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Concrete has many benefits as a building material, whether you need it for flooring, foundations, or other stability purposes. It is an extremely strong, durable material that won't be subject to damage from time or elements beyond your control. Concrete can withstand exposure to water, fire, and heat, and it acts as an excellent sound dampener. Concrete is known for lasting a very long time, and this longevity means you won't have to worry about frequent repairs and replacements that mean a lot of additional expenses over time. Your concrete in Schenectady only requires minimal maintenance, and most common problems have pretty straightforward solutions. Problem: Cracking While concrete is very durable and can withstand a lot of pressure, it is not known for being very flexible. Ground shifting beneath a structure can eventually cause cracks to appear in the concrete. Most of the time, these cracks are purely cosmetic and they won't affect the overall performance of your floor, walls, or sidewalk. Especially when it comes to edges being cracked or chipped, this can be inevitable, as with any hard surface. The solution for cracks in your concrete will depend of the severity of the problem. If you do notice cracks, it is a good idea to have your foundation checked for problems, just in case those cracks are a sign that your foundation is suffering from damage. Most likely, you can have minor cracks patched up or filled. Problem: Dusting or Scaling/Flaking A rough or flaky surface on your concrete can mean that preservation problems might lie in the near future. Likewise, a dusty or powdery surface can mean problems with the moisture ratio or curing process of your concrete. If you notice either type of problem, having your concrete checked should be your first step. It is better to address these types of problems sooner rather than later, in case steps need to be taken in order to ensure that your concrete will be able to perform its duties for the duration of your home's life. Your concrete might need to be treated, cured, or otherwise repaired. Problem: Moisture If you plan on putting some type of flooring on top of concrete, moisture emission can be a major problem. Adhesion, mold, curling, or bubbling problems can occur if your concrete is slowly releasing moisture over time. Having your concrete tested and remediated if necessary is important before installing new flooring. Even though the moisture levels might go undetected by the untrained eye, those small levels of moisture can come back to haunt your homeowner's nightmares later on. Additionally, you should have your floors professionally treated, smoothed, cleaned, exposed, sealed, or coated as needed when you want to install new flooring. Remove old coats, carpet glue, or underlayment from previous flooring. Problem: Uneven Surfaces Over time, your concrete can become less than perfectly level, and spots may become pitted and problematic. For the sake of your home's structural integrity and any future projects, it is important to have this assessed before moving forward. Have the area surveyed, get a quote, talk about your options, and get your concrete leveled or flattened before things worsen with time. Additional Tips and Tricks To take care of your concrete in Schenectady, clean it yearly to remove grime and buildup. Make sure the seal stays in good condition so it will repel water and other penetrating substances, and get minor problems addressed and sealed in a timely manner. With minimal maintenance, concrete will last a lifetime, and you can reap all the benefits without worrying about the state of your home.
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