Problems with Concrete Decay

Major problems can arise if concrete is not repaired or replaced.

Concrete decay is a huge problem plaguing suburban areas and urban locales alike. Over time, concrete will naturally decay and need to be repaired or replaced. If the concrete is not repaired in a timely fashion, it can collapse or cause major structural defects in buildings and structures, making them uninhabitable. Here are some of the problems that cause concrete decay.

Put Concrete in the Right Spot

If concrete is not in the right place, concrete decay is more likely to occur. There are many common signs of concrete placement issues, including cracking, air bubbles visible in the concrete, pockets of rocks, honeycombing, and cold joints. Concrete placement problems can also be as a result of the concrete itself. If there is an inadequate substrate, an improper water and cement ratio, faulty curing, or other installation issues, it can all dramatically increase the likelihood of concrete decay problems occurring.

Service Condition Issues

Service condition issues include any concrete decay problems that are as a result of concrete installation problems, concrete mixture problems, and the structure being built. If concrete is used to fulfill a design that is not structurally sound, it will automatically cause premature decay and problems. The same thing is true when concrete is installed in the wrong environment, as certain location obstacles cannot be overcome.

The most notable signs of concrete service condition issues include:

• A corrosion of the reinforced steel or other metal inside of the concrete.
• Freeze-thaw cycles that dampen the concrete and then cool it before there is time for it to drain properly. The freeze-thaw concrete cycle can eventually cause expansion, scaling, and delamination.
• Chemical deterioration as a result of chemicals used to prevent ice and snow accumulation or acid rain due to pollution. Chemical deterioration is especially common in concrete parking garages treated for winter weather.
• Erosion, which is inevitable and the primary cause of concrete decay.

Concrete Installation and Repairs from G&M Services

G&M Services has a great amount of expertise, experience, and training when it comes to demolishing concrete, so trust us with the job. We understand how dangerous our important work with concrete can be, and we take safety precautions every minute of every day to prevent anything bad from happening. We offer many different services to our valued clients, including concrete drilling, concrete scanning, and FireStop. For more information on our services, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 787-8828. For more safety tips and interesting articles, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and LinkedIn.