Well-built concrete surfaces seem to last forever, but can water damage concrete? The short answer is yes, although you might not notice that damage until it breaches the surface. Arise Concrete Leveling provides expert concrete leveling in Wichita, KS, and we’ll explain how water weakens concrete slabs below.
Recognizing Water-Damaged Concrete on Your Property
Concrete is a porous material, even after it hardens and cures. It can soak and release water much like a sponge. Throughout the years, you might notice moisture damage in concrete showing up in the following ways:
- Musty indoor air: Dampness attracts mold and mildew, which creates a sour-smelling miasma in basements, garages, and other indoor areas.
- Cracks along the foundation slab: Even thin, hairline fractures mean trouble beneath the visible surface.
- Discolored flooring and wall bases: Water stains may make the concrete surface look dappled from mineral deposits left by evaporated moisture.
- Concrete spalling: The slab begins chipping and flaking away until you can see the metal reinforcements beneath the top layer.
As soon as you notice even the smallest symptoms, like moldy odors or small cracks, you should look for concrete leveling surfaces to help reinforce the slab before the damage overtakes it.
How Can Water Damage Concrete?
How do the above-listed issues manifest in the first place? We briefly discussed how concrete water infiltration occurs. However, it goes a little deeper than moisture soaking into the surface’s pores.
How can water damage concrete? First, the rainwater is surprisingly acidic and eats away at the slab foundation material over time. Next, seasonal temperatures instigate freeze-thaw concrete damage.
As moisture collects in the concrete’s tiny, porous pockets, it freezes when temperatures drop and thaws when they rise. Freezing makes the water expand, putting pressure on the pockets. The concrete swells and weakens, even though you might not see any dramatic differences.
Plus, the weight of the water doesn’t lie evenly across most surfaces. As a result, some areas of the concrete slab might support more water weight than others. The flat surface gradually bends and caves to the heaviest areas, causing spalling.
Can You Fix the Water Damage?
Fortunately, concrete leveling services like Arise Concrete Leveling can fix most concrete deterioration by:
- Reinforcing the weakest areas of the slab foundation with foam injections
- Repairing the concrete’s surface
- Leveling the slab foundation for balance
Severe damage might call for complete concrete replacement.
How To Protect Your Concrete From Future Water Damage
If you proactively prevent water seepage in concrete surfaces, you can prolong the slab’s lifespan. Explore damage prevention solutions, such as:
- Landscaping services that focus on erosion control and flood mitigation
- Sealing the lowermost parts of your home or business, like basements, garages, and crawl spaces
- Regularly cleaning and fixing your gutters
- Keeping your plumbing in good condition
Trust Arise Concrete Leveling for Stabilization and Support in Wichita, Kansas
Can water damage concrete? It definitely can. While DIY concrete repair seems like an inexpensive, enticing option, you should only trust the foundation slab experts at Arise Concrete Leveling in Wichita, Kansas. Call 316-867-6565 to explore your options.
