. Transverse cracking may occur due to low temperature thermal cracking or because the asphalt grade is too hard for the particular climate conditions. These cracks are often caused by asphalt layer shrinkage. They are not load related but can be aggravated by heavy traffic. Generally, repairing this type crack calls for sealant or, if necessary, replacement with a new overlay.

5. Fatigue cracking

Fatigue cracks are sometimes called alligator cracking because they favor the skin of these reptiles. As the name fatigue cracking suggests, this deterioration is load related. It can be aggravated by deterioration of a weak base, subgrade, or surface. Poor drainage can be a factor. The distressed area material must be removed and replaced with the correct asphalt mix.

6. Block cracking

Block cracks resemble giant rectangles or squares in your pavement. Lack of sufficient moisture in the original application, or later on, is one possible cause. Extreme temperature cycles can cause an inability of the asphalt binder to contract or expand sufficiently as well. Traffic is not usually a factor. Small cracks can be sealed. Overlay replacement is the usual remedy for more severe block cracking.

7. Longitudinal cracking

Longitudinal cracks run paralleled to the pavement centerline. A number of factors could cause longitudinal cracking. There can be shrinkage of the asphalt. A joint could have been constructed poorly. Improper paver operation can be a cause. The surface in these cases will need to be resealed with proper adjustments made.

Asphalt crack repair is important. As you can see from the many causes for asphalt cracks, it is vital to identify the problem correctly. Untreated cracks get larger and can lead to potholes. Once the problem is identified, the appropriate remedy or fix can usually quickly and safely bring the asphalt back to its proper function.

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5 Different Ways to Get the Best Value from your Concrete Contractor

Whether you’re looking for concrete poured for a parking area, patio, or other project, you want to be sure that you’re getting the best value. How? Look for experienced professionals who will respect your time and financial budget while still bringing their expert opinion. This may sound like a tall order, but you can pull it off in five straightforward ways:

1: Do Your Homework

Research contractors in the area to help you narrow down a potentially large field of experienced businesses. See if you can find online reviews or talk to references.

Once you move on to getting a quote from the top contenders, do a little more digging. Do they have experience with the specific job you have in mind? More importantly, do their qualifications check out?

Unfortunately, some unscrupulous companies exaggerate or invent qualifications that they haven’t earned. This could mean:

  • poor results that don’t hold up to the elements
  • features not up to code
  • an expensive headache as another contractor tries to fix the mess

2: Get On the Same Page

Once you’ve decided on a concrete contractor, make sure that the two of you are on the same page about the project. Explain clearly what you want and listen to the contractor’s expert recommendations. Discuss any concerns you may have, for instance with zoning laws or requirements for home insurance. Finally, read through the written contract itself. If there are any areas that you don’t understand, bring them up before you put your signature down.

3: Beware of Cutting Corners

The price tag for this job matters, but it’s not the only important factor. Watch out for contractors who trim costs by using low grade materials or rushing through steps in the pouring process. It’s also not a good idea to cut corners time-wise. Over the long term, rushed jobs tend to have poor results.

On a related note, be careful with concrete curing times. Don’t continue your project until that surface is completely cured. You could cause a lot of damage to the concrete itself.

4: Be Prepared to Compromise…

On your schedule, that is. Experienced, in-demand concrete contractors may have their workdays planned for weeks in advance. If they aren’t available for the day you were counting on, see if there’s another date that could work for you. It may be worthwhile to shuffle your renovation schedule around a bit.

You may also want to compromise on small details of your project. If your concrete contractor strongly advises that you adjust something, there’s probably a good reason. Remember that you hired them in part for their expertise. Most contractors genuinely want you to get the best possible result and enjoy your concrete features for years to come. They are your partners in this stage of the project, so hear them out and make your best judgment call.

5: … But Know When to Stick to Your Guns

Ultimately, you know what you’re looking for and what your budget looks like. Your contractor may suggest a variety of upsells. These could include stamping patterns into the concrete surface or some fancy new sealant. Extra features aren’t necessarily a bad idea. In fact, they could potentially raise the value of the property and increase the longevity of the concrete. However, if your budget or vision for the property doesn’t include them, put your foot down. Ultimately you have the last word.