Top Reasons Why Cracks in Concrete Should Be Repaired

Getting cracks in concrete repaired is a great idea. This is especially true if you have a pool, garage, driveway, or any other type of structure that uses concrete. This will prevent them from damaging your property, and will also give you a longer life for the structure.

Identifying the problem

Identifying the causes of concrete cracking is essential. It will help you choose the appropriate repair methods and procedures. In addition, knowing the type of crack can reduce the likelihood of future deterioration.

The size and depth of the crack can help determine the repair methods and materials you need to use. Small cracks are easy to repair, while larger cracks may need more specialized methods. If the crack is more than 1/4 inch wide, it may be necessary to fill the crack with concrete or a filler material.

Poorly compacted soil

Using properly compacted soil is one of the best ways to prevent concrete from cracking. Choosing a qualified concrete contractor is also a must. They can install a drainage system to protect the concrete.

The most important thing to remember is that your concrete is not as stable as the soil it rests on. If you have uneven cracks, they can become tripping hazards. You may also want to consider replacing the soil with crushed rock.

The top reason for cracking concrete is the lack of proper soil compaction. Poorly compacted soil will sink under the weight of concrete, causing it to crumble and move.

Poorly placed control joints

During the early stages of concrete construction, poorly placed control joints can lead to cracking and durability problems. These cracks may not only lead to water ingress, but also corrosion of reinforcement steel. These cracks may also affect the aesthetic appearance of the concrete.

Concrete slabs should be cured properly to prevent cracking. Concrete joints should be positioned at the appropriate depth and width to allow the slab to settle. These joints can be filled with flexible joint sealing compounds or polyurea. These materials can improve the life of the joint and reduce costs over time.

Tree roots

Putting a big tree in your front yard might seem like a good idea. The problem is that trees can also damage your concrete. Taking preventative measures can save you from having to deal with concrete damage later on.

One of the most common problems with concrete is cracks. These cracks are often caused by tree roots. A concrete floor or sidewalk can be damaged by tree roots, and you may need to replace or have a professional repair the concrete in question.

The best way to prevent tree damage to your concrete is to take preemptive measures. Depending on the size and location of your tree, there are some ways to keep your concrete slabs from getting crushed.

Hydraulic shrinkage

During the course of concrete curing, shrinkage may cause dimensional instability of concrete members. This is usually a sign that the concrete is weak and requires repair. The repair of cracks in concrete is a common procedure. However, this process is very costly and can cause long-term maintenance costs.

There are two types of shrinkage: drying shrinkage and plastic shrinkage. While both types cause cracking, drying shrinkage is a more common phenomenon. It is caused by the evaporation of part of the moisture from the concrete surface.

The rate of evaporation is usually aggravated by high ambient and concrete temperatures. The evaporation rate should be less than 0.2 Ib/ft2/h.

Thermal shrinkage

During the setting of concrete, the temperature of the air and concrete affects the rate at which moisture evaporation takes place. The rate of moisture evaporation is also affected by the relative humidity of the air and concrete.

Though thermal shrinkage can be prevented, Inadequate curing can result in long-term problems.

Cracks in concrete occur due to a variety of factors. Depending on the type of concrete, cracking can be caused by water ingress or thermal contraction. They can also be caused by construction movement and loading. Having an understanding of the causes of cracking and their remedial measures can be beneficial in achieving long-term concrete integrity.

Swelling

Often, the structural integrity and durability of concrete structures are compromised by cracking. These cracks can lead to water ingress and corrosion of reinforcement steel, which threatens the safety and integrity of the structure. A qualified remedial repair contractor can extend the service life of concrete structures.

There are a number of causes of cracking. A few of the most common are oxidation of internal reinforcement, drying shrinkage, thermal movement, and water ingress. In addition, cracking may occur before the concrete has hardened. It is important to diagnose the crack and find a proper repair solution.

The Importance of a Sump Pump in Preventing Foundation Damage

sump pump

How many of us know the importance of the sump pump to prevent water from entering the foundations and crawl spaces of our houses? When was the last time you checked on your sump pump to ensure it was working properly? Have you noticed any cracks in the foundation walls or floors of your home? Have you ever made the connection that your sump pump could be the cause of cracking?

