Concrete is the flooring solution of choice for many businesses because it is long-lasting and will hold up to a significant amount of wear and tear. However, no matter how strong the original installation was, eventually it will probably need some minor repairs. You must then decide whether to ignore the damage, attempt to repair it yourself, or hire a professional. Ignoring a real problem can be dangerous and do-it-yourself repairs are often best done only at home. Here are five signs to let you know when it is time to call a concrete floor repair professional.
1. If Concrete is Crumbling.
When concrete crumbles, it is a sign of a moisture problem. The technical term is “spalling” and it most often occurs when the concrete was mixed incorrectly during the initial installation. New concrete must be layered over the original. It is crucial that it be mixed correctly and that the air temperature remains above 50 degrees while it cures. In particularly dry climates, it may also be necessary to water the concrete with a sprinkler to prevent it from drying too quickly.
2. If Cracks become Large.
Large cracks are a safety hazard. Generally anything more than a quarter to a half-inch across is a problem. Indoors or out, if someone slips and is injured on uneven concrete, you could be liable. Large cracks also allow debris to fall in between the sections. This can create a messy appearance and encourage more cracking and damage. Cracks can also harbor moisture, which can lead to mold, and unwanted pests.
3. If the Floor is Unsteady.
If you are unsure whether your cracked concrete floor is unsteady or not, stand with a foot on either side of the gap. Drive machinery over it and feel whether it moves. Concrete should be solid and no movement felt. If you floor moves at all, it must be stabilized before the crack can be repaired. This process is called slab stabilization and involves injecting polyurethane foam into the gaps beneath the floor. This requires the use of a specialized pump and may also entail lifting the concrete slab.
4. When Damage is Widespread.
Sometimes the size of a project also calls for professional assistance. If your entire warehouse floor is covered in tiny cracks, it may be a cosmetic problem. However, the problem will not go away and will eventually grow. If you have multiple seemingly unrelated problems throughout a large facility, calling a professional can prevent a larger problem down the road. They may be unrelated, or they may be the sign of a more serious problem. Only a professional can evaluate this.
5. If it Affects Your Business.
Determining whether concrete damage affects your business might be subjective. Unless a client or customer specifically mentions it, you might not be able to draw the connection. However, if concrete floor damage is noticeable, your facilities can look less than their best. It is important to project and clean and professional image to those who enter your building. Likewise, if employees feel the walls are literally falling down around them, it is time to seek assistance.
Although concrete repair kits can be found at any home improvement store, unless you have the necessary experience, your project will likely be best handled by a professional. ICS is available to help with your concrete floor repair needs in Bangor, ME down to Hartford, CT. Share your project information in the Got a Project form or subscribe to the email newsletter in the box to the right. Our team of professional contractors is experience and ready to assist you in any way.
When you are ready to talk with a professional about your next concrete floor project, talk to the team at ICS. We have over 20 years of experience and have installed or updated over a million square feet of concrete floors. The combination of expertise, proprietary equipment, and dedication to a job well-done make ours the service you can trust. To get started, fill out the Got a Project form with some basic information about your project.
Concrete Flooring Service Area
ICS provides concrete solutions to all of the northeast. Here is a small list of cities and towns where we have completed many industrial and commercial concrete flooring applications.
| Portland, Maine | Bangor, Maine | Augusta, Maine |
| Nashua, New Hampshire | Manchester, New Hampshire | Portsmouth, New Hampshire |
| Boston, Massachusetts | Worecester, Massachusetts | Springfield, Massachusetts |
| Burlington, Vermont | Montpelier, Vermont | St. Johnsbury, Vermont |
| Providence, Rhode Island | Warwick, Rhode Island | Cranston, Rhode Island |
| Hartford, Connecticut | New Haven, Connecticut | Stamford, Connecticut |
| New York | New Jersey | Pennsylvania |