Patios give you an excellent way to enjoy the outdoor space of your home. Many patios today are made of concrete, as they provide a plethora of design choices. They are also relatively inexpensive and long-lasting. However, the time will come when a concrete patio, like anything else that experiences the harsh Denver winters, needs to be repaired.
When it finally arrives, the warm weather should be taken advantage of by you and your family. Therefore, you will want to make sure your patio is in good condition to host those barbeques and other outdoor activities. There are some key factors you should look for that will signal whether or not your patio needs to be repaired to be ready for the summer.
Like anything made out of concrete, some settling of the material is to be expected. If the settling is more than was originally planned for, the whole slab itself may end up tilted. This can cause significant problems for your furniture or barbequing. Nobody wants to try to grill on something that is leaning! Having a tilted patio can cause discomfort or disorientation for those that are sitting at an angle. Leveling the concrete should be a priority for you if this is the case.
Cracks can occur in the concrete if the soil underneath it has shifted throughout the years. They can also occur if the concrete has experienced the contractions and expansions associated with being exposed to freezing temperatures, something that is typical in Denver. Small cracks or splits in the concrete can be filled in on your own, but bigger cracks, those that have caused the concrete to be fully separated, should be repaired by a professional.
If your concrete patio was installed correctly, steps were taken to ensure proper water drainage after any rainfall or melting snow. Puddles forming on your patio are another indication that it should be repaired. They show that there has been some soil shift underneath of the concrete, even if there isn’t anything as dramatic as cracks or tilting that has occurred. As standing water can be detrimental to any concrete, the cause of it should be treated as soon as possible.
Sometimes there isn’t anything that is overtly wrong with your concrete patio: no significant puddles form after a rainstorm, and there are no visible cracks or tilting that you can see. However, discoloration of the concrete in usually a sign that something has affected the concrete and should be addressed.
This discoloration could be the result an oil or grease spill that occurred. As concrete is a fairly porous material, the grease or oil can penetrate up to a half an inch into the concrete, softening it and making it more susceptible to cracks or splits. A grease or oil spill should be taken care of, and the concrete resealed, to protect it as much as possible. If cracks are already present, however, a repair may be necessary.
Having a well-maintained patio that can be enjoyed during those beautiful Denver summer months is a must. If your patio is exhibiting any of the signs listed above, it is probably time to consider a repair. Thankfully, our process is quick and easy – your patio won’t be out of commission for more than a few hours.
If you are ready to get started on your patio repair, feel free to contact us by filling out our easy online form or by calling us at (303) 883-3322.