Water is a home’s greatest enemy. As a homeowner, your maintenance checklist should include reviewing key points to make sure all surface and ground water is diverted from the house.

This includes surface water monitoring, groundwater monitoring, and a sump pump discharge system that is functioning the right way and maintained. The following components are a key part of a water control program for any homeowner.

Surface water control

Gutters and downspouts: Make sure there are no obstacles in the gutters and make sure the downspouts are away from the house

Lot evaluation: Make sure the landscape does not lean towards the house

Groundwater control

Perimeter drainage system: Surface water can move along the foundation wall. This water is collected by the perimeter drainage system and directed to the sump pump to be evacuated from outside the house.

Sump pump outlet system

In the sump, water is collected from the drains so that this water can flow from the foundation. When the level reaches a defined level, the sump starts up and drains the water from the house.

Sump pump problems

Blocked floats and pump failures are the main problems in the sump. If your float is blocked or the pump fails, the sump will not start and will not drain the water. In this case, water will be trapped against the home’s foundation walls.

Sump Pump Failure Results

The consequences of wetland failures can be dramatic and costly. They include: foundation wall and floor damage that requires professional repair, flooded basement, or mold growth.

Sump pump test

It is important to regularly check your sump pump to make sure it is in good working order. Remove the lid and pour water slowly into the drip tray. Make sure the “float” rises and activates the pump. As soon as the pump starts, the water level drops rapidly and the float stops the pump.

Only simple maintenance steps are needed to avoid costly issues. Inspect your sump pump after a heavy rain or heavy snowmelt. Periodically check the level and the operation of the pump.

When buying a house, carefully examine these areas or ask your home inspector to focus on these areas on a separate walk around the property. The cost of an inspection is worth having the peace of mind of knowing that these components are working and installed correctly. Using observational analysis and simple visual inspections can make the difference between solving a problem early on and making large, expensive repairs.

If you have any questions, contact the foundation repair contractors in Spokane, WA.

Do I really need a plumbing test after a foundation repair?

plumbing foundation damage

A stable base is the key to the structural integrity of any home or building. As such, it is important to frequently examine it for wear and tear. Typically, signs of a damaged foundation include:

  • Large cracks in the outside concrete
  • Gaps between the wall seams or around the top of the wall and the ceiling
  • Cracked drywall and nails popped out
  • Sloping floors or staircases
  • Windows that are jammed, difficult to open or which have cracks inside the glass

Foundation repair can be complicated in nature. It may involve installing reinforcing piers under your home or maybe replacing the whole foundation or a wall. For the entire process to be finished, it may take a few days or several weeks depending on the foundation’s condition.

One important step in the process is to investigate the plumbing. A special plumbing test is usually needed after the piers are established and the home’s basement is stabilized.

The plumbing test is necessary to protect you and your home from further damage. It is well known that one cause of structural failure is water and moisture from plumbing leaks.

Is a checking out your plumbing really that important?

It most certainly is.

A competent basement contractor will require one while foundation maintenance is completed.

In a few cases, a plumbing leak is the main cause of foundation issues. This oftentimes takes place in regions with expansive clay soil. Expanding soil tends to grow bigger when in contact with water. This expansion leads to soil pushing on the foundation exterior, causing cracking, bowing and shifting.

Left unaddressed, this can require a total rebuild of the basement. As with any home repair problem, acting speedy is key to saving you from more damage and more money needed for repairs.

Sometimes, the leak happens after a repair to the foundation is done. In most cases, it takes place after a residence is lifted. As the foundation is lifted, the plumbing stays solidly embedded inside the ground.

A slow leak may transform soil into dense mud. Mud, needless to say, cannot hold a foundation. If the leak is from a freshwater pipe, rapid soil erosion can take place.

Plumbing troubles and foundation restoration from time to time go hand-in-hand. Before the work begins, make sure you realize your contractor’s limitations and costs.

How does a hydrostatic plumbing check work?

A hydrostatic plumbing test works by way of putting pressure on your home and sanitary sewage systems.

An inflatable ball is located into the principle sewer line, either via the drain device underneath a first-floor toilet or via an outdoor cleanout. Old houses normally don’t have clean-outs. To solve this, a plumber may need to move inside your home to find a suitable toilet.

