Should I Worry About My Other Concrete Additions?

The damage done to your driveway is most often caused by unanticipated water damage. If your driveway has succumbed, it is possible that your other concrete facilities may be at risk. 

• Moisture’s Impact on Concrete’s Structural Integrity 

Hydrostatic pressure can cause your concrete to expand and contract on a molecular level. As your concrete changes in size, the whole of your pour can crack to try and compensate. Cracked concrete is more likely to fall victim to the impact of hydrostatic pressure, meaning as soon as water damages part of your pour, the rest of it is going to be at risk. The cycle tends to feedback on itself, so unless you find a way to waterproof your concrete, you may find yourself contending with this kind of damage even after you invest in a re-pour. 

The same cracking and sinking that plagues your driveway can just as readily appear in any of the other concrete structures you have around your property. However, certain structures, like your front patio and pool deck, can suffer from other side effects. For example, any cracks in your pool deck may make the pool itself less safe to swim in. Likewise, mold clusters may start to appear around your pool courtesy of the groundwater making the structure less stable. These types of structures are often placed in direct contact with the rest of your home. As they become less stable, so too may be part of your home. 

• Other Potentially Damaged Structures 

Concrete is one of the materials most likely to fall victim to this kind of damage, but it isn’t the only material that can. If you don’t make a point of waterproofing the additions you have around your home, you may find yourself contending with sinking, water damage, and related infestations even after you’ve invested in your first round of repairs. 

If you don’t want to invest in preventive concrete waterproofing measures, you can instead request that professionals come and inspect your additions on a yearly basis. These annual inspections will help you keep a closer eye on the structural integrity of your: 

• Pool deck 
• Patio 
• Front porch 
• Front steps and sidewalk 
• Foundation