How to Decide Whether to Repair or Replace Concrete Floors

Concrete is commonly used in commercial and industrial facilities for its extreme durability. But as strong as this material is, it’s not invulnerable. Over time, your concrete floors will wear down. We’ve all seen cracked and sunken in garage floors, which serve as prime examples of what can happen to concrete if it is not properly maintained and protected. And the more damaged your concrete floor gets, the less safe it becomes for your workers and equipment.

Once you begin to notice that your concrete floors are in rough shape, what should you do next? Your first question might be whether to seek out a concrete repair service or have your floors replaced altogether. Let’s go over how you can make this decision, and what each one will entail.

Inspect Your Concrete Floors Regularly

In order to make an informed decision about your concrete floors, you need to carefully inspect them on a regular basis. This way, you can get an idea of how your floors are wearing down over time, and whether or not certain areas need more attention than others. Closely examine your floors on a weekly basis, looking for cracking, curling, sinking, efflorescence (white powder on the surface), or discoloration. While your eyes can only detect so much of what’s happening to your commercial concrete flooring, taking a close look on a frequent basis will help you avoid major repairs or replacements and allow you to better inform your contractor before they visit.

Of course, simply knowing that there’s a problem isn’t enough to let you know whether a repair job or replacement is best. For this, you need to know how severe and widespread the issue is.

When it’s Time to Repair Your Concrete Floors

Simply put, most concrete floor problems can be solved with proper commercial concrete repair. When you see cracking, for instance, it’s often a surface-level problem that can be solved by filling in the spaces, cleaning the floor, painting it, and applying a new concrete floor sealer to keep your investment well protected down the line. That’s not to say, however, that cracks can’t also signify a deeper issue. This is why it’s crucial to hire a reliable contractor who can fully examine your floors.

You must also consider whether the issue is limited to one part of your floor, or if it’s spread across the entire area. It wouldn’t make sense to replace the entire floor for a problem that’s localized and not affecting everything else. Even if the issue is pretty severe, a good repair job can typically restore your concrete floor.

When it’s Time to Replace Your Concrete Floors

Sometimes the issue with your concrete floors goes deeper than the floor itself. If the earth beneath the floors has significantly shifted, for instance, it might be time to install a new floor, or else the existing foundation will continue to crack and fall apart over time. Of course, some shifting is inevitable, and a properly installed floor should be able to withstand these forces. However, if your floor was not properly installed to begin with you may need to invest in a replacement to correct the error.

In other words, concrete floor replacement is necessary when there is a problem at the very base of your floor. Without a strong foundation, the floor’s entire integrity will quickly deteriorate and lead to visible problems on the surface. Not even a new concrete epoxy coating treatment will be sufficient to save your floor in these circumstances.

Ask the Experts

No one wants to deal with repairing or replacing their concrete floors. However, it’s important to take action whenever you notice your floors are damaged in order to ensure the safety of your workers and maintain your property's value and structural integrity. It’s not always easy to know whether or not to repair or replace your concrete floors, which is why you should consult the experts. At Painters USA, our flooring professionals know the ins and outs of concrete. We can determine the problem and come up with a solution for your facility.

Whether you need help with floor repairs or replacements, let us help you keep your concrete floors sturdy and beautiful. To learn more about our company and all the services we offer, contact us at 1-800-999-8715.