Maintenance & Repair
Reinforcement
We do everything possible to prevent and control cracking, but we cannot guarantee concrete will not crack. To combat this, we install control joints, saw cut grooves and/or use zip strips. These joints or grooves are designed to induce "shrinkage" or "thermal" cracks to occur at pre-determined locations and better maintain the aesthetics of your concrete.
The reinforcement we recommend and place in your concrete not only strengthens it, but will also help minimize the risk of a crack occurring. If a crack does occur, the reinforcement will minimize the cracks expansion and ensure that the structural integrity of your concrete will remain.
Sealers
Sealer helps control the penetration of moisture and other contaminants through the surface, but also allows the concrete to breathe ensuring that no moisture is being trapped within. It protects concrete from stains and the damaging effects of UV exposure and freeze/thaw cycles.
B&W Concrete Services can professionally apply sealer for you or we do sell the products to apply yourself. Please contact us for more information or pricing.
Extreme Elements
The St. Louis area is particularly susceptible to freeze/thaw cycles during cold months, which is the most common cause of damage to the surface of concrete. Concrete is a porous material that will absorb moisture. When the absorbed moisture in concrete freezes, it exerts tremendous expansive force, which weakens the concrete and sometimes leads to the surface of the concrete scaling off.
Much like any material exposed to the outdoor elements, concrete requires proper care in terms of protection & maintenance. The suns UV rays, rain, snow, freezing temperatures, de-icing products, oil gas, fertilizers & other chemicals all combine to produce wear & tear on your concrete surfaces.
Snow, ice and de-icing products can have damaging effects on your new exterior flatwork. Any exterior concrete less than one year old is particularly at risk. Proper care and maintenance of driveways, patios, sidewalks, porches and garage floors is essential during the first cold weather season to minimize any damage to the finished surfaces. To help protect your concrete, we highly recommend that all exterior concrete is sealed!