Have you ever noticed cracks in the concrete around your house? Maybe on the floor or the walls? If so, you're not alone! Concrete foundations are important for holding up a house, but they can sometimes get cracks or damage. Don't worry – a concrete contractor St. Petersburg knows exactly what to do when this happens. They have the skills and tools to fix it and keep your house safe. Let's look at how a concrete contractor handles cracks and damage in your foundation.

What Happens to Concrete? Understand with a Concrete Contractor St. Petersburg

Concrete is super strong and used for many things around your house, especially for the foundation (the base of your home). But over time, concrete can get cracks. There are many reasons why this happens, like:

• Weather changes (hot and cold)

• Water getting into cracks

• The ground shifting under your house

Sometimes, concrete can crack if your house is settling. This is normal, but when cracks happen, it's good to get them checked out by a concrete contractor. They know how to fix the problem and stop it from getting worse!

How Does the Contractor Check for Damage?

The first thing a concrete contractor does is look at the cracks to see how bad they are. They look at the size, where, and whether they are growing. Some cracks are small and don't need much work, but others are bigger and more serious.

Here's what they check for:

• Big cracks – These could mean that your foundation is shifting or settling.

• Water – If water is coming in, the cracks must be fixed quickly before they worsen.

• Sinking – If parts of your foundation are sinking into the ground, the contractor must also fix that.

The contractor's job is to figure out what's causing the damage and what's the best way to fix it.

A study by the National Association of Home Builders found that water-related damage accounts for up to 80% of home foundation issues, making waterproofing an essential part of foundation maintenance.

Fixing Small Cracks

For small cracks that are annoying and not a huge problem, a concrete masonry contractor St. Petersburg will use a special glue-like substance called epoxy. This stuff fills in the cracks and hardens, holding the concrete together. It works great for tiny cracks not deep into the concrete.

Sometimes, contractors will also apply a waterproof coating to stop water from getting in and making the crack bigger. This keeps your foundation nice and strong.

Fixing Bigger Cracks

If the cracks are big and cause parts of the foundation to sink, the concrete contractor will need to do more work. They might need to lift the foundation back up. To do this, they use a method called piering. This means they place big steel poles or concrete piers deep into the ground under your foundation. These piers help lift your house back to its proper level.

Sometimes, they also use underpinning, similar to piering, but it helps to strengthen the foundation by adding more support deep into the ground.

Fact: According to research from the Concrete Foundations Association, piers can be installed deep into the ground to lift foundations by up to several inches, correcting settlement issues and preventing further shifting.

Dealing with Water

Water can worsen cracks, so contractors will check to see if water is getting into your foundation. If it is, they'll fix it right away. Here's how they stop water from doing more damage:

• Drains – Contractors may install special drains around your foundation to move water away from your house.

• Waterproofing – They also use special sealants to ensure no water gets inside through the cracks.

• Fixing the cracks – Of course, they'll fill any cracks that let water in with sealant or epoxy.

Fixing water problems fast is also super important to prevent bigger cracks from forming.

Preventing Future Damage

After fixing the cracks, a concrete contractor doesn't just leave you hanging. They'll also help prevent future cracks from forming. Here's what they do:

• Drainage – They ensure the ground around your foundation drains properly so water doesn't sit near it and cause cracks.

• Soil preparation – Sometimes, the ground needs to be packed down properly to keep the foundation stable.

• Waterproofing – Adding a waterproof sealant also helps make sure your foundation is protected from water damage in the future.

These steps help your foundation stay strong for years to come!

When Should You Search for Concrete Repair Services?

You might wonder, "When must I call a concrete contractor?" Well, here are a few signs that it's time to call for help:

• Big cracks – If cracks are more than 1/8 inch wide, you need to fix them before they worsen.

• Water in your basement – If you see water coming into your basement, it's time to call for repairs.

• Sinking foundation – If parts of your foundation are sinking, it's important to call a pro for help.

• Hard-to-open doors or windows – If your doors or windows don't close right, your foundation might shift, and a concrete contractor can help.

If you're searching for "concrete repair near me," don't wait! Getting your foundation fixed early can save you lots of money in the long run.

Why You Should Hire a Professional Concrete Contractor

Hiring a professional concrete contractor is the best way to get your foundation fixed right. Here's why it's important to trust an expert:

• Expert Advice – A concrete contractor knows exactly what's wrong with your foundation and how to fix it correctly.

• Long-Term Solutions – You don't want a quick fix. You want a solution that lasts! A professional will make sure your foundation stays strong for years.

• Saves You Money – By fixing the problem early, you can avoid even bigger and more expensive repairs later.

• Peace of Mind – When you hire a pro, you know the job will be done safely and correctly. Also, they usually offer warranties for their work!

So, don't wait for the cracks to get worse! Moreover, a concrete contractor can help you fix the problem and keep your foundation safe.

Conclusion

Concrete foundations are tough but can crack or get damaged over time. A concrete contractor St. Petersburg knows how to fix these cracks and ensure your home is stable. Whether filling small cracks or using special techniques to lift and support your foundation, a professional will ensure everything is strong and safe.

At United Surface Technology Group INC, we handle foundation repairs and keep your home safe and secure. We fix cracks, prevent water damage, and make sure your foundation is in great shape for the future.