If the test reveals a leak, you’ll need a plumbing repair. Left unattended, leaks can cause pricey foundation harm. It’s for this reason that competent structure repair contractors insist on a plumbing check. This prevents the re-occurrence of a future foundation problems.

How does repairing a foundation have an effect on plumbing?

As you could imagine, lifting a foundation can also cause the plumbing to relocate. The work of a local foundation repair contractor, in a few cases, may correct plumbing issues from misaligned pipes.

However, lifting your property’s foundation or crawl space may also lead to plumbing harm. Because of this, having the plumbing system in your home tested is essential.

Can the plumbing breakdown when your foundation is being repaired?

Generally, it depends on a variety of factors. They include:

  • How far the plumbing is from the cracking or bowing
  • Age and condition of plumbing
  • How far the base has dropped
  • Soil density around the plumbing

All these factors are associated with the state of the pipes, the extent of foundation damage, and the soil beneath the foundation. All of these elements are beyond the scope of a  typical foundation repair company.

Because the contractor is generally not aware of a home’s plumbing design, a leak may occur when a basement structure shifts in the soil.. Sewage leaks are harder to detect, as they’re un-pressurized. Freshwater leaks, on the contrary, are clean to pick out as they’re pressurized.

Common Signs of Plumbing Leaks

Wet spots: This is a standared indicator of a plumbing problem. Have a plumbing check done you may notice moist spots or discolored regions in the flooring.

Foundation cracks: House settlement is commonplace even in more recent homes. However, if issues crop up suddenly, it may signal a foundation trouble.

Mold and mildew: Damp spots frequently cause the steady growth of mold and mildew. Water meter continuously ticking: If no water is being used and the water meter continues rolling along, it’s a signal that water is leaking somewhere.

A spike in the water bill: Keep track of your water bills if you suspect there’s a plumbing leak. If there is an unexpected spike, it means water is leaking.

How much does a plumbing check-up usually cost?

Depending upon how intense the plumbing checks are, the rate of plumbing tests can range from $250-$750.

As one can see, a plumbing check is necessary after basement restoration. It’s a simple way to safeguard your home against future water damage. As a homeowner, the last thing you want is to rectify a foundation issue today and have to address it once more in the future.

How to Become a Licensed Plumber

In the modern world, the construction and maintenance are high paying jobs. Plumbing is an important area. A plumber is required to install and repair gas lines, repair of waste handling systems and water distribution systems in residential and industrial set ups. It is, therefore, an essential task. However, it failed to attract many people. The reason is that it is backbreaking work and needs a lot of hard work. Those who choose to become licensed plumbers are naturally those who are willing to work hard. Before choosing to become plumber apprentice, you should check whether it is your area of interest. Then you would have to invest about three or four years formal training at a technical school. Informal learning with your years of training, you will learn the right tricks of the trade.

Learning to be a plumber

Learning to be a plumber is not something you can really do part time. This is an address where you will never get good references and a good name with a bad performance.You can enter the job only after you are fully trained and after you know you can handle anything.

Become a good plumber

To become a good plumber, the first complete school and learn how to use tools in the workshop, science, mathematics and other subjects as business studies blueprint and plumbing. Research what is the scope of plumbing in your area. You can use the Internet or the Yellow Pages for the same. You can also seek advice from your advisor. Then you can join a business school that will help you with your investment if you are also a brilliant student. You can refine your skills by joining the local union plumbers. This union would make you the theory of training and work to make you a better plumber. It’s hard to be chosen, but worth it if you do.

Apply for a Licensed Plumber

The next step would be to get hold of plumbing contracts for:

  • heating,
  • cooling
  • or plumbing.

It is really lucrative, even if you work as an assistant. The latest, most important step is to choose a license. To apply for a license, you must have at least 3 years experience as a plumber’s apprentice under a master plumber and must be in excess of 300 hours of learning theory. You should also clear a plumber’s license examination. You must be 18 years. You should be able to take independent assignments, making cost estimates, you should also be aware of fair prices and your assessments should be realistic.

Have good ability, dexterity, ability to use hand and power tools used to work.

Other desirable qualities for a licensed plumber are that you must have a good mathematical ability, dexterity, ability to use hand and power tools used to work. You must also have good interpersonal and communication skills. You must be good at paperwork and official jargon. You should also be fit enough to be able to lift moderate weights.

