How Can You Repair Concrete?

There are a few different ways for professional contractors to help you repair the concrete structures around your home. These can include:  

• Installing overlays. If you’re seeing minor cracks throughout your concrete structures but are still worried about those structures’ overall integrity, then it may be in your best interest to invest in an overlay. Some contractors can apply concrete overlays to damaged concrete to better fill the developed cracks and create a smoother finish for the structure in question. While this process is largely superficial, it can still give your concrete structures the support they need to limit additional damage in the months to come. 
• Filling cracks. If you’re seeing more substantial cracks in your concrete—between half an inch and an inch deep, for example—contractors can employ a similar repair method to overlaying to bring your structure back up to snuff. These parties can apply additional concrete or caulk to the cracks to weld them together and lessen the chance that the cracks will continue to spread. 
• Patching cracks. In a similar vein, there may be cracks that have expanded to the point where they pose an active threat to your family’s health as a tripping hazard or other menace. In that case, professionals can use similar compounds to fill the gaps. 
• Replacing the structure in question. If it seems that the concrete structure in question is too unstable to repair using alternative means, you may need to have it removed and replaced in its entirety. While this process can be expensive, it is often better for your home in the long run, as it allows you the opportunity to waterproof the new structure before it can take on any wear. 

You also have the option, however, to mudjack a slipping structure. Mudjacking describes the process through which professions use mortar-based ground injections to lift concrete slabs that have started to slip due to the influence of hydrostatic pressure. The aforementioned injections are invasive and not something we’d recommend. 

A better alternative that will help stabilize the soil beneath your concrete slabs, preventing the bulk of slippage in the months and years to come, is PolyRenewal™ polyurethane injection. This is similar to mudjacking, but much less invasive and time-consuming, and it offers better results to lift and stabilize uneven concrete. 

DIY Concrete Repair 

Most homeowners start to explore DIY concrete repair solutions because they’re concerned about the cost of professional assistance. While it’s never a bad idea to try and save money, DIY concrete repair projects often backfire. 

Professional contractors serving your area can provide you with the tools, materials, and expertise you need to safely restore cracked or failing concrete structures in and around your home. If you try to take on these types of tasks without help, you may rapidly find yourself blowing your repair budget or even doing further damage to the same structures you wanted to repair. Comparatively, area professionals can walk you through what repairs you might need and can take advantage of a full staff of employees to make sure your repairs and waterproofing installations go as smoothly as possible. 

Reach Out to Professionals for Guidance 

You’re not the first homeowner to contend with damaged or destroyed concrete, and you won’t be the last.  

If you find yourself forced to contend with splitting, cracking, or sinking concrete, you can reach out to the team of experts working with Foundation Recovery Systems to discuss what action plans will help you restore your damaged concrete. These experts can not only fit you with repairs but can also sit you down for a discussion about what kinds of waterproofing measures may prevent newly poured concrete structures from taking on the same damage that the previous ones did. 

Reach out ASAP to schedule a home inspection and to get a free quote on any repair, replacement, or waterproofing services your concrete or home in general may need.