Is Your Concrete Failing? Here’s What You Might Be Doing In San Diego
Immediately after a major storm, homeowners scurry to clean up their property. Many will quickly patch holes made by fallen trees and remove limbs from roofs and yards with little thought of how it will impact the long-term durability of their home or business. While this is an important step in protecting your property from potential further damage, any repairs made during that time can be a detriment if they are not done correctly.
The professionals at San Diego Concrete know that even the smallest mistake could make it easier for moisture or insects to get into your structure and cause all sorts of damage down the road. Here are some major repairs homeowners should avoid after a storm:
Repairing Concrete Walls With Exterior Grade Caulk
Cement is extremely porous and absorbs everything, including applied materials like paints and sealants. Any crack or crevice in your cement wall made by damage from a fallen tree can allow water to seep through rather than draining properly. This leads to water pooling on surfaces and eventually leads to mold growth which can be expensive to remove and detrimental to your health.
To repair holes in cement, always use quality patch compounds specially designed for outdoor applications. Avoid using products like caulk, spackle, mortar, or grout. These are only meant for minor cracks and applications on the interior of your home. If applied to exterior concrete items, these materials will eventually break down from exposure to natural elements outside.
Concrete Walls Are Designed To Be Waterproof
Another common problem is repairing holes with “self-leveling compounds” Many homeowners have used this product out of convenience, thinking they were saving time by not having a professional come in. While the product may initially work to fill large holes or cracks, it won’t stay in place on its own over time.
This leads to further damage as water continues seeping through the porous surface of your cement wall and damages whatever is on the other side. Exposed insulation can cause mold growth, water damage to interior walls and furniture, etc. The only time you should repair a hole in cement with this type of product is if it’s just for decorative purposes.
Using An Exterior-Grade Sealant On Interior Concrete Surfaces
Another common mistake is using an exterior grade sealant or adhesive for your concrete flooring projects. Using the wrong product will eventually lead to discoloration of the surface and potential cracking as it absorbs moisture from regular foot traffic around your home. This is especially dangerous if food and drinks are regularly spilled over the surface, where they will be absorbed into the material below, which could even potentially start growing mold or bacteria.
Conclusion
Contact our team of concrete experts by giving us a call at (619) 383-2500 or going to our website San Diego Concrete for a free evaluation of your property and the best course of action you need to take after a storm.
