Concrete Defects
Latest Concrete Defects Articles
-
Concrete Installation
Concrete Repair
The mystery holes in the foundation were made by the foundation form panels. If they are leaking, there are concrete repair products for foundation repairs. Be sure the concrete repair is done with an expanding foundation repair product. read more... -
Concrete Defects
Concrete Overlay
A concrete overlay is a great way to patch your spalling concrete sidewalk, driveway or stucco. Discover how to repair your concrete. Concrete overlays can last years if the concrete work is done properly.
read more... -
Concrete Defects
Cold Seam Crack
Cold seams in a poured concrete foundation can occur if the flow of concrete is interrupted. The foundation seam is where part of the concrete dries while waiting for more concrete to be poured.
read more... -
Concrete Defects
Repair Cracked Concrete Slab
Cracks in concrete slabs can be permanently repaired. The trick is to use high-strength epoxies that are easily injected into the cracks. Epoxy repair kits are affordable and can be found readily. read more... -
Concrete Defects
Concrete Cracks
Concrete slabs will crack. Most concrete will crack. Concrete reinforcement by your contractor can help minimize or stop cracking. The use of steel rebar, synthetic fiber or wire mesh will help control the cracking. read more...
-
Concrete Defects
Cleaning Concrete Oil Spots
Oil stain removal if tried immediately can produce great results. Older stain removal may not be as successful. Concrete stains from oil are no exception. Use a good nylon bristle brush and liquid soap. Don't just rinse but soak up the oil/soap mix. Solvent use may be necessary but be careful. These solvents are very dangerous. read more... -
Concrete Defects
Silane & Siloxane Concrete Sealants
Concrete is a unique material. It is hard, dense and durable yet it is highly susceptible to staining when it has a rough to semi-smooth finish. Most exterior concrete surfaces like driveways, sidewalks and driveway aprons need to have a somewhat rough surface for traction. Water, oil and other liquids can readily soak into concrete if it is not protected. Protect your surface with a clear sealer or liquid repellent. read more...
-
Concrete Defects
Oil Spills on Pavement
Oil spills or stains on your driveway? Don't panic - all you need is liquid soap and water! Even if your stain is more than 30 days old, using warm water can help lift the stain off. Make sure you don't use a wire brush, because that only harms your driveway surface. And while you may need to use a solvent to get rid of a stain on concrete, only use soap and water with asphalt. read more...
-
Concrete Defects
Concrete Crack Prevention
Concrete installation by a seasoned professional is the best way to ensure that your concrete driveway will last for years. Concrete reinforcement with steel or rebar will help control cracking. Concrete expansion joints are critical as is a good solid base. read more... -
Concrete Defects
Install Concrete with Control Joints
The following checklist contains 15 helpful pointers when using concrete to make a sidewalk, patio or driveway. Look at the control joint illustrations to see how they should be handled for residential driveways. read more...
-
Concrete Defects
Concrete Books & Coating Manufacturers
When it comes to learning about concrete, there are two books that are must-haves, both from the Portland Cement Association. Looking for clear coating manufacturers? Many on the following list may not be familiar to you, because high quality clear coatings aren't usually sold at local hardware shops. read more...
-
Concrete Defects
Deicing Salt and Concrete
There are four primary deicing salts for ice and snow removal. Sodium chloride (rock salt), calcium chloride, potassium chloride and magnesium chloride. Each has certain temperatures that it can work with. Magnesium chloride is less damaging to concrete, plants and trees. read more... -
Concrete Defects
Concrete & Deicing Salt
For information on deicing salt or concrete, check out the following trusted sources. The Salt Institute, the American Concrete Institute and the Portland Cement Association are all organizations who will give you professional information. Local engineering labs also are good go-to sources for literature. read more...
-
Concrete Defects
Concrete Scaling & Deicing Salts
To solve concrete spalling, the job should be started with good concrete and ended with good finishing techniques. Deicing salts, contrary to popular belief, will not harm concrete that is made, placed and finished in the proper way. Never use fertilizers as deicers because the chemicals may attack your concrete. If you're still concerned about water messing up your surface, use a concrete sealant. read more...
-
Concrete Defects
Scaling Concrete
Concrete driveways should last years if properly mixed and installed. Concrete driveways will stand up to deicing salts and freezing temperatures. Make sure the mix is right and the concrete installation is done at the right time of year. read more...
-
Concrete Defects
Concrete Overlays & Associations
The most common problem with concrete drives, sidewalks and patios is surface spalling. The upper wear surface simply flakes off. The attractive surface is now replaced with bumpy aggregate. This can be repaired by adding a concrete overlay. Adhesion is the key to installing a new concrete overlay, as well as the thickness you choose to apply. read more...
-
Concrete Defects
Concrete Overlays
Concrete overlays can be successfully applied if you follow my tips. Cement and stone amounts are critical to the concrete mixture. You need a cement paint applied before you bond the overlay to the older concrete. Use a curing compound after your overlay is finished. read more...
-
Concrete Defects
Installing Concrete Overlays
There are many steps to laying a concrete overlay. The following article will walk you through the prep period to the cleaning up period. It is important to remember to have the correct materials including Portland cement, fine and coarse sand and pea gravel. Work in sections and be sure to spray the surface with a curing compound (or cover with plastic) when its finished. read more...
-
Concrete Defects
Long Lasting Concrete Repair
Long lasting concrete repairs depend on bonding the new patch to the old concrete. Concrete crack repairs depends on the weather. If you have a large concrete driveway repair, you should pin the patch. read more...
-
Concrete Defects
Concrete Repairs 101
Patching concrete depends on pinning the new patch to the old concrete. Simple concrete forms made with concrete block and wood, cement paint, rebar, concrete and a hammer drill will be all you need. The steel or rebar will keep the concrete strong and the cement paint will help adhere the patch. read more...
