5 Common Causes of Concrete Floor Damage

Cracked floors, uneven surfaces, or crumbling concrete can literally bring a building down. Apart from looking ugly, they are also unsafe to walk on and can be costly to repair if left unattended. For business owners, durable, long-lasting concrete floors are a must; however, many factors can deteriorate their strength and durability. Improper installation techniques, improper design, and environmental influences are among the most common causes and can weaken the strength, functionality, and durability of concrete floors.

In this blog, we will discuss the five most common concrete floor damages and how to prepare and protect your floors.

1. Corrosion of reinforcement bars

Concrete is typically strengthened with the use of steel bars, also known as rebar, for added strength. While this is a wonderful technique for increasing the structural integrity of floors, it also has a risk factor: corrosion. De-icing salts, chemicals, and even chloride ions from seawater penetrate the surface through cracks and pores. They can then reach the embedded steel. As corrosion begins, the steel expands and exerts new forces on the surrounding concrete, which can crack and chip and, in rare cases, collapse completely.

Preventing corrosion is an important way to ensure long-term durability for reinforced concrete. Good installation, high-quality surface sealing, and well-applied surface sealing can reduce the material’s susceptibility to chloride penetration and subsequent damage. Precancerous corrosion signs should be checked periodically before they become a costly problem.

2. Freeze-thaw cycle

Concrete floors in outdoor areas are constantly exposed to changing weather freeze-thaw cycles, which causes heavy and strong damage to the material after some time. After water enters the concrete, the water freezes inside the pores of the material when the temperature drops. The freezing process cooling causes expansion pressure inside the material; thus, a micro crack with large dimensions will develop after successive cycles of freeze-thaw. Scaling on the surface will increase, and cracks will appear on the surface and may eventually crumble.

Concrete with low permeability can only avoid damage caused by the freeze-thaw cycle. This condition can be achieved during the mixing process, where the water-to-cement ratio is kept relatively low. More importantly, applying a high-quality sealer can reduce moisture absorption and protect your concrete floor from temperature-related damage.

3. Exposure to intense heat or fire

Concrete, although not flammable, can still be severely damaged in extreme heat or fire. When exposed to high temperatures, moisture trapped within the concrete turns into vapor and exerts internal pressure in the process of cracking. More importantly, intense heat can weaken its structural characteristics, such as elasticity and compressive strength.

Implementing fire-retardant design elements and selecting materials that can withstand extreme temperatures without compromising the integrity of the floor structure can prevent damage. Thermal barriers and fire-resistant coatings may also be possible in areas exposed to fire.

4. Moisture Problems During Installation

Improper installation is actually one of the most preventable causes of concrete damage. If there are too many moisture conditions during the mixing or curing process, one may experience a variety of defects ranging from crazing and blistering to cracking and cracking. This applies when moisture is trapped early in the curing period, or the surface is sealed too early.

Proper curing conditions and best practices for installation will help prevent moisture-related problems. A surface free of contaminants or excess moisture will ensure that your concrete floors remain strong and durable. It is also not advisable to rush the job as the contractor must make the correct joints for a high-quality finish at the end.

5. Improper joint construction

Concrete floors are installed with joints to control cracking and expansion to some extent under the influence of temperature and structural movements. However, poorly constructed or inadequately maintained joints can damage the surface in the form of cracks and breaks. The most common cause of joint failure is that the materials used in its construction—such as sealant or filler—degrade over time or are misaligned during installation.

Damage will not occur if the joints are regularly maintained with reapplied sealant and filler. Strengthening these weak points will help your concrete floors resist environmental stresses and maintain their strength and appearance.

Protecting Your Concrete Floors

Proper installation, regular and ongoing maintenance, and proactive preventive measures are the three key elements to correctly installing a concrete floor. Addressing these factors in a timely manner can save your business a lot of money on costly repairs, whether dealing with corrosion, freeze-thaw conditions, fire risks, or installation problems.

One effective solution is concrete coatings. These coatings not only provide a protective barrier against all of the above factors but can also enhance the floor’s aesthetic appeal. Concrete coatings can fill in small cracks and create a smooth, durable surface that resists damage from everyday wear and tear. By sealing the concrete, coatings prevent moisture penetration, reducing the risk of corrosion and freeze-thaw damage. Additionally, they can improve slip resistance, making your floors safer for both employees and visitors.

Consult the experts at Pacific Concrete Products Inc. for all of your concrete surface preparation needs, whether it’s land coat systems in Ventura County or colors concrete services in Orange County. We’ll give you the tools, materials, and knowledge to ensure your flooring is perfectly installed, repaired, and polished.