Does Repairing Concrete Come With a Certain Lifespan?
How Often Should You Repair Concrete Cracks?
There is as yet, no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. That is because it depends on the size and severity of the crack, time of the year, and several other factors with regard to concrete crack repair. While you should seal concrete every three years, there isn’t a specific time frame.
Why Does Concrete Crack?
There are several reasons for this including:
Overloading surfaces;
Freeze and thaw cycles;
Harsh weather conditions;
Drainage problems;
Poor construction;
Erosion of the subgrade;
Small or minor concrete cracks don’t always have to be fixed. Although, even minor cracks can weaken a structure, which will allow moisture to creep inside and create unsustainable pressure during the freeze and thaw cycles.
When to Repair Concrete Cracks
When it comes to repairing concrete cracks, the rule of thumb is to address any cracks that are bigger than ¼-inch. Cracks that are smaller should not cause many issues and simply require careful watching. If the crack gets larger, then you need to repair them as soon as possible. The good thing is small or thin cracks are easy to repair, just as long as the surrounding concrete is still flat and level. Catching cracks early can prevent a great deal of stress, headaches, and expense further down the road.
Other Signs That You Will Need to Repair Concrete Cracks
Concrete that looks uneven
Cracks are large and have started to grow, or expand out from one another
You see water pooling in areas, and water drainage is an issue
Concrete looks worn, aged, and discolored
If you need concrete crack repair doing in the Urbandale, IA area, and would like information on our Des Moines Masonry services, please do not hesitate to call us at (515) 355-3123 to speak to one of our customer advisers.
