Do you know what concrete degradation is? Chances are you don’t but you’ve seen it. Concrete degradation is when concrete is damaged for almost any reason, including calcium leaching, physical damage, or bacterial corrosion. While those are just some of the main reasons concrete degrades, we’ll go over some of the other ways it gets destroyed over time and whether you can do anything about it.
What Else Causes Concrete Degradation?
Concrete degradation can also occur under the following circumstances:
- Aggregate expansion
- Carbonation
- Seawater exposure
While you may not be able to see concrete degradation on the surface, it’s what is going on below the surface that should be a cause for concern. The longer concrete goes unrepaired or issues go unnoticed, the more repair work or replacement work will need to go into creating a safe experience for barriers, sidewalks, and driveways. By being aware of what your concrete is exposure to and hiring a company to repair it, you can avoid issues you’ll find with concrete degradation over time.
By working with AAA Concrete Raising, they’ll be able to come out to your home or property and look at whatever issues you’re noticing. Whether it’s wear and tear of your concrete or something more sinister, they’ll be able to give you an idea of what’s going on, how to prevent it, and recommendations on if it’s time to repair or replace the concrete. This is the best way to determine what’s going on with your concrete and if it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Concrete degradation is something every piece of concrete will deal with at some point during its lifetime. By taking care of your concrete, repairing it when necessary, and doing what you can to prevent the elements from taking hold, you’ll get long-lasting concrete no matter where it’s installed.
Concrete Degradation FAQs
Concrete degradation is the breakdown of concrete due to causes such as calcium leaching, physical damage, bacterial corrosion, carbonation, aggregate expansion, and seawater exposure. It's an inevitable process that every piece of concrete will face at some point during its lifetime.
Not always -- much of the damage from concrete degradation occurs beneath the surface, making it difficult to detect until the problem has progressed significantly. This is why routine inspections by a professional are important for catching issues before they become costly repairs.
The longer degradation goes unaddressed, the more extensive and expensive the repair or replacement work will become. Deteriorating sidewalks, driveways, and barriers can also become safety hazards for anyone who uses them.
A company like AAA Concrete Raising can assess your concrete in person, identify the root cause of any damage, and provide recommendations on whether repair or full replacement is the right course of action. Their expertise takes the guesswork out of determining how serious the problem really is.
While degradation cannot be avoided entirely, staying aware of what your concrete is exposed to, repairing damage early, and taking preventative measures against the elements can significantly extend its lifespan. Proactive maintenance is the most effective way to get long-lasting results from any concrete installation.
