Concrete Contractors Baltimore
Are you considering concrete repair?
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You’ve seen concrete everywhere - sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. And chances are you or someone you know has used concrete for their patio renovations or driveways. If something is flat and concrete, it’s concrete flatwork.
In Baltimore, concrete is one of the most popular materials used for setting foundations, so you’re going to need to know how to deal with future maintenance and repair projects. Charm City Masonry has been providing concrete repair in Baltimore for several years. In this article, you’ll find all of the advantages and challenges that come with adding any concrete flatwork installation to your home and why you should consider concrete for any Baltimore masonry work. 
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Where Will You Find Concrete Leveling?
It’s everywhere you walk
Just to give you a better idea of how common concrete is in home construction, here are a few places you’ll find it being laid down.
- Driveways
- Sidewalks
- Patio and pool decks
- Garage and shed floors
- Basement and home foundations
- Chimney hearths (if you want to learn all about Chimney masonry, check out our write-up here)
- Steps and stairs
- Stamped Concrete
Advantages of Concrete Flatwork
Sturdy and Reliable
Concrete is one of the easiest materials to work with. It’s generally a mixture of cement, sand, and gravel and gets poured to fit wherever it’s needed. In fact, it is used to build things like stamped concrete patios Let’s talk about why concrete is so common.
Durability
Concrete is naturally a very stable material. It can stand up to the wear and tear of pests, animals, people, and cars. If installed properly as a foundation for a home, it can help prevent major damage from high winds. Concrete is also fire-resistant and doesn’t get slippery when wet. This makes it perfect for outdoor fire pits and pool decks.
Low-Maintenance
Other than the necessary repairs that we’ll get to, concrete is generally very easy to maintain. Any stains, dirt or debris can be removed manually or with pressure washing. Also, because concrete flatwork is one solid mass unless the concrete has cracks, weeds tend to not break through.
Increased Home Value
High-quality concrete flatwork can increase your property value ̶ ̶ especially if it’s stamped. Stamping concrete involves pressing a unique pattern into the surface of the flatwork. It’s a very temperamental process that should only be done by professionals.
Concrete is one of the easiest materials to work with. It’s generally a mixture of cement, sand, and gravel and gets poured to fit wherever it’s needed. In fact, it is used to build things like stamped concrete patios Let’s talk about why concrete is so common.
Durability
Concrete is naturally a very stable material. It can stand up to the wear and tear of pests, animals, people, and cars. If installed properly as a foundation for a home, it can help prevent major damage from high winds. Concrete is also fire-resistant and doesn’t get slippery when wet. This makes it perfect for outdoor fire pits and pool decks.
Low-Maintenance
Other than the necessary repairs that we’ll get to, concrete is generally very easy to maintain. Any stains, dirt or debris can be removed manually or with pressure washing. Also, because concrete flatwork is one solid mass unless the concrete has cracks, weeds tend to not break through.
Increased Home Value
High-quality concrete flatwork can increase your property value ̶ ̶ especially if it’s stamped. Stamping concrete involves pressing a unique pattern into the surface of the flatwork. It’s a very temperamental process that should only be done by professionals.
Disadvantages of Concrete Flatwork
Take care of it and it lasts forever
Concrete does come with some drawbacks. If you’ve ever driven on an unmaintained road or street in any major city, you know what potholes are. Luckily, by following up with needed maintenance and repairs, concrete flatwork can last decades. These are some of the major challenges you’ll face.
Long Setting Time
Relative to asphalt, concrete construction takes a lot longer to set. Whereas asphalt can set in 2-3 hours, concrete generally takes 48 hours before it’s ready to be walked on, 2 weeks before heavy machinery, and 28-30 days to reach its full strength.
Degrades from Salt
Concrete is a porous material so the natural salt in rainwater or the salt mixed with snow in winter months can cause erosion and eventually cracking and splintering.
Cracking from the Seasons and Settling
Concrete is porous and therefore expands and contracts with fluctuating temperatures. This movement will eventually lead to cracking and crumbling.
Another reason you might find concrete cracking is the natural settling of the soil. Concrete isn’t very flexible so when the ground beneath it shifts down, the flatwork slab tends to break. In the case of settling, this is when concrete leveling companies can help you fix the problem before it becomes serious. Charm City Masonry is trained in concrete slab lifting so don’t hesitate to contact us for advice.
