Can Crumbling Concrete Be Repaired?

Concrete is a durable construction material but it can deteriorate with time. Faulty installations, wear and tear, and exposure to harsh deicing chemicals can damage your concrete surface.

These damages can be as minor as line cracks and as major as crumbling concrete. Usually, property owners hesitate to completely replace their concrete surface because they think that repairing it will fix the issue.

But what if your concrete can no longer be saved through repairs? Sidewalk Repair NYC is here to answer your questions. We will let you understand whether your crumbling concrete will be repaired or if you will need a full concrete replacement.

What Causes Concrete to Crumble?

Before talking about the type of services you might need to fix your damaged and crumbling concrete, let us first discuss the causes of damage to the concrete.

Water

Concrete is porous and can absorb rainwater. This water, if collected in the soil, not only leads to soil erosion but also major structural damage. During the winter season, the moisture in the soil freezes and expands, leading to cracks in the concrete.

Not only that, in the spring season, when the water melts, concrete contracts and might experience further deterioration. Concrete can also start crumbling after some time if too much water is used in the slurry.

Rock Salt

During snowy weather, the use of rock salt to remove the snow from the sidewalks and driveways can lead to major concrete damage. Extensive use of hard deicing chemicals can create small spots on the concrete surface. 

While deicing, you must opt for less harmful and plant-friendly chemicals so as to save your concrete. Avoid using rock salts specially made from sodium chloride, as they specifically break down the concrete and cause it to crumble.

Pyrites and Minerals

Concrete is a mixture of gravel that contains a large number of mineral deposits that can weaken the structure over time. Pyrite in the concrete mix is the main reason for the damages but silica and mica can also lead to issues.

These mineral deposits are essential to the concrete structure but their excessive quantity in the concrete can lead to crumbling.

Assessing the Damages for Repair Solutions

Not all crumbling concrete structures require immediate replacement. To provide efficient repairs and fix the damages promptly, assessing the concrete is an essential option.

Depth of Crumbling: A shallow surface that is usually less than ½ inch deep is often repairable. However, deeper crumbling might require extensive repairs or replacement.

Underlying Causes: Identifying the underlying cause of the crumbling is essential. There can be reasons why your concrete might be crumbling, including age, wear and tear, and structural issues.

Affected Area: Identifying the extent of damage is also essential, as the smaller damage can easily be fixed while the large area might require expensive repairs.

Methods of Repairing Crumbling Concrete

There are numerous methods to repair the crumbling concrete and you can select them depending upon the type and extent of damage you are experiencing. Before commencing repairs on deteriorating concrete, it's crucial to obtain the necessary repair permits. You can check the sidewalk repair permit guide.

Minor Cracks and Surface Flaking

Concrete Patching: For small cracks (less than ¼ inch wide) and minor surface imperfections, patching offers a simple solution. It is done using pre-mixed materials that come in various formulations and can be applied with a trowel after cleaning and prepping the area.

Caulking: Hairline cracks or gaps between concrete slabs can be effectively sealed with high-quality exterior caulk. Choose a caulk specifically designed for concrete that remains flexible with temperature changes.

Moderate Cracks and Spalling

Epoxy Injection: For cracks wider than ¼ inch but less than ½ inch, epoxy injection is a reliable technique. This method involves injecting a high-strength epoxy resin into the crack, filling it completely, and bonding the separated concrete pieces.

Routing and Sealing: This approach involves widening the crack using a grinder or chisel, cleaning it thoroughly, and then filling it with a patching compound or high-performance sealant. This method is suitable for cracks with some depth.

Extensive Damage and Structural Concerns

Mudjacking: For sunken concrete slabs caused by poor soil conditions, mudjacking offers a solution. This technique involves pumping a grout mixture (often a combination of sand, cement, and water) beneath the slab to lift it back to its original level.

Concrete Replacement: In cases of severe deterioration or structural instability, complete concrete replacement might be necessary. This involves removing the damaged section and repouring new concrete with proper reinforcement.

Conclusion

We hope that by reading this article, you now have a better understanding of how to fix crumbling concrete in an efficient way. By understanding the different repair methods and considering the specific conditions of your crumbling concrete, you can choose the best approach to restore its strength, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. You can also trust experts like Sidewalk Repair NYC for their professional services and get the damaged concrete structures fixed in no time.