If we asked you to name something tough, you might very well say “concrete”—and you would be right. It is very tough, and that’s why it’s used in buildings, dams, roads, home foundations and other structures. But even though it’s one of the toughest manmade surfaces you can think of, it is far from indestructible. In fact, concrete is more vulnerable to damage than you might think. Rain, heavy use and blunt force damage can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your concrete surfaces.
Luckily, regular maintenance and a watchful eye can help to ensure that you have a usable surface for many years to come. With this in mind, here’s a look at the top four benefits of focusing on concrete repair in Philadelphia, PA.
It can get way worse
When it comes to concrete surfaces, over time, water and heavy use can turn what might be a relatively small fracture into a gaping pothole. The erosion under the surface will eventually form other cracks and lead to sagging. But if you are vigilant and watch for cracks that are out of control, you can get ahead of the problem and stop them in their tracks. Remember, you’ll never have a 100 percent crack-free surface, so it’s important to watch for cracks that appear to be growing.
Protect yourself and your property
Damaged concrete parking lots and sidewalks have all the makings of a legal nightmare scenario. Imagine being held liable because a customer or vehicle was damaged because of unkempt infrastructure. A situation like that could easily cost you more than any repair job ever could. Consider the investment a form of insurance against future legal troubles. In the current legal climate, protecting your investment with good maintenance could save you a bundle of money.
In the eye of the beholder
While we could make the argument for safety and longevity all day long, another reason to keep up your concrete surface is the way it will look to visitors and customers. If they are greeted by a crack-infested parking lot, chances are it will make what is around it look grungy, too. People are attracted to welcoming and well-kept environments, so consider whether your concrete surface could benefit from an update.
Usability is key
By this point, we’ve made our case for why general upkeep is important, but a main consideration should be whether or not your surface is as usable as possible. Say, for example, a large portion of your parking lot is cracked and infested by weeds. Not only will customers avoid it, but at a certain point, the lack of use will make it more trouble to clean up than if you had just done a few repairs and gone on with business as usual.
The team of experts at Philly Concrete & Asphalt Paving, Inc. is committed to installing paved surfaces and providing high-quality concrete repair in Philadelphia, PA. Feel free to call us for a quote or to get answers to your questions.