Long Setting Time
Relative to asphalt, concrete construction takes a lot longer to set. Whereas asphalt can set in 2-3 hours, concrete generally takes 48 hours before it’s ready to be walked on, 2 weeks before heavy machinery, and 28-30 days to reach its full strength.
Degrades from Salt
Concrete is a porous material so the natural salt in rainwater or the salt mixed with snow in winter months can cause erosion and eventually cracking and splintering.
Cracking from the Seasons and Settling
Concrete is porous and therefore expands and contracts with fluctuating temperatures. This movement will eventually lead to cracking and crumbling.
Another reason you might find concrete cracking is the natural settling of the soil. Concrete isn’t very flexible so when the ground beneath it shifts down, the flatwork slab tends to break. In the case of settling, this is when concrete leveling companies can help you fix the problem before it becomes serious. Charm City Masonry is trained in concrete slab lifting so don’t hesitate to contact us for advice.
How do I Maintain My Concrete Flatwork?
Learn how to prevent those cracks from forming
Concrete flatwork is poured and set as large slabs and because of this, it’s not as flexible as alternative construction methods like pavers or alternative materials like stone and brick. Fortunately, the only major after-installation costs come from extreme breakage due to improper upkeep.
Below are some tips on how you can prevent cracks from forming.
Drainage
Concrete is naturally porous and so rainwater will eventually evaporate, but leaving water to pool will lead to large repair bills. Make sure there is proper drainage or sloping of your flatwork so that water doesn’t accumulate and cause problems. You might need concrete raising to fix the pitch of driveways and pool decks.
Seal Cracks
Concrete flatwork isn’t like a cabinet door or wooden bed frame. If you find cracks, you need to seal them. If you’re unsure of the seriousness of the damage, you can always contact a professional for advice.
Surface Sealing
A sealant can help to bring down the natural porousness of concrete. Doing so decreases the chances of poor drainage and as a result, decreases long-term maintenance and repair costs.
Installation
One of the most frequent causes of future cracking, specifically when levelling driveways, is improper installation. Concrete flatwork has to be done right from the start; the consistency of the mix, the levelling and jointing all need to be handled professionally or you’ll end up paying for it later.
If you have any questions, especially about driveway paving in Baltimore, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Below are some tips on how you can prevent cracks from forming.
Drainage
Concrete is naturally porous and so rainwater will eventually evaporate, but leaving water to pool will lead to large repair bills. Make sure there is proper drainage or sloping of your flatwork so that water doesn’t accumulate and cause problems. You might need concrete raising to fix the pitch of driveways and pool decks.
Seal Cracks
Concrete flatwork isn’t like a cabinet door or wooden bed frame. If you find cracks, you need to seal them. If you’re unsure of the seriousness of the damage, you can always contact a professional for advice.
Surface Sealing
A sealant can help to bring down the natural porousness of concrete. Doing so decreases the chances of poor drainage and as a result, decreases long-term maintenance and repair costs.
Installation
One of the most frequent causes of future cracking, specifically when levelling driveways, is improper installation. Concrete flatwork has to be done right from the start; the consistency of the mix, the levelling and jointing all need to be handled professionally or you’ll end up paying for it later.
If you have any questions, especially about driveway paving in Baltimore, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Charm City Masonry for Baltimore Concrete Repair & Installation
Trained, Licensed and Ready to Go
Concrete flatwork shows up everywhere. From sheds, garages, and basements, to chimneys, steps, and driveways. Knowing how to maintain it makes sure your investment will last for decades.
Because it’s so popular, finding concrete repair in Baltimore for your installations and repairs is as easy as an email or phone call. We at Charm City Masonry are a licensed and trained team of professionals with experience in all things concrete.
If you’re looking for estimates or consultations for new concrete installations, we’re always here to help.
If you’ve already taken the plunge and need some concrete raising or other concrete repair work done, our team is always ready to go.
Because it’s so popular, finding concrete repair in Baltimore for your installations and repairs is as easy as an email or phone call. We at Charm City Masonry are a licensed and trained team of professionals with experience in all things concrete.
If you’re looking for estimates or consultations for new concrete installations, we’re always here to help.
If you’ve already taken the plunge and need some concrete raising or other concrete repair work done, our team is always ready to go.