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concrete repair

Five Steps for Effective Concrete Repair

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Concrete is a durable and widely used building material known for its strength and longevity. ***

However, years later, concrete structures may develop cracks, spalling, or other forms of damage due to factors such as age, weather conditions, or poor-quality construction. Timely and effective concrete repair is needed so that structural integrity can be restored and also prolong the lifespan of the concrete. 

So, if you or a home structure repair contractor has evaluated the concrete around your home, here are five steps you should take for effective concrete repair.  

Step 1: Evaluate the Damage

Before beginning any concrete repair project, the extent and cause of the damage must be assessed. Inspect the concrete surface and identify areas with cracks, deterioration, or other signs of distress. The underlying cause of the damage, whether it’s due to structural issues, moisture infiltration, or freeze-thaw cycles, will determine the correct concrete repair method.

Step 2: Clean and Prepare the Surface

Proper surface preparation is crucial for effective concrete repair. Clean the damaged area using a wire brush, pressure washer, or other suitable methods to remove loose debris, dirt, and contaminants. For larger sections, use a hammer and chisel or a concrete grinder to create clean edges and ensure a solid bonding surface. Thoroughly dry the area before proceeding with the repair.

Step 3: Choose the Right Repair Method

Depending on the nature and severity of the concrete damage, different repair methods may be employed. Some common concrete repair techniques include:

Crack Injection: For hairline cracks or cracks that are actively leaking, crack injection is often used. Inject specialized epoxy or polyurethane materials into the cracks to seal them and restore the structural integrity.

Patching: Patching is suitable for repairing small areas of concrete damage, such as spalls or surface defects. Apply a concrete patching compound or mortar mix to fill the damaged area and create a smooth surface.

Overlay: When the damage is more extensive, an overlay may be applied. Place a new layer of concrete or a polymer-modified material over the existing surface to restore its strength and appearance.

Resurfacing: Resurfacing is typically used for large areas with widespread damage. Remove the top layer of the concrete and apply a new layer, often with improved properties such as increased durability or decorative finishes.

Step 4: Follow Proper Application Techniques

To ensure a long-lasting and effective repair, it’s important to follow the recommended application techniques for the chosen repair method. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the repair materials, including mixing ratios, curing times, and application temperatures. Compact and shape the repair material, ensuring a strong bond with the existing concrete. Use appropriate tools and techniques to achieve a smooth and uniform finish.

Step 5: Implement Preventive Measures

After completing the concrete repair, it’s essential to implement preventive measures to minimize future damage. This may include applying sealants or coatings to protect the repaired area from moisture, chemicals, or weathering. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning, sealing, and addressing minor cracks or defects promptly, can help prevent further deterioration and extend the lifespan of the repaired concrete.

Effective concrete repair involves a systematic approach that includes evaluating the damage, preparing the surface, choosing the right repair method, following proper application techniques, and implementing preventive measures. By taking these steps, you can restore the structural integrity of the concrete, enhance its appearance, and prolong its service life. If you are unsure about the best approach or if the damage is extensive, it is recommended to consult with a professional home concrete repair contractor for a successful repair.

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect the concrete around your home to see if you have any home structural issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations, then do any needed repairs quickly and efficiently. 

We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince George’s, MD, and Howard County, MD.

*** For more on how concrete is made, visit the Family Handyman website.

Foundation Repair, home foundation repair

An Inspection Checklist for Your Home Foundation for 2022

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Christmas is only a few days away. You have probably used a checklist for the presents you want to get or have gotten already.

But, when it comes to your home foundation, have you created an inspection checklist? Leave it to the home foundation repair contractor to think of that! 

Anyway, as the New Year arrives, it’s a good time to take fifteen minutes out of your day off to inspect your home foundation. Here are some things you should look for:

  1. Walk around the exterior of your home: Inspect the foundation walls by looking up and down from one end. See if any areas bulge or lean. This may indicate an uneven load on the foundation as both the foundation walls and home walls should be flush and level. See if there are any water stains or cracks in the concrete. Pools of water can cause the soil to shift and wood to rot. This means that there may be broken pipes in the home. Horizontal cracks also may indicate stress on the foundation. 
  2. Walk around the interior of your home: Inspect for any cracks or separations. Look for bulges in the walls. See if any walls are leaning or if they are out of place due to shifting foundations. See if the floors are sloping over the length of the home when there are larger soil shifts. Roll a tennis ball or basketball to see if it rolls when placed on the floor.
  3. Inspect doors and windows: If they open and close without a struggle, you should be okay. If your home foundation is shifting, windows and doors will often begin to have difficulty opening or closing. They will jam shut or cannot be opened. 
  4. Inspect your water pipes: Check the pipes inside and outside your home for leaks and moisture. 
  5. Look at the home foundation: Inspect closely the concrete, or helical piers should not be unstable. Make sure they are level, not buckling and in good condition. Look for rust, which shows that there is moisture in the basement or crawl space. 

