Common Stamped Concrete Problems (And How to Fix Them)

Although stamped concrete is beautiful and durable, it is not entirely free from issues. It’s normal to have stamped concrete problems.

Sometimes, getting the right coloring can prove to be incredibly challenging. Sometimes, the home-recreation builder will not have the expertise to achieve a perfect color that will match the exterior color of your home.

Keep reading this blog to find possible solutions for concrete deformations!

Common Stamped Concrete Problems

There exist various types of stamped concrete problems; some are irreversible, and some others reparable, but here 5 common ones:

• Concrete freeze-thaw
• Cracked areas on the surface
• The concrete has been abused (foot traffic)
• Stains on the surface
• Concrete overlay problems

Concrete Freeze-thaw

There are possible differences in what you get and what you decide after the house has been poured. One common stamped concrete issue is related to the freeze-thaw cycle of the concrete.

During the construction process, the contractor should ensure that the concrete is installed with a thickness. This thickness will be adequate to avoid issues with cracking. The contractor must make sure that this thickness is maintained during the finishing process.

When the contractors are building the house, there may be some concern regarding the potential for chemical freezing of the concrete. This is an issue, but it is only a concern if the concrete doesn’t have a sealed process. Usually, this process will start in the pouring or during the finishing process.

When the home-recreation builder is pouring the concrete, it is common for some mixtures to seep into the underground drainpipe. Sometimes, the homeowner will notice water leaking into their bathtub. This will happen after they take a shower or when they get out of the tub a couple of times.

Sometimes the homeowners will notice water dripping from the upper floor of the house. While the home-recreation builders can solve these issues with simple sealing materials, it is better to have the company fix the problem.

Cracked Areas

If you notice cracked areas along with the stamped concrete or have chipped areas, it is time for the contractor to put a repair plan in place.

One of the main reasons for cracked concrete is shrinkage because when the concrete hardens and dries, it shrinks. Stamped concrete cracks can start little by little, so it will be difficult to identify them initially.

Sometimes repairing the damage is as easy as replacing some pavers or chipped stones. Other times, the homeowner may have to remove and replace some paving by doing the repairs.

When the contractor finds that the damage is beyond a simple repair and the homeowner cannot fix the problem, the home-recreation company can then begin to seek out someone who can.

The Concrete Has Been Abused

One of the most significant issues with stamped concrete is when it has been abused. Someone used a very sharp chisel and cut off a corner of the concrete or bashed it in an edge.

Because such actions have damaged the concrete, it will no longer be strong enough to support the weight that is put on top of it. If the pavement is ever in use, the stamped concrete must be repaired.

Some ways to correct this problem include placing epoxy between the two concrete layers or adding a layer of polystyrene between the two.

One way to repair a minor repair is to add epoxy to the exposed surface area. With this process, the repaired area will become stronger. Therefore, it will not be susceptible to the same damage.

On larger defects, such as holes or cracks, the homeowner will need to remove the area of the damage. They will then be left with a flat area that can be used to apply a waterproof layer underneath.

Most concrete sidewalk patching professionals will use a cement mixture for this process. This mixture will create a protective seal for the area, allowing the homeowner to apply another sealant layer to help reduce future problems.

Stains on the Surface

Staining in stamped concrete is common due to the sun exposition, foot traffic, and other external factors over time. Concrete surfaces suffer a lot from foot traffic which takes to color fading, and at that moment, the concrete is susceptible to different surface damages.

Also, mold and mildew create disgusting stains on the surface of concrete, so it is essential to give adequate maintenance. One common method is to wash with a pressure hose to remove the mold in the stamped concrete.

As mentioned above, you can opt for covering with epoxy, but another cheaper method is to stain the surface with a sealant to protect the surface. Be sure to remove any residue before applying any sealer. The valuable part of this is that you can return the aesthetic appeal to the surface.

Concrete Overlay Problems

Concrete overlays serve as a protective coat over the existing concrete slab. If there is not a good stamped concrete process, the concrete overlay suffers from severe damages. But if required maintenance and a perfect installation exist, the concrete overlays can last more than 15 years.

One of the common damages on the concrete overlay is the detachment from the concrete slab because of incorrect mortar application. Also, it can happen that over time, cracks start to detach the overlays. Excessive water and dirt are other factors that damage the concrete overlay.

If you suffer from this issue, you need to work with professionals to avoid future structural damages. Besides, some homeowners install overlays to protect the concrete surface because they upgrade and enhance the existing concrete.

You Can Count On Us for any Type of Stamped Concrete Problems

We are the right company to help you solve any type of stamped concrete problem. We have the proper knowledge and experience to make your property the best it can be.

If you have any doubt, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our professional team will be more than happy to help you to solve any issue.

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