Concrete is a durable material, but it is not impervious to wear and tear. In this blogpost we discuss common causes of concrete deterioration. Over time, concrete can become damaged due to weather conditions, poor installation techniques, or even just normal aging. If left unchecked, this damage can cause structural problems that could lead to costly repairs—or worse. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common causes of concrete deterioration and the steps you can take to repair the damage and stop it from happening again.
Chemical Reactions
One of the most common causes of concrete deterioration is chemical reactions. Over time, chemicals in the environment such as chlorine or other salts can react with calcium hydroxide in cement paste and cause it to break down. This process is known as carbonation and results in a decrease in pH levels within the concrete which can lead to cracks and crumbling of the surface. The best way to repair this type of damage is by sealing the concrete with an acrylic sealer or epoxy coating. This will help protect against further chemical reactions while also restoring the strength of your concrete surface.
Physical Damage
Physical damage caused by impact or vibration can also cause concrete deterioration over time. Impact damage typically occurs when heavy objects like furniture or construction equipment are dropped onto a concrete surface, while vibration damage usually results from activities like jackhammering or welding near a concrete structure. To repair physical damage, you may need to patch any cracks or holes with new concrete mix before resealing the entire surface with an acrylic sealer or epoxy coating. This will help prevent further physical damage from occurring in the future.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Concrete surfaces are also vulnerable to freeze-thaw cycles, which occur when water gets trapped inside tiny pores on the surface of a slab and then freezes during cold weather periods causing expansion which leads to cracking and crumbling of the slab’s top layer. The best way to repair freeze-thaw damage is by pressure washing the affected area and then applying a protective coating like latex paint or epoxy resin that will help keep moisture out and prevent further freezing/thawing cycles from occurring in the future.
Conclusion to Common Causes of Concrete Deterioration
As you can see, there are many different causes of concrete deterioration that can lead to costly repairs if left unchecked for too long. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent further damage from occurring such as sealing your surfaces with an acrylic sealer or epoxy coating after patching any cracks/holes caused by physical impact or freeze-thaw cycles. With some minor maintenance now, you’ll be able save yourself time and money later on down the road! Tucson homeowners should take proactive measures now so they don’t have bigger problems downline! If you would like a free estimate feel free to contact us for professional concrete repair.