Concrete Repair and Installation
Concrete is a material that’s been around for many years, and for good reason. As a contributor to curb appeal and public safety, this durable building material gains strength over time and is highly durable. You’ll commonly find it used for commercial structures, such as parking bumpers, catch basins, ramps, walls, sidewalks, curbs, and stairs. It resists weathering, natural disasters, and erosion, making it the perfect material for projects in harsher climates. Over time, however, concrete might need repairing due to several issues.
Concrete Cracks
Commercial concrete floors must be in top-notch condition, especially if you drive heavy machinery across them daily. Even a minor crack can lead to a potentially hazardous situation, especially in areas with high pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
While it’s not always easy to prevent concrete defects or cracks, finding a solution is easy. Because concrete cracks are usually the result of restraint during the concrete drying process, the dimensions can alter during the long-term curing process. It would be best if you don’t settle for temporary solutions. So our professional concrete crack repair products transform old and worn concrete into something practically new.
Water Infiltration
If you see water infiltrating your concrete floor, you might think it’s not a big deal. You might even think the water will dry and not do any damage. But it can be quite problematic. As a business owner, water damage is one of the most devastating problems you could have. It’s unsightly and can cause mold to form. Poor waterproofing or seismic soil movement can contribute to water-related damage and affect the concrete’s integrity. Additionally, plumbing problems can cause water to seep into the concrete’s pores, leading to erosion over time.
One of the best ways to determine if you have water infiltration is to visually inspect the area. If it has a gloss or sheen, it’s likely wet. If it’s dry, check the area’s firmness by pressing your finger into the concrete and see how easily it gives to the pressure. You could also purchase a moisture meter, which measures the amount of moisture on the surface. After finding the source of the moisture, you’ll need to hire someone to repair the concrete. Our professionals can replace your flooring if it’s crackling or flaking.
Insect Infestation
As a business owner, you likely know that bugs are all around. While they’re usually not a problem, they can sometimes cause more significant issues, such as cracks in the concrete foundation. Two of the more common critters that can cause damage to your foundation include the following:
- Subterranean termites: You might think termites only cause damage to wood, but subterranean termites can get into small cracks in concrete foundations and take up residence. They use these cracks to form tunnels so they can locate wood to feast upon. Over time, they can weaken the concrete foundation.
- Pavement ants: These types of ants are different than the typical ants you might be used to. They enter through cracks in the concrete slabs located under buildings. They also prefer wood and will use breaks in the foundation to find wood structural support. Once they enter, they can also infiltrate the walls, insulation, and under the floors.
To prevent these types of insect infestations, you need to remove any wood-to-ground contact around the foundation of your building. If you believe your building has been damaged by these insects, contact an exterminator to remove them. You might need to schedule several sessions for complete removal.
Weed Growth
Weeds are more than just a nuisance; they can cause significant damage to your concrete foundation. Weed stems and roots seek out cracks and other openings; if left untreated, they can expand and widen foundation cracks. Depending on what type of weed, it can also break through retaining walls. Ultimately, weeds can cause structural instability and allow water to penetrate. Some of the more damaging types of weeds include the following:
- Japanese knotweed: While this weed cannot penetrate concrete or brick, it can cause extensive damage to foundations. It seeks out cracks or weaknesses in the foundation and spreads.
- Horsetail: This perennial weed has a strong underground stem structure, which can travel several feet below the surface and affect the foundation. It can also grow up to 2 feet in height.
- Bamboo: If left untouched, bamboo can become invasive. Some varieties can even grow up to 30 feet below ground. Running bamboo is the most problematic.
The best way to prevent invasive roots from attacking your foundation is to remove these plants from near the building. Try not to wait until the weeds get too tall because that likely means the roots are just as long and can be tough to remove.
Large Tree Roots
While planting trees around your property might give your buildings some needed shade and appeal, their roots might cause havoc on your concrete foundation. Trees have roots that seek nutrients and water; as the roots grow, they can disrupt the soil’s stability. As a result, they can form hollows under the foundation. Once gravity takes over, the foundation settles into these different voids and cracks the supports.
One way to prevent this is to work with professional landscapers to determine what types of trees you can safely plant without damaging the foundation. You can also add waterproofing measures to your commercial properties to keep out the moisture.
Why Should You Choose U.S. Pave?
If you’re looking for innovative commercial paving applications, we can provide you with a wide range of options. We take pride in offering customers expertise combined with emerging technologies to help you make informed decisions for your business. At U.S. Pave, we offer affordable concrete repair and concrete maintenance plans so your commercial property looks good as new. We work with you to ensure we accurately and safely provide you with the best work while adhering to your budget. To learn more about all we offer, contact us directly, and we’ll give you a free estimate.