From sidewalks to driveways, foundations to garage floors, concrete plays an important role in most homes and properties. In order to keep your concrete in great condition, it is important to know the symptoms of a problem and address them quickly.

As a homeowner, be sure to periodically inspect your concrete for signs of damage, then refer to the following guide to address the most common concrete problems:

Cracking
Cracks in your concrete can start small but turn into a big problem. Over time, surface cracks will work their way all the way through the slab, in which case you will need to replace the slab. This is when inspecting your concrete regularly will really help. When you see a small crack, simply clean out any loose debris and fill the space with concrete filler. Then, apply a sealant product (both filler and sealant are available at most hardware stores), to strengthen the patched area.

Scaling
The ice and snow of Nebraska winters can do a number on your concrete. Over time, de-icing salt can cause scaling or pitting – basically, the loss of surface material. This loss of material will continue unless you immediately address the problem. To eliminate further scaling, you will need to rough up the entire surface of concrete before applying a fresh layer of resurfacing concrete. After the new concrete is applied and has been left overnight to cure, we recommend applying a waterproofing treatment to protect from further scaling.

Discoloration
Automobile fluid stains, cleaning solutions, or incorrect installation techniques can cause discoloration on your concrete. To prevent the discoloration from spreading, it is important to take action immediately. Spreading of stains can be stopped and most stains removed by scrubbing with a stiff-bristled brush and a homemade vinegar/water solution. Sometimes, stronger, professional chemicals may be necessary to remove stains. However, when these are applied incorrectly, they can cause the stain to worsen. That’s why you should always consult a concrete expert when addressing stubborn discoloration.

Buckling
If you’ve noticed your concrete raising in certain areas, the roots of nearby trees could be to blame. High heat or extreme cold can also cause concrete to buckle. Buckling is a relatively serious concern that can only be fixed by removing the affected concrete and the tree roots that caused the problem, and replacing the concrete. You can then patch the surrounding area to prevent surrounding concrete from cracking in the future.

Sinking
There are a number of reasons why concrete slabs sink. Cracks and leaks in concrete can allow water to wash away the soil that supports the concrete. The soil under the concrete may have been poorly compacted, or weather changes and moisture in the air has changed the structural integrity of the soil. When this happens, a concrete leveling expert like Omaha Mudjacking can inspect your concrete and diagnose the problem. Usually, sinking concrete will require the services of a concrete leveler or mudjacker. Failure to fix sinking concrete can cause additional problems around your home, such as problems with water seepage, shifting of your garage, fencing shifting and requiring replacement, etc.

Crazing
Crazing is a fun word for a not-so-fun problem: networks of tiny surface cracks in your concrete. Crazing is often an effect of mistakes during the concrete mixing or curing process. In most cases, these cracks are small enough not to pose a problem to the structure of the concrete, but can still affect the overall look of your property. Ideally, your concrete installer will properly mix and cure the concrete during initial installation, but it is also possible to cover up this type of damage if it does occur. For internal decorative concrete structures, you can cover crazing with epoxy paint. Exterior concrete crazing should not be covered with sealants or hardeners as these can make the cracks more pronounced. The only true solution for outdoor crazing is to apply a layer of resurfacing concrete.

Omaha Mudjacking and concrete leveling expert. We provide residential and commercial mudjacking in and around Omaha and are here to answer your questions. We also have a location offering mudjacking in Kansas City.  Give us a call at today!