Have you spotted cracks on your concrete porch?
If you have a room underneath your porch, these cracks may indicate that the structural steel embedded in your concrete has been compromised by moisture. Even a covered porch gets wet, and most people don’t think about the problems this may cause until the cracks appear.
When moisture seeps into porous concrete, it can cause the steel reinforcement within to rust. As rust forms, it expands, leading to further cracking in the concrete. To prevent this, we recommend applying a good sealant to your concrete porch every five years or so.
We recently completed a project in Northern Kentucky that involved similar cracks on a front porch (as seen above). Not only had cracks formed on the surface, but the ceiling of the room below had begun to crumble and fall.
To address this issue, we take the following steps:
- Remove Loose Concrete: We start by removing any loose concrete and as much rusted steel as we can access.
- Pressure Wash: Next, we pressure wash the entire area to eliminate debris and prepare the surface for repair.
- Patch Cracks: We then patch all the cracks and allow them to cure and dry properly.
- Allow to Cure and Dry-It’s essential that the concrete remains dry for at least three days before applying sealant; otherwise, moisture can become trapped.
- Apply Sealant: The most crucial step is applying professional-grade silane sealant that will block moisture and help prevent further rusting.
By following these steps, we can help protect your concrete structure from moisture damage and extend its lifespan. If you notice similar issues on your porch, don’t hesitate to reach out for an inspection and professional repair!
