3 Signs your concrete floor could need replacing

Concrete can start to wear over time and may need re-laying if it’s cracked or discoloured: our specialists highlight some of the signs to look out for.

Eventually, concrete may need replacing. The wear and tear that accrues over time can result in peeling, cracking or worse, so read on to discover how you can spot the signs that you need a new concrete surface.

Spalling

Spalling, or scaling, is when the concrete peels or flakes away. It’s generally caused by moisture getting into the concrete and is a particularly bad problem in basements. Generally, spalling occurs in colder weather when water seeps in, freezes, and then melts again.

When steel is used to reinforce concrete, moisture can also cause a problem, as it causes the metal to expand, putting stress on the surrounding concrete.

Cracking

Concrete cracking is usually an issue caused by external factors, such as it being subjected to a traffic heavier than it was designed to withstand. Whether this is caused by footfall or vehicles, this is referred to as pressure cracking.

Whilst pressure cracking comes from above, heaving cracks come from below and are caused by things like tree roots or a property settling into its foundations. The movement beneath the concrete means that the surface begins to crack as a result.

Discolouration

Often, the surface of concrete can be affected over time by rainfall. The alkaline content begins to be washed away, and this can produce a fertile breeding ground for plant life, such as algae and fungi, followed by more prominent weeds.

This looks unsightly and can cause structural problems like roots growing into the concrete, in turn causing more cracking in your concrete. It’s important to notice if your concrete is starting to look a different colour, before it starts cracking.

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For more information about our ready mix concrete, concrete pumping services and concrete mixes, contact our team today on 0117 958 2090.