Fixing a Concrete Patio

Concrete is a low-cost, versatile material used for roads, driveways, patios, and other structures. Despite their popularity, concrete surfaces are susceptible to various problems that need repair, including cracks, discoloration, and base cracks. Both new and old concrete can display signs of damage, depending on multiple factors such as the foundation and concrete's original installation, temperature, soil condition, and more. Is your concrete patio discolored or cracked? Read more to find out about the most popular concrete patio maintenance problems.

New Concrete Cracks

Concrete cracks are one of the most frequent problems it encounters. Within the first 30 days of construction, concrete cracks will occur. Cracks can be so rare if the concrete is well poured and secured in suitable conditions that finding them requires a lot of investigation. Larger cracks will burst through the surface if less-than-ideal conditions exist or if the concrete is not constructed properly.

When more water is added to a concrete mix, the mix shrinks as the water evaporates, resulting in cracks. Concrete cracks can also be caused by heavy rainfall and high temperatures during the construction process. Allow a month for the concrete to set fully, and if there are holes big enough to fit a coin inside, they are significant enough to be concerned with.

Concrete patios are vulnerable to breaking over time. Concrete, as the saying goes, is destined to do two things: harden and break. There's nothing to be concerned with until the cracks are big enough to cause alarm. If the cracks are wide enough to be considered an eyesore, you should have a specialist inspect the issue. People had no choice but to dig up old, broken concrete and dump fresh concrete back in the day. Other solutions, such as fillers, are also available to eliminate cracks in concrete without requiring extensive repairs.

Problems with Concrete Foundations

Foundation problems are often disguised as minor home improvement projects. Problems are almost certain to occur if the base of your concrete patio was not correctly set. Otherwise, the entire floor will crumble if the foundation is not thick enough to withstand the mortar poured above it. Expansive dirt, poor ventilation, and plumbing leakage are all variables that lead to concrete foundation issues.

If water runs immediately under your patio, the base is likely to deteriorate with time. Water must be kept away from the floor of your patio, as well as the foundation of your house, with adequate gutters and downspouts.

Water will also drip under the base from unknown causes, such as a minor leak in a shower, sink, or tub's plumbing. The floor can become unstable if the leaks move or erode the soil. Expansive soils are more likely to cause base destruction in some areas. As extensive grounds fill up with water and then dry out, they grow and compress rapidly, and this excessive activity will inevitably lead to a broken base.

Discolorations In Concrete

Concrete is vulnerable to discoloration for a variety of causes. The leading cause of concrete discoloration is moisture, and the concrete patio's proximity to water can differ based on where it is situated. If the patio is under an irrigated hillside, the water will constantly drain back into the asphalt, shifting its color in spots. If the patio does not get a lot of sunlight, the effects will appear much sooner.

To prevent discoloration, you'll need to build a drainage block that prevents water from touching the patio. Water sealants can also be applied to concrete to improve, but they won't entirely solve the problem.

If you find white spots on the asphalt, this is due to efflorescence, a natural phenomenon brought on by moisture. When the concrete cures and absorbs moisture into the air, the white stains appear. When water evaporates, dissolved salts and minerals in the concrete mixture are left behind. These minerals are left on the concrete's top, resulting in whitish streaks. The white steaks can fade over time in most situations, but this depends on the concrete's composition and how long it takes to cure and dry properly. If the issue persists, you may get professional help.

Concrete patio's stains and spills

If you use your patio often, someone would likely spill wine, oil, coffee, or something else on the ground surface at any point. Any patio stains can be removed with a rigid bristle brush, water, dish soap, and a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar. When done, rinse with water and keep vinegar away from any nearby plants.