Concrete is known for its durability, versatility, and the beauty it can bring to your Milwaukee-area home. With countless structures, roads, and other assets made of concrete, there is a reason it is so popular. It offers excellent structure, longevity, environmental perks, and fire resistance, but it is vulnerable to cracks and other damage. If the concrete on your property does show cracks and other signs of damage, it may be easier to just ignore and forget about it, but that is not the smart move in the long term. Here is why you should always consider the importance of concrete repair:
What Causes Broken Concrete?
When concrete is installed properly, it is extremely durable, long-lasting, and beautiful. Unfortunately, there are a couple of factors that can lead to cracks and other blemishes. A common cause for fresh concrete to crack shortly after it is poured is due to excess water in the mix. Concrete does not need much water in the mix to achieve its maximum strength, but when too much is added, it greatly reduces the strength. This will lead to cracks forming easier. The water then evaporates, which causes the concrete to shrink, and then eventually crack.
While a large cause of broken concrete comes from the method and mixture when it is poured, there are still other external causes of damage. Concrete can also be damaged and cracked from expansion and contraction. Excess heat and cold over time can really do a number on concrete. Another big factor that can lead to cracks and damage is overloading the slab. While concrete is extremely strong, it can be crushed by having too much weight over time. So concrete is not immune to damage, but why is it important for it to be repaired and replaced?
Potential Harms of Broken Concrete
When your residential concrete starts to show signs of damage, it may seem like the only downside of the situation is that it no longer looks as good as it once did. That is certainly not the reality of it. Here are some of the potential harms of broken concrete:
Structural Damage
The ground is constantly moving, and other weather factors such as extreme heat and extreme cold can expand and contract the foundation as well. This movement will cause the concrete to shift and eventually crack over time. These damages can continue to occur if they are not fixed in a timely manner. The more repairs that have to be made, the larger the project and the more expensive it will be. It is better for your home and your wallet to get these issues taken care of right away.
Physical Damage
If you have a concrete sidewalk, patio or driveway, the cracks that form can lead to a tripping hazard or damage to automobiles. Uneven concrete surfaces can be difficult for some people to walk on, or someone may inadvertently trip and injure themselves. There is also a chance you or someone may damage your car if the crack is deep enough and is run over. These can lead to extra costs that would exceed the price of just paying for concrete repair in the first place!
Maintaining & Raising Your Home’s Value
Houses are expensive and so is maintaining them. With the ever-changing market, it is important to try to keep your home’s value as high as it can be. Cracked concrete can negatively affect your property’s value. If you have a concrete sidewalk, driveway or patio, it not only is an eyesore but is also going to cost money to repair, which will just end up decreasing your property value. If you have a concrete foundation in your house and that is also damaged, that will drastically affect the value. Staying on top of concrete maintenance, and making sure it stays in good condition will end up saving you money in the long run and will raise your overall property value.
Contact Us For Concrete Repair Services
If your Milwaukee-area home is showing signs of concrete damage, don’t wait too long to get it fixed! It can end up being far more dangerous and expensive than it may seem at the time. You are going to want to get it repaired sooner rather than later, and when you do get it fixed, you are going to want to go with the local concrete experts. Our concrete repair services have been trusted around the area for over 30 years. Contact JBS Construction today to request a free estimate on your next concrete repair!
