Concrete is the most commonly used man-made material in the world, and it’s the second most commonly used substance (coming just behind water). The concrete industry is worth over $37 billion, with approximately 10 billion tons being produced and poured every year. So, there’s a good chance that concrete was used in some part of your home or landscaping.
Because of its strength and versatility, concrete can last for thousands of years. But that doesn’t mean it won’t get cracked, dented, or experience other issues. Not all concrete mixes are the same. Some of them are superior to others when it comes to weight tolerance and resistance to wear and tear. There are also things that concrete may be forced to endure that can have an impact on how well it ages.
The Lifespan of Concrete
The exact lifespan of your concrete will depend on the environment to which it is exposed. It can also depend on how much preventative and maintenance work was put into preserving it. Even the location of where it was poured can affect its lifespan. You can’t expect a concrete driveway or road to last as long as a concrete pillar, but one great thing about this substance is that it can become more durable as it ages. Concrete is made from complex, unstable, and chemically reactive materials that continue to cure over time.
Concrete is a great choice for your home, landscaping, or business. But Thomas Edison knew it before almost anyone else, because he contracted and lived in the first pre-cast concrete home. The strength and durability of concrete can’t be matched by asphalt, which is why an asphalt driveway doesn’t cost as much as one that’s made out of concrete. Asphalt can last about 20 years at the most, and it will require a lot of touch-ups in between. Concrete driveways can last for over 30 years, and they don’t require as much maintenance work.
How You Can Make Your Concrete Last Longer
Here are some things you can do to extend the life of your concrete:
- Add a sealant — As concrete cures, it releases most of the water from the mix through the surface. This creates an opportunity for water and other types of moisture to make its way back inside. Water can contain salts, carbon dioxide, and different acidic compounds that can get into the concrete (which can cause corrosion and other issues to develop). You can extend the life of your concrete and reduce the need for maintenance work by having a professional recommend a good concrete sealant.
- Perform regular maintenance — Once you see signs of wear and tear (such as cracks) in your concrete, it’s time to call a professional for concrete maintenance. But the frequency of this maintenance will depend on where your concrete is located. A driveway will need to be kept up more often than a concrete patio, because it has to endure a lot more wear and tear. Regular concrete maintenance will keep stains from setting in. It will also allow you to fill in cracks before they have a chance to expand.
- Allow it to cure completely — Concrete will continue to cure throughout its life, but it takes about 30 days to get to its advertised strength. So if you use it too much too soon, it can get damaged (which will reduce its lifespan). Be sure to follow the instructions provided by a professional to get the most out of your concrete surface.
- Keep it clean — You should clean your concrete surface at least twice a year. Use a broom or blower to remove dirt, leaves, and debris. Then, remove any weeds that are growing in joints or cracks. You also want to clean the surface with a hose and stiff brush, or you can use a pressure washer on a low setting. If it looks dusty or has collected a lot of debris but doesn’t look like it needs a deep cleaning, you can rinse it off with a hose and a high-pressure nozzle attachment.
- Keep it level — Concrete can shift and settle over time. This can cause large cracks to form, which will lead to moisture damage to the concrete and the surrounding structures. Polyjacking and mudjacking are two methods of concrete maintenance that will lift and level the concrete back to its original position.
If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Streem Foundation Repair.