Think it might be time to replace your concrete porch? Your porch acts as the welcome mat for your home, and often influences peoples’ first impressions of the property. If it’s cracked, crumbling, or uneven, it’s not just an aesthetic issue–it can be a liability.
Concrete porches can easily experience damage from freeze-thaw cycles, large amounts of snow, or pooling water.
At Rea & Son Cement Co., we provide expert repair or replacement for concrete porches in Canton, MI, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to learn more about how we can help with cement porch installation and repair.
5 Signs You Need to Repair Your Concrete Porch
1. Uneven or Sunken Slabs
If sections of your concrete porch have visibly lifted, it can produce a noticeable lip between slabs. Not only does this contribute to a look of unevenness, but it also creates a tripping point.
Unevenness is common near the foundation or steps of the home, which can make it even more dangerous when navigating down steps. It’s important to fix sunken slabs, especially if they’re near stairs. This will make it safer for you, your loved ones, and guests to navigate around in and out of your home.
2. Spalling & Flaking
If the concrete surface is pitting, flaking, or crumbling, a replacement may be needed. This deterioration commonly occurs during freeze-thaw cycles, when water enters the concrete, freezes, and forces the layers apart.
If too much flaking or pitting occurs, it can lead to loose debris and create an unstable surface to walk on.
3. Deep Cracks
Cracks wider than a quarter of an inch, deep cracks, or a large network of cracks are another sign of replacement.
Cracks this wide can be a safety hazard when it comes to tripping, especially for anyone using canes or crutches. They also allow water to enter the concrete slab, leading to further instability.
4. Rusted or Exposed Rebar
If the metal rebar reinforcement is visible from the edges of your concrete porch slabs, it can pose a serious danger. This corroded metal can be a cutting hazard, and is also a sign the structural integrity of the concrete porch is failing.
If the rebar is exposed, it means the strength of the entire porch could be compromised.
5. Improper Drainage
Improper drainage is a less obvious sign of structural failure for your concrete porch. Key signs to look for are water pooling near the base of your porch any time it rains or snow melts, as well as excessive moisture against the foundation wall.
If left untreated, this water can erode the sub-base beneath your concrete porch, leading to sinking and shifting.
How to Decide Between Repair and Replacement?
Working with professional concrete porch companies is the best way to decide whether a minor repair or full-scale replacement is needed. In general, minor damage can be repaired as long as the sub-base is intact and stable. This includes repairs such as:
- Filling cracks
- Minor resurfacing
- Patching
For larger cracks and severe structural issues, replacement is typically better. Replacement is usually done for:
- Cracks larger than ¼ of an inch
- Uneven settling
- Step separation
- Exposed rebar
Need Help with Your Concrete Porch? Contact Us
If you need cement porch builders near you in Canton, MI, or the surrounding areas, contact our team. At Rea & Son Cement Co., we create the best concrete porches for residential homes throughout Metro Detroit.
With over 40 years of experience in the industry, you can be confident in the quality of our cement work. Our team is dedicated to expert craftsmanship and attention to detail, as well as customer satisfaction.
Don’t settle for temporary fixes that crack and crumble over time. Work with us to make sure your concrete porch is taken care of properly and lasts you years to come.
Want to learn more about working with us for concrete porch installation or repair? Call (734) 425-7966 or contact us online for an estimate today.