If you need to construct a parking lot, street, or driveway, you usually need to choose between concrete and asphalt paving. For structural foundations and pavements that support high volumes or heavy weights, though, concrete is the logical choice. Concrete’s strength and durability, however, does not always mean that it will never need a repair. When you need a concrete repair, avoiding costly mistakes boils down to choosing the right contractor, asking the right questions, and following the contractor’s recommendations.
Why Is the Concrete Repair Contractor Important?
As you probably noticed, more than one company in Houston offers concrete repair services. However, Houston concrete repair companies can vary significantly in experience, equipment, and training. Novice contractors may not have the skills to identify what caused the problem, and the concrete patch or concrete crack repair could fail quickly unless the source is located and corrected. Some highly experienced contractors can insist on using a traditional method for a concrete repair in Houston, ignoring the many advances in materials and technology that have appeared in recent years. Furthermore, regardless of their experience level, some contractors fail to ask several pertinent questions.
When did you first notice the problem with your concrete?
Have there been any structural modifications that would alter the stress load of the building or home?
Does a crack change in width when temperatures fluctuate?
Have there been any nearby excavations?
Has the loading of the pavement changed since it was constructed?
Your answers can help a Houston concrete repair company identify what caused the issue and correct it.
What Questions Should Customers Ask Concrete Repair Contractors?
The basic rules for choosing any contractor are to secure and check references, ask about their experience, and obtain proof of adequate insurance. However, you should probe a little more when you need to hire a Houston concrete repair company.
What concrete repair services do you offer? If the best solution for your specific issue is a concrete patch, a contractor who can only make a concrete crack repair will be of little help.
What materials do you use when you make a concrete crack repair? Some Houston concrete repair companies are still filling cracks by inserting more concrete into the void. Normally, this will be a short-lived repair, and it can even make the problem worse in some cases. Epoxy and carbon fiber materials are superior choices for a concrete crack repair.
What do you think caused the problem with my concrete? Unless the cause is identified and addressed, you could be facing one concrete repair after another. Although it is possible that there could be more than one potential cause, experienced Houston concrete repair companies have probably dealt with all of them.
What Recommendations Might a Concrete Repair Company Offer Its Customers?
The type of concrete repair services you needed, the overall condition of your concrete, and factors specific to your site can determine your contractor’s recommendations. However, here are some of the most common suggestions offered by Houston concrete repair companies.
Direct runoff to gutters that carry the water to downspouts, and position the downspouts so that they do not drain on or near your concrete.
If you have sprinklers, adjust them so that they do not water your concrete or the soil immediately adjacent to it.
Carefully consider where you plant trees, especially those with shallow, strong roots that spread over a wide area. You should also exercise caution when planting shrubs near your foundation.
As soon as you notice a problem, contact a trustworthy Houston concrete repair company before the problem gets more severe.
Since 1980, the experts at Pavement Services have provided concrete repair services to clients throughout Houston and beyond. We also offer concrete installation services for commercial foundations, parking lots, and ADA ramps. In addition, we offer parking lot striping, asphalt repair, cement stabilization, asphalt paving, dust control, and asphalt sealcoating. We use the latest technology and most advanced products in the industry. We are known for our service, integrity, professionalism, and workmanship. For a free quote, you can use our online form to submit your request, or you can call 713-661-9295.