Freelance or could join a service plumbers company

Remember that these skills are in high demand worldwide. Your skills would go a long way to give you and your family a good life and save you a high level of respect everywhere.

As a licensed plumber, you can freelance and take your own contracts or you could join a service that you use as a permanent employee.

Why Restaurants Need Regular Grease Trap Cleanings

restaurantOne of the main objectives by restaurant owners is to keep their premises clean. This is a challenge in most restaurants especially in waste removal making grease trap a necessity. The dishwasher and garbage disposals are mostly affected in waste disposal because they have high amounts of fats, oils and grease from the wide variety of foods prepared in the restaurant. These fats and oils usually solidifies causing the drains to clog or even sewer back up. Grease trap services prevents these oils and fats from solidifying in septic tanks or in the drains. Most restaurants have grease trap services for the following reasons:

Reduces plumbing costs

Although you will need plumbing services from time to time, you won’t have to call your plumber often because the drains will not clog. This will help you reduce the cost of repairing or maintaining drains in your restaurant. However, you should be keen to notice any problems and contact a plumber even if you’ve installed grease traps.

Fast drains

Grease traps facilitates the use of sinks constantly because the drains will not be clogged whether the dishes cleaned are having fats and oils or not. Also, you will not have to slow down waiting for septic service from a professional or stop using the sink even in a busy restaurant as it will rarely clog. However, the grease trap has to be maintained to be effective. Hence, you should schedule regular maintenance to guarantee that the trap is working effectively.

Keeps your business running

Most business owners do not like shutting off their business because it translates to lost revenue. Food service business is very sensitive and as a result of regular inspections, you may end up closing your business for some time to have your kitchen drain problem fixed. If you’ve installed grease traps, your business will rarely be put on a stand still because your waste disposal will be efficient.

Grease trap is an effective method in waste removal whether for commercial or residential use. Grease interceptors also aid in maintaining good plumbing systems both in restaurants and in homes.

For more information about grease trap cleaning services, contact Syracuse Septic Tank Cleaning.

Plumbing Tips – How to Choose a Natural Gas Water Heater

Thirteen percent of the energy that is used in homes is used for heating water. Every home strives to save as much energy as possible and in order to do so, they prefer to use a natural gas water heater to warm their water. This is because electric water heater uses twice the energy to heat the same amount of water that is heated by a gas water heater. Therefore you should keep this in mind when you install a new water heater in your home or thinking of replacing the old one. Here is some more information on a natural gas water heater that will help you to make the right choice.

When we think of water heaters we conjure up an image of a large storage tank holding hot water, waiting to be used. With the advancement of technology, there has been a sea change in the way water is heated now. The water heater system now has taken different forms. Using the same natural gas, we now have water heater versions like the tankless, or indirect water heaters, that are more energy efficient and need less space to install.

When you install a natural gas water heater, you have to select the one with an adequate capacity to meet the demand of all your family members. If you consider installing tankless water heater the capacity will not be measured as in the case of storage tank capacity. The capacity here will mean the quantity of water the heater can heat in one hour and not based on the size of the water heater. You can see this number on the yellow Energy Guide label on the natural gas water heater. At the peak hour if say 100 gallons of hot is consumed at your home, then you will have to install a natural gas water heater with a first-hour rating of 100 gallons.

After deciding on the capacity of the water heater, you have to select the model that will suit your need. Find more info about home plumbing repair tips and home improvement plumbing on this web site.

The first option is the storage water heaters. They are dependable in the sense that hot water will be kept stored in a storage tank 24 hours, waiting to be used when needed. These can be installed outside. These are cheaper than electric ones in terms of running cost.

The second option that you can choose is the tankless model, also called ‘on demand’ water heater. The water in these heaters is heated when the tap is turned on. Being compact in nature, a tankless model can be installed on a wall or outside, or near any hot water outlet.

The third choice is a combo heater because water is heated by the heat of a furnace or a boiler. Water gets heated when it passes through a heat exchanger coil that is being heated by the furnace or boiler heat. The water that is heated by this method is stored in a tank separately for use. You can choose this model if you are sure that the furnace or the boiler in your home will operate all the year round.

With the above information, you will be able to choose the most energy efficient natural gas water heater for your home.

Article by Plumbers in Cheektowaga, NY