Concrete is one of the most durable substances on the planet. Inexpensive and highly customizable, it is the construction material of choice for everything from foundations and basement walls to garage floors and driveways.

Yet, concrete repair is an inevitable part of home ownership. Over a long enough time period, you will eventually have to resurface, grind, or replace some portion of concrete somewhere on your property.

Why is that?

Why Concrete Repair Is So Common

When laid correctly, concrete can last for years — even decades — with minimal upkeep. However, even the most professionally installed surfaces inevitably suffer from wear and tear. This is especially true in regions that experience major temperature fluctuations. Because concrete isn’t a ductile material, it doesn’t contract or stretch easily.

Cracks are inevitable.

Other concrete-related issues include:

• Improper mixing during the construction phase

• Excessive exposure to moisture

• Geotechnical issues (soil erosion, soil displacement, etc.)

• Poorly compacted subgrades

If not addressed, even minor concrete problems can become worse, which is why we recommend conducting annual inspections of all surfaces throughout your home.

Avoid DIY Concrete Foundation Repair Jobs

After finding potential issues, many homeowners are tempted to fix the problem on their own. Because the requisite materials are inexpensive and easily available at local hardware stores, the allure of DIY concrete solutions is easy enough to understand.

If saving time or money is your goal, think again: The DIY route often ends up costing more of both in the long run:

• If your home’s foundation is suffering from slope erosion, concrete resurfacing will buy you time, but it won’t fix the underlying issue.

• If your driveway is structurally sound but showing cracks, there’s no need to rip everything and start all over. However, many homeowners do exactly that.

• If your sidewalk’s uneven surface is a safety hazard, you’ll need to examine the subterranean root systems before taking any steps (no pun intended).

Whether for cosmetic or structural reasons, concrete repair is a delicate process that requires thorough analysis. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you might overspend to correct a minor problem — or underspend when correcting a major one.

Contracting the job is usually safer and cheaper.

When Hiring a Concrete Repair Professional

In addition to helping you avoid costly mistakes, going the professional route can help you save money in other ways.

Depending on the age and condition of your home, certain structural elements may still be under the original warranty; depending on your homeowners insurance, you may be fully covered for any major repairs (read here for more).

Either way, you might not have to pay out-of-pocket — even for something as significant as a major concrete foundation repair job.

Before hiring professional contractors, you’ll want to make sure that they:

• Are legally licensed to operate within your state

• Have reputable testimonials that you can verify

• Specialize in the types of services you require

Begin exploring your options by contacting Foundation Repair Services today, click here.