Repair or Replace?
Many of our clients ask us if they should simply replace their concrete instead of performing concrete crack repair? For example, if a garage floor is badly pitted, can it be repaired without having to dig out and replace the entire floor? Or a parking lot has multiple prominent cracks, can they be repaired or will it need to be replaced entirely?
The answer to that will depend on the project in question and several variables.
Matter of degrees
A standard rule of thumb is if the repair calls for more than 2 inches of material, then it probably should be replaced. However, if it is less, there are numerous products on the market today that will be able to restore both the concrete’s structural integrity and its overall aesthetic appeal.
However, the deterioration or the extent of damage is not always the only criterion for making such a decision. Clearance will often be an issue if the repair involves adding another layer of cement over the pre-existing concrete. Time is also another consideration. For example, how long can the structure be unusable? Then there are aesthetics that need to be considered also.
Again, there are new products on the market that will help with such repairs. New materials can be applied with a feathered edge, or be used to fill in any pitted or spalled areas, and with both cases are ready to walk on within a few short hours. Aesthetically speaking, new repair materials can also be stenciled or stamped using a wide variety of designs, which will ultimately make a repair project look very much like a new pour. The repair material can also be structural. For example, a load-bearing driveway can be repaired using a cement-based material that has been rated up to 10,000 psi.
If you would like to make an appointment to discuss a concrete crack repair, please contact Des Moines Masonry at (515) 355-3123 now, if you live in the Urbandale, IA region.
