Concrete is a very magnificent material. As you know, you can form it into almost any shape, you can apply many different finishes to it, you can stamp it with patterns, etc. Concrete has its strengths and weaknesses. You must minimize its weaknesses in order to maximize its useful life. There are several inexpensive yet effective ways to do this.
Concrete sealants are products designed to inhibit and/or prohibit liquids from being absorbed by concrete. Concrete, contrary to popular belief, is actually a porous material. It can and does absorb water and other liquids. Some of these liquids can have dissolved materials (salts, acids, etc.) which can severely harm the concrete. Water can enter concrete and freeze. Water which freezes expands by approximately nine percent. This expansion can literally tear concrete apart. It is a good idea to apply a concrete sealant to avoid such problems.
Concrete slabs will crack. Most concrete will crack. Concrete reinforcement by your contractor can help minimize or stop cracking. The use of steel rebar, synthetic fiber or wire mesh will help control the cracking.
Settlement cracks can occur in a concrete foundation wall or concrete slab shortly after being poured. But most concrete cracks are caused by shrinkage. Soil quality, footer design and steel reinforcements can all help prevent cracks.
Concrete slab cracks can be minimized by following several guidelines. Install concrete that is the correct strength for the job it is to provide. Make sure that the ground beneath it is compacted well. Control joints should be placed in concrete slabs. Reinforcing steel, or rebar, can be added to help stop shrinkage cracks.
Concrete repair needs a cool day, good patching material or adhesives and a well prepared area. Make sure your concrete patch does not have its water pulled out by the older concrete, the wind or the sun. Look for the words "acrylic", "vinyl" or "gypsum cement" on your patching material label. They ensure better adhesion to older cement.
Patching concrete depends on pinning the new patch to the old concrete. Simple concrete forms made with concrete block and wood, cement paint, rebar, concrete and a hammer drill will be all you need. The steel or rebar will keep the concrete strong and the cement paint will help adhere the patch.
Concrete overlays can be successfully applied if you follow my tips. Cement and stone amounts are critical to the concrete mixture. You need a cement paint applied before you bond the overlay to the older concrete. Use a curing compound after your overlay is finished.
Concrete driveways should last years if properly mixed and installed. Concrete driveways will stand up to deicing salts and freezing temperatures. Make sure the mix is right and the concrete installation is done at the right time of year.
There are four primary deicing salts for ice and snow removal. Sodium chloride (rock salt), calcium chloride, potassium chloride and magnesium chloride. Each has certain temperatures that it can work with. Magnesium chloride is less damaging to concrete, plants and trees.
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