If you have found cracks, stains or moisture, you may have a home foundation problem. Consult with a home foundation repair contractor right away. Failure to do so now, may cost your much more in the near future. Make the New Year Resolution to repair your home foundation to protect your family and investment! 

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation to see if you have any basement waterproofing issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs done quickly and efficiently. We serve Montgomery County, parts of Prince Georges and Howard Counties.

Foundation Repair

Home Foundation Repair: Take Care of It in Fall and Winter

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The seasons have (finally) changed here in Maryland and the long-range forecast for our area is for an unusually cold and wet winter. Ice, rain, and snow will hit us so our question to you is this: Is your home foundation ready?

winter foundation maintenance M Taylor Enterprise

This fall and even early winter are good reasons to get your home foundation repairs done to protect your largest financial asset. But first, what damage can ice, snow and freezing rain do to your home’s foundation? Here are some damages you might notice:  

  1. Hydrostatic Pressure: Water collects deep in the ground below your foundation. After rain, snow or ice melts, that water rises and pushes against the foundation causing cracks. You will see the results of that water damage as cracks will develop in concrete floors or moisture pools in the concrete slab. Mold also grows in this area. 
  2. Desiccation Pressure: It’s one thing to have too much water below the foundation. It’s quite another to have too little water below the home. When there is a drought of water, the soil shrinks, and contracts. Thus, this leads to numerous structural issues from water seepage to uneven and cracked flooring.   
  3. Soil Pressure: As we have heard, the increase in wet weather compounded by drops in temperatures below freezing, can cause serious soil pressure issues. Snow and ice buildup and surround the home. It may not be a problem if the ground surface can absorb it. However, if the soil holds onto the moisture, it may expand and press against the home foundation. Cracks will soon develop and water will then leak into the basement. Concrete walls will then lean forward leading to even more home foundation damage. 

We have seen this type of damage in homes in the Montgomery County, Maryland area as fluctuations in temperature, heavy rain, ice, and snow, wreak havoc on even the best foundations. Some homeowners saw the early symptoms, like wall cracks and water damage in their basement, and called us right away. They save a lot of money by getting their home foundation repairs done then. Others, however, ignored it and paid the price with costly repairs and had to do battle with their insurance company. That wasn’t a pretty situation.

So, one of the best ways you can celebrate the fall and winter holidays is with a sealed, repaired and maintained the home foundation. If you have seen the symptoms of foundation issues, call our home foundation repair experts at M Taylor Enterprise who can do a thorough review of your structure and make recommendations. We serve the counties of Prince George and Silver Spring, MD area. Call us for a consultation at (301) 649-3406 or email us at matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. 

Foundation Repair

Signs of Potential Foundation Problems

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foundation repairs M Taylor EnterpriseAre your walls bowing  in? Doors not closing? Walls cracking?

All those creaks you’re hearing and dampness you’re seeing may be your home’s foundation deteriorating.  Your homes foundation may be having issues if you see any off the following;

  1.  vertical or  horizontal cracks  in the  basement  walls
  2. exterior cracks in the masonry
  3.  basement walls bowing in
  4.  water infiltration
  5.  doors  begins to jam or fails to latch
  6. cracks in ceramic floor
  7. cracks in the walls, doorways, windows or walls
  8. windows stick or cannot close all the way
  9. damp carpets
  10.  puddles on  basement floor
  11.  discoloring on  walls
  12.  odors
  13.  damp and moldy  drywall
  14.  muddy floors
  15.  flooding in the basement

When these issues are occurring in the home, it usually points to foundation issues.

Poor drainage is usually the causes of water entering the home. It comes in through settled back fill or leaking window wells. These persistent leaks cause major water damage and may decrease the value of your home. Water stains and buildups in the floors and walls also develop into mold which creates a host of health issues which we will discuss in a future blog.

When you start seeing these signs, call a qualified  foundation  specialists repair company right away. Have them do an inspection and give you an estimate. You should call several companies and have them bid on the job.

When it comes to making foundation repairs, there are  many  methods of home foundation repair:

  1. For a  settled foundation,  helical  piers or anchors are driven into the ground and install to a depth below the unstable soil. The foundation adjustment screws then allow lifting of the structure.
  2. For bowed in walls, Kevlar carbon fiber straps or ‘’I’’ beams are installed to brace the wall , sometimes  thru the wall anchors are needed.
  3. Settled  slabs can be lifted with helical piers with slab brackets or grout is pumped beneath the beam or slab that lifts the  slab restoring the home to its original elevation.

Once your home foundation is repaired, the problems you had before should be resolved. Foundation issues once meant a home had to be demolished.

However now, with updated technology, experienced  foundation contractors can diagnose and repair the foundation and restore it to its original condition or even better. Your most valuable and expensive financial asset can be saved and give you many years of enjoyment.

Our experienced foundation repair team at M Taylor Enterprise will visit your home or business, diagnose the problems and give you an estimate. We get the job done quickly and efficiently. Call us at (301) 649-3406 or email us at matt@mtaylorenterprise.com.