Concrete provides years of reliability when installed by a reputable paving crew. However, there are some preventative measures and tips to increase concrete longevity, including:
- Partnering with a reputable pavement company to install and cure the concrete
- Keeping the concrete surface clean and free of debris
- Sealing and weatherproofing the concrete when possible
- Addressing minor signs of damage (such as cracks and spalls) as soon as they appear
- Ensuring proper drainage around and under the concrete
Taking the above steps will improve the concrete’s durability and lifespan, whether it is a concrete foundation, a concrete road or another type of concrete paving.
Consider These Preventative Maintenance Tips to Improve Your Concrete’s Longevity
Concrete’s impressive durability is the number one reason why it’s used in most construction projects. It can bear a lot of weight, it can withstand a great deal of impact, it can tolerate most climates and remains functional even after years of wear. But like any other material, you will get more out of concrete if you invest in preventative maintenance, which should include the following:
- Working with a reputable concrete company – Concrete’s durability depends greatly on how it is installed and cured. To ensure maximum longevity, the base must be properly stabilized and prepared. The concrete must be mixed and poured carefully. And once the concrete is set, it must be cured at the proper rate – accounting for factors like any chemical additives and ambient temperature.
Expertly installed concrete can last for 20 or more years if it is expertly installed and properly maintained. If a concrete company cuts corners during the process, the concrete may fail within months.
- Cleaning the concrete surface regularly and removing all debris – Dust, dirt, pebbles, trash and other debris accelerate wear to concrete, especially if it is pressed into joints or cracks. When incompressible items like dirt and rocks intrude into cracks or joints, they prevent the concrete from flexing and compressing with thermal stresses. This will place additional internal pressures on the concrete and result in more cracks and wear.
It is a simple problem to prevent by scheduling regular concrete sweeping services to keep the surface clean and remove any debris.
- Sealing and weatherproofing the concrete – Concrete pavement can be sealed and weatherproofed to minimize water intrusion and any damage due to water. Water is concrete’s nemesis. If it reaches the pavement’s deeper layers, it will accelerate chemical attack, destabilize the base, and if freezing temperatures are a concern, it may result in freeze/thaw cycles that can ruin concrete outright.
Sealing and weatherproofing the concrete will protect against this and allow your concrete to work properly in your drainage structures.
- Fixing minor forms of damage as soon as possible – Most minor concrete flaws can be resolved easily, quickly and at minimal cost. However, the longer property owners wait, the worse the situation will get. Cracks will spread and widen over time, spalls will turn into fractures, and water will be given free access to the pavement’s vulnerable deeper layers. If you act quickly when damage emerges, you can avoid the kind of rapid wear that will shave years off or your pavement’s life.
- Investing in adequate drainage – Again, keeping standing water off of your property is a top priority if you’re trying to extend the concrete’s longevity. This starts with proper drainage, including adequate grading and installing effective drainage structures like culverts, retention/detention ponds and curb and gutter systems.
- Working with a reputable concrete company – Concrete’s durability depends greatly on how it is installed and cured. To ensure maximum longevity, the base must be properly stabilized and prepared. The concrete must be mixed and poured carefully. And once the concrete is set, it must be cured at the proper rate – accounting for factors like any chemical additives and ambient temperature.
Three Reasons to Invest in Preventative Measures for Concrete
Some property owners make the mistake of assuming concrete doesn’t need preventative maintenance when it Is already so durable to begin with.
While it is true that concrete brings unmatched durability to your project, preventative measures and maintenance should not be overlooked for the following reasons:
- It is less expensive to maintain than to repair – According to multiple studies authored by state departments of transportation, the economics of concrete upkeep are clear. It is much more cost efficient to keep concrete in good condition with preventative maintenance than it is to repair it once it deteriorates. If your concrete deteriorates past the point of repair, concrete replacement will be even more expensive.
To keep operating costs in line, many property owners regularly schedule preventative maintenance and work to keep their concrete in good condition.
- Traffic disruptions may be unacceptable – Preventative concrete maintenance can be performed with minimal disruption to the pavement. For example, sealing and crack filling can be handled during off-peak traffic hours or sometimes during the night. This degree of convenience is likely not possible if the concrete needs extensive repairs or replacement. And if the concrete in question is in a high-priority spot (like an interstate) then avoiding any traffic disruptions may be mandatory. Preventative measures fit into this approach well and minimize any traffic impacts.
- Maintenance improves motorist and pedestrian safety – Preventative measures will do more than extend the concrete’s lifespan. They also improve road performance and your concrete’s surface texture. In practice, this equals better safety for any motorists or pedestrians visiting your property. Keep in mind that if your concrete is in poor shape, it may be a liability risk if it is a contributing factor in any accident or injury.
- It is less expensive to maintain than to repair – According to multiple studies authored by state departments of transportation, the economics of concrete upkeep are clear. It is much more cost efficient to keep concrete in good condition with preventative maintenance than it is to repair it once it deteriorates. If your concrete deteriorates past the point of repair, concrete replacement will be even more expensive.
These Preventative Measures and Tips Will Protect Your Concrete and Your Investment
Concrete’s superior durability means property owners can expect decades of reliable performance out of their pavement. To extend your concrete’s longevity further, it is essential to invest in preventative maintenance measures. Proper installation and curing techniques, regular cleaning, weatherproofing and responsive pavement repairs will extend your concrete’s longevity and maximize the value it delivers to your organization.
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