Concrete is tough, but it is not invincible, especially here in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Our Oklahoma climate throws everything at it. We have scorching summers as well as freezing winters. In addition, we have that infamous red clay soil that just loves to move. If you have a driveway, a patio, or a sidewalk, you have an investment. You want this investment to last. Express Concrete & Masonry Solutions has seen firsthand what happens when folks neglect their concrete flatwork. It is always more expensive to fix concrete than to maintain it.
Extend the Life of Your Concrete in Broken Arrow: It is All About Protection
The biggest thing you can do to make your concrete last is to protect it from the elements. Here in Broken Arrow, that means battling two main enemies. These enemies are water as well as temperature swings. Our frequent freeze-thaw cycles are brutal for concrete. Water seeps into tiny pores and cracks. It then freezes and expands by about 9%. After that, it thaws, leaving bigger cracks behind. This can happen 20-40 times in a typical Oklahoma winter. Each cycle weakens your concrete. In addition, we have our expansive clay soil. This soil swells when wet and shrinks when dry. This puts pressure on your concrete slabs from underneath.
Seal Your Concrete Up Right
Sealing is your first line of defense for your concrete in Broken Arrow. A good quality sealer acts like a raincoat for your concrete. It prevents water from soaking in. For driveways, you will want to reseal every 2-3 years. This is important with the vehicle traffic as well as de-icing chemicals we sometimes track in. Patios and walkways might get by with resealing every 2-4 years. This depends on the sealer type as well as how much use they get. If you see water soaking into the concrete instead of beading up, your sealer is worn out. It is time for a fresh coat.
Mind the Drainage Around Your Concrete
This is a very important step for concrete maintenance in Broken Arrow. Pooling water is a concrete killer. Make sure your gutters are working right. They should be draining water away from your concrete flatwork. If you have low spots where water collects, that is a problem that needs fixing. Proper grading around your concrete helps direct water away. This is important with our heavy Oklahoma rains.
Be Smart About De-Icers for Concrete
When winter hits and things get icy, be careful what you put on your concrete. Many de-icing salts can damage the surface. This leads to scaling as well as pitting. Look for concrete-safe de-icing products. You can also just use sand for traction.
Regular Concrete Maintenance in Broken Arrow: Simple Steps, Big Impact
Keeping your concrete in good shape does not have to be a huge chore. A little regular attention goes a long way for your concrete. Express Concrete & Masonry Solutions recommends these steps.
- Clean Your Concrete Regularly: Sweep off dirt, leaves, and other debris. Pressure wash it once or twice a year to get rid of grime as well as to prevent staining. Fallen leaves, mud, and frost can trap moisture. This contributes to deterioration of your concrete.
- Address Concrete Stains Quickly: Oil, grease, and other spills can penetrate unsealed or poorly sealed concrete. Clean them up as soon as you can. This will prevent permanent marks on your concrete.
- Trim Back Vegetation Around Concrete: Tree roots can cause major damage. They grow under and lift concrete slabs. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back to prevent this problem.
- Inspect Your Concrete for Cracks: Make it a habit to walk your concrete flatwork a few times a year. This is especially important before winter and after heavy rains. Look for any new cracks or changes to existing ones.
Warning Signs for Your Concrete in Broken Arrow: Do Not Ignore These Red Flags
Your concrete will usually tell you when it has a problem. Catching these issues early can save you a lot on repairs. Express Concrete & Masonry Solutions can help with these warning signs.
- Cracks in Concrete: Not all cracks are an emergency. However, you need to pay attention to them. Hairline cracks are often cosmetic. But they can let water in and become bigger problems. Wide or deep cracks, especially those wider than 1/16 inch, can signal structural issues or significant movement. Spiderweb cracks often mean the concrete dried too fast or was not cured right.
- Spalling, Pitting, or Popouts on Concrete: This is when the surface starts flaking, chipping, or peeling. It usually happens when water gets in and freezes. It can also happen from poor quality materials or de-icing salts. If left alone, it exposes the inner layers. This makes the problem worse.
- Uneven or Sinking Concrete Slabs: If sections of your driveway or patio are sinking or uneven, that is a big sign of trouble underneath. This is often due to our expansive clay soil settling. Erosion or poor preparation when the concrete was first poured can also cause this. This can create trip hazards as well as indicate serious subsurface problems.
- Discoloration or Staining on Concrete: Unusual stains can point to chemical reactions or water damage. White powdery stuff, called efflorescence, means water-soluble salts are moving to the surface. Rust stains might even mean rebar inside the concrete is corroding.
- Water Pooling on Concrete: If water is regularly sitting on your concrete, it is a problem. This accelerates winter damage. It can also lead to moisture intrusion.
When to Call a Concrete Professional in Broken Arrow: Do Not DIY Everything
Some things you can handle yourself. But for other issues, you really need to bring in the professionals. Trying to tackle a big structural issue on your own can end up costing you more in the long run. Express Concrete & Masonry Solutions is here to help.
- Structural Cracks in Concrete: If you have cracks that are wide, deep, or growing rapidly, especially if they are causing unevenness, do not wait. These can threaten the integrity of your concrete.
- Significant Settling or Unevenness of Concrete: If a slab has visibly sunk or tilted, or if you are seeing gaps between your concrete and your house, that is a job for a professional. This often points to soil movement or drainage issues. These issues need expert assessment as well as repair. This includes slab stabilization or underpinning.
- Extensive Spalling or Surface Deterioration of Concrete: If a large area of your concrete is flaking or pitting, it might need more than just a new coat of sealer. Sometimes the surface needs to be resurfaced or even replaced.
- Drainage Problems You Cannot Fix Around Concrete: If you have tried to improve drainage and water is still pooling, a professional can assess the grade. They can also suggest more permanent solutions.
- Before Winter if You Have Concrete Concerns: It is a good idea to get a professional inspection every fall. This is especially true if you are worried about existing damage to your concrete. Addressing cracks and problems before winter can prevent them from getting much worse with freeze-thaw cycles.
Here at Express Concrete & Masonry Solutions, we have seen it all when it comes to Broken Arrow concrete. We know our local soil as well as our crazy weather. We also know what it takes to keep your concrete flatwork in top shape. If you are seeing any of those warning signs or just want some peace of mind, give us a call. We are happy to take a look and give you an honest assessment. Taking care of your concrete now means enjoying it for years to come.