Commercial & Residential Concrete Repairs Contractors M Streets TX

The settling and heaving of concrete are the two most common culprits behind cracks appearing on the surface of a concrete structure. Oftentimes, individuals need the eyes of their local concrete contractors to verify what the cause behind the cracking is. Still, it doesn’t hurt to know the difference between settling and cracking. When you know what to look for, you can call in the professionals sooner and tackle the problem early on.

Is Your Concrete Settling?

If you are witnessing the development of new cracks on your driveway or in your basement, there’s a very good chance that your concrete is settling. Settling occurs as a result of different conditions impacting the soil that lies beneath the concrete, such as:

1. The soil beneath the concrete wasn’t properly compacted before the concrete was laid.
2. The soil has a high clay content.

High clay content can be problematic as the soil and concrete are further exposed to the elements. Rainwater, for instance, can seep into the soil and cause the clay within it to expand. This results in pressure being placed against the concrete, thus leading to cracks. It can also reduce the strength of the concrete and cause it to sink downward.

Because settling happens explicitly at the ground level, at least at first, it’s worth paying mind to your driveway, garage floor, and basement floor. If these areas are showing new cracks, then settling is a likely culprit behind their formation. Consult with concrete contractors in your area to diagnose the cracks and see if they pose any structural risk to your building or driveway.

Is Your Concrete Heaving?

The heaving of concrete is characterized by concrete that has become uneven, heaving upward and cracking as a result. This has to do exclusively with clay-laden soil beneath the concrete.

As we discussed above, soil with a high clay content is very absorbent of water. This means that the soil swells with water when it’s wet and then shrinks back down when dry. These consistent movements are reflected in the surface of the concrete, giving it an uneven and jagged appearance.

Should You Call the Concrete Contractors for Help?

Whether you feel confident diagnosing heaving or settling on your own or not, it never hurts to have the knowing eyes of a professional concrete repair expert on your side. While the visual differences between settling and heaving can be quite stark, there are instances where the signs are a fair bit subtler. Unless you are a concrete expert yourself, it can be impossible to tell the difference.

For this reason, it’s important that you identify cracks when they begin to form and act appropriately. Sometimes these cracks remain superficial and dormant in nature, posing no risk of significant structural damage over time. However, it is also possible that the cracks are active, meaning that they can become worse over time and present a very real risk of damage to your structure. Call your local concrete contractors as soon as you see new cracks forming. This is your best chance of accurately having the issue diagnosed and treated, if necessary.

For most of us, checking the mail is a weekly, if not daily, activity. However, if your mailbox has ever been knocked down then you know the frustration of not having your mail or needing to make arrangements for receiving your mail. When your mailbox has been damaged, destroyed, or otherwise rendered unusable, then it is time to consider having a brick mailbox built.

After all, there are many benefits of having a brick mailbox for your location. For instance, they are durable and sturdy; they look great with many different styles of architecture; and, they can withstand a variety of stressors. But, despite their resilience, avoiding brick mailbox repairs is not a total guarantee. After all, should you or someone else, hit your brick mailbox with a vehicle, damage will be done. In the event that you should be in need of a brick mailbox repair, it is important to see that the damage is corrected in a timely manner.

Considerations in Brick Mailbox Repair for Your Location

If your brick mailbox has been hit by a vehicle, there is a good chance that the entire structure will need to be rebuilt because the mailbox will be shifted off its base or perhaps, lying on the ground.  But, in the event that the mailbox can be repaired, without rebuilding, then the Omega Masonry team will be sure to make the repair in such a way as to make the new bricks virtually undetectable.

Sometimes, though, a brick mailbox may need to be updated or repaired because of age or because the receptacle has rusted out. In these cases, you will need to plan on a visit with a brick repair specialist who can determine the best approach for giving your brick mailbox new life.

When you begin thinking about brick mailbox repair, be sure to consider taking the time to upgrade your mailbox. Today’s homeowners have a variety of choices in brick mailboxes. You can choose features like multiple boxes, those with locked boxes, antique finishes, lighting features, street number insets, and much more.

Basic Brick Mailbox Maintenance

Once your brick mailbox has been repaired, there are a few things you can do to see that it always looks as good as the day it was built. These actions include:

• Periodically inspect your mailbox for any loose bricks or cracks.
• Note that the door stays closed when shut, and the red flag stays up, when positioned so.
• Watch for any insect nests; and, keep the grass – if there is any- around your brick mailbox at a short length to deter bugs.
• Prevent mildew by washing your brick mailbox with a disinfectant mixture.

Having a brick mailbox means that your address, will look great for many years. It is easy to clean, and adds value to your location. Don’t wait until your basic mailbox is damaged to make the swap. Talk to an Omega Masonry employee today to learn the ways we can help you.