Residential buildings face several concrete-related damages in the course of their lifespan. While once fortitudes that passed codes and offered reliable shelters, these buildings slowly degrade into unreliable, and sometimes risky structures due to overuse. When undertaking a new construction is not an option, residential building restoration is the only way to go. Residential building restoration is done by experts who will tell you that most residential building damages often involve the concrete. Damage to the concrete in a residential building will greatly affect the entire form and functionality of the structure. These damages are not only unpleasant, but can be dangerous as well—if not fatal. The following are some of the common damages to concrete in residential buildings and what to look out for before calling the residential building restoration experts.
Corrosion of steel
Reinforced concrete has steel rebars within the structure. While concrete is mostly alkaline, with time water manages to permeate and get to the steel bars. This leads to the formation of acidic metal chlorides and rust. This is mostly common in residential buildings located in areas that experience extreme winters. Deicing salts often contain chlorides. These chlorides destroy various layers of protection within concrete and, with time, result in more water reaching the re-inforcing steel, and causing it to rust. Continuous formation of rust will cause the concrete to develop multiple cracks as the rust expands within the concrete structure. This can be seen as small and even big cracks in the concrete that seem to come from inside out. In the event of these, you should call experienced residential building restoration experts before the cracks widen and compromise the structural integrity of the building.
Freeze-thaw Scaling
Another common concrete destruction seen in areas that experience multiple cycles of hot and cold temperatures is freeze-thaw scaling. In this instance, the various cycles of ice and water forming within the concrete leads to multiple cracks on the surface of the concrete. Freeze-thaw scaling is a problem that is often easily ignored. The result is more permeation of water into the concrete and enlarging of the cracks. Freeze-thaw scaling, at its simplest, ruins decorative concrete. At its worst, it can lead to deep cracks that pass water further into the concrete and result in various water related damages to the concrete. To mitigate this, the residential building restoration crew has to re-instate proper air entertainment in the concrete.
Load cracks
Finally, all concrete undergoes stress during its period of usage. The reinforced steel within concrete structures serves the purpose of holding the concrete together during these stresses. All concrete cracks, and sometimes, compromised reinforced steels can lead to deeper cracks. For a floor, this may be bearable. But for columns and pillars, this can fatally harm the building. When you notice cracks on pillars and columns within buildings, it is important to have experienced residential building restoration experts fix it before you endanger lives, or the building's continuity.
