Although modern concrete is extremely durable, it is not impervious to the effects of time, ground movement, severe weather, or excessive traffic. Sooner or later, you will need to address certain deficiencies in your Houston concrete. However, it can sometimes be difficult to decide whether a replacement or repair is the wiser choice. The answers to the following questions can help you make the right decision.

How Old Is Your Houston Concrete Pavement?

Concrete in the Houston area is often subjected to conditions that are not found in some other parts of Texas. For example, the average annual precipitation is almost 50 inches, which is approximately 33 inches more than Odessa, almost 41 inches more than El Paso, and around 13 inches more than Dallas and Fort Worth. Much of the land in the Houston area is also high in clay, so it will expand as its moisture content increases, then shrink during dry spells. Over time, the combined effects of water and ground movement can inflict damage on your parking lot concrete, sidewalks, and other concrete pavements. If your pavement has been in use for more than 25 years, a replacement may be the more cost-effective option. However, you will need to evaluate other factors before choosing to replace your pavement.

What Purpose Does Your Houston Concrete Pavement Serve?

Concrete companies install pavements for many different purposes. For example, they build concrete ramps for forklifts, concrete lots for parking passenger vehicles, and concrete dumpster pads. They can also install concrete ramps that must comply with the laws related to accessibility, concrete curbs and gutters for drainage, or concrete sidewalks in residential neighborhoods. The purpose of your concrete pavement can help you evaluate how important safety, aesthetics, and legal compliance are in your specific situation.

What Is the Nature of the Damage to Your Houston Concrete?

Cracks, uplifted slabs, spalling, sunken slabs, broken concrete, and misaligned slabs are some of the types of damage that concrete companies frequently address.

1. If your concrete lot has just a few small cracks, a concrete parking lot maintenance contractor can probably repair them. However, wide, long cracks, or cracks that have vegetation growing in them, may require a slab replacement.
2. If the damage or spalling goes deeper than about two inches over more than approximately 20% of the slab, a replacement is usually the more cost-effective choice.
3. Sunken slabs can often be returned to their original elevation by pumping foam or mud underneath them. However, the decision to jack them up will primarily depend on the reason for the subsidence. If the cause cannot be rectified, lifting the slab may not prove to be a long-term solution.
4. Misaligned and uplifted slabs typically need to be demolished and replaced. Broken slabs frequently require replacement as well, especially if the break has left the rebar exposed.
5. Superficial damage that is primarily cosmetic can often be repaired by refinishing or resurfacing the concrete.

Marathon Solutions installs and repairs concrete pavements. Our services include concrete ADA work, concrete repairs, and the installation of concrete curbs, parking lots, ramps, and concrete sidewalks. We also offer asphalt paving, asphalt resurfacing, asphalt milling, asphalt crack repairs, asphalt patching, and asphalt sealcoating. In addition, we offer thermoplastic markings, bollard installation, parking lot striping, marking removal, parking lot signage, parking lot maintenance programs, and parking lot restriping. We are well-respected, experienced professionals with an exemplary reputation for delivering superior results and remarkable service on every job. You can use our online form to request a free quote, or you can either email Sales@Marathon-Solutions.com or call 800-879-1147.