Concretes are subject to wear and tear over time. Although these are made from long-lasting and durable materials, they also need proper maintenance and repair to revive its optimum function. Whether you are thinking about your patio, pool deck, walkway or driveway, these require constant care and restoration. You may not want your patio or driveway to wear down because of unattended damages, cracks or holes in it. Or a parking lot leaking with a large pool of water on its surface due to drainage system issues. Worst is, it may even lead to more damaging structural problems and accidental hazards. As a cliché goes, “Prevention is better than cure.”So, we have listed some major signs you have to know to prevent these worst-case scenarios. These may also be warning signs that your concrete needs resurfacing. Watch out for these signs and be prepared.
1. Visible Structural Cracks
One of the most common signs that your concrete needs resurfacing is when you noticed any visible or developing structural cracks on its surface. Cracks can occur for various reasons. It can develop due to contraction of the surface related to weather conditions or caused by chemicals like oil or de-icing agents that gradually destroy the surface. It can also manifest if the base of the concrete is weak because of an underground soil movement. Cracks, regardless of how superficial or small it is, should be evaluated properly. It is important to ask a professional contractor for a thorough inspection. They can evaluate the severity of the damages to provide the right intervention. Small cracks can be easily filled in, but wider and deeper cracks are hardly repairable. In this case, it might require a replacement or concrete resurfacing to prevent the severity of the damage and possible accidental hazards.
2. Spalling or Flaking
If you have seen any flaking or chipping on the external layers of the concrete, then you might consider resurfacing it. The condition to which the concrete breaks or flakes away on its surface is called spalling. This is also one of the top signs that the concrete has damages. Spalling usually happens in high traffic and pool areas and can be a result of errors when the concrete is initially poured. Since this also imposes hazards, make sure to seek help from a refinishing specialist to repair the damage.
3. Pitting or Potholes
Whenever you ignored small cracks in your driveway, the effect is more damaging. Leaving these cracks unattended for too long will gradually develop into potholes or pitting. It is an indication of a weakening concrete, thus creating numerous structural and accidental problems along the way. Potholes or pitting exists because of the expansion of the ground underneath the pavements. It can worsen due to traffic, weather conditions and corrosive chemical agents. Repairing potholes is beneficial but works only for a shorter period. A better option to resolve its damage is through concrete resurfacing. You can contact a professional contractor to do the job for you.
4. Drainage Issues or Pooling Water
Water remains the main cause of damage to floors and any concrete surfaces. It is a very strong force of nature that can wear down and cause pressure to any hard surfaces. Try to evaluate your driveway, patio, or any concrete slabs. A water pooling up on your driveway or running down on the surface of your patio or parking lot is an indication that your drainage system isn’t working. So, if you notice any drainage issue, it’s time to resurface your concrete. Concrete resurfacing is beneficial to redirect the flow of water. This will then stop the large pools of standing water on your concrete.
5. Sunken Concrete
Another damage primarily caused by drainage issues is the sunken concrete. The concrete tends to sink when the water is not drained away properly from the concrete. The erosion of the foundation causes damage to the surface, leading to accidental hazards and structural problems. This portion of the surface requires repair or replacement. In this case, you may need to contact a professional contractor for concrete resurfacing and drainage solution as well.
6. Aged, Weathered Appearance
Concrete pavements suffer discoloration and fading over time. You may also notice visible stains and spots, which cause the surface less appealing. Discoloration and surface stains on concrete are occurrences we can’t prevent from happening. This is normally a result of an overexposure to heat or UV rays from the sun, causing oxidization. However, on pool surfaces, discoloration happens because of the bleaching process or agents. In this case, the stains stick on the pool’s plaster surface. Discoloration can also be caused by the leakage of rust from the steel structure. Whatever the causes of discoloration be, it is manifesting an important effect on your concrete: an aged, weathered appearance. This means that it affects the overall appeal and aesthetics of your concrete. Also, an oxidization may cause weakening of the concrete, so it is an indication that you need concrete resurfacing or repair. You can contact a concrete contractor near you for the right intervention.
7. Rough Areas
It is necessary to maintain the surface of a pool plaster every time. However, due to chemical agents applied to the pool, the concrete surfaces accumulate calcium deposit. These calcium deposits appear as rough areas like a sandpaper, which may also impose minor abrasion or accidents. Though acid washing may help, its effect is only temporary. That is why concrete resurfacing is a better option to resolve this issue.
8. Uneven Slabs
One good reason to resurface your concrete is when you noticed any uneven form or thickness appearing on the concrete. In most cases, uneven slabs are mainly due to a subgrade issue. It may also be due to drainage system problems, leading to erosion of the surface. In some situation, slab jacking can help to slowly raise the damaged section and turn it back to its original form. However, it is important to seek an advice from a professional contractor for proper procedure. You might need to resurface the concrete or totally replaced it.
Final Thoughts
These are all warning signs you need to watch out for, so you can prevent worsening effects and accidental hazards. Listen to these signs. If your concrete, whether a driveway, patio, pool or walkway, is displaying any of these signs, then this might have been the perfect time to reach a professional contractor near you. Maybe it’s the perfect time for concrete repair and resurfacing. Prevention is always better than cure, so seek professional help to have it done. Give your concrete a “Tender Loving Care” they deserved to get.
One of the most common signs that your concrete needs resurfacing is when you noticed any visible or developing structural cracks on its surface. Cracks can occur for various reasons. It can develop due to contraction of the surface related to weather conditions or caused by chemicals like oil or de-icing agents that gradually destroy the surface. It can also manifest if the base of the concrete is weak because of an underground soil movement. Cracks, regardless of how superficial or small it is, should be evaluated properly. It is important to ask a professional contractor for a thorough inspection. They can evaluate the severity of the damages to provide the right intervention. Small cracks can be easily filled in, but wider and deeper cracks are hardly repairable. In this case, it might require a replacement or concrete resurfacing to prevent the severity of the damage and possible accidental hazards.
If you have seen any flaking or chipping on the external layers of the concrete, then you might consider resurfacing it. The condition to which the concrete breaks or flakes away on its surface is called spalling. This is also one of the top signs that the concrete has damages. Spalling usually happens in high traffic and pool areas and can be a result of errors when the concrete is initially poured. Since this also imposes hazards, make sure to seek help from a refinishing specialist to repair the damage. 
Whenever you ignored small cracks in your driveway, the effect is more damaging. Leaving these cracks unattended for too long will gradually develop into potholes or pitting. It is an indication of a weakening concrete, thus creating numerous structural and accidental problems along the way. Potholes or pitting exists because of the expansion of the ground underneath the pavements. It can worsen due to traffic, weather conditions and corrosive chemical agents. Repairing potholes is beneficial but works only for a shorter period. A better option to resolve its damage is through concrete resurfacing. You can contact a professional contractor to do the job for you. 
Concrete pavements suffer discoloration and fading over time. You may also notice visible stains and spots, which cause the surface less appealing. Discoloration and surface stains on concrete are occurrences we can’t prevent from happening. This is normally a result of an overexposure to heat or UV rays from the sun, causing oxidization. However, on pool surfaces, discoloration happens because of the bleaching process or agents. In this case, the stains stick on the pool’s plaster surface. Discoloration can also be caused by the leakage of rust from the steel structure. Whatever the causes of discoloration be, it is manifesting an important effect on your concrete: an aged, weathered appearance. This means that it affects the overall appeal and aesthetics of your concrete. Also, an oxidization may cause weakening of the concrete, so it is an indication that you need concrete resurfacing or repair. You can contact a concrete contractor near you for the right intervention. 