Concrete foundations are known to be durable, as well as easy to install and maintain compared to other building materials. Their thermal conduction qualities are one of their biggest selling points, and it makes them invaluable in maintaining stability and condition in your home. However, you should also maintain your concrete foundation to remain in pristine condition for years to come.

Here are some tips on how to properly maintain your concrete foundation.

• Be vigilant

As a home owner, you should always check your concrete foundation and be on the lookout for anything that seems amiss. For instance, if you notice that there is mould, rush, or cracks on your foundation, you should immediately call an expert to address the issues you found.

• Always clean your concrete foundation

It is recommended that you clean your foundation at least once a year to help clear dirt and grime build-up that could trigger cracks on the falls. You can hire a professional concreting company for this task since they have the tools and manpower for this type of work.

• Maintain a constant level of moisture

If you noticed that your walls are uncharacteristically dry, it is essential that you water both the concrete foundation and walls. In fact, dry weather can lead to soil shrinkage, leading to issues with your foundation.

• Repair cracks

If there are cracks on your foundation, you will need to get them fixed immediately. Remember, hairline cracks may lead to more costly issues, so you need to have a foundation contractor fix them because these cracks can lead to water seepage, which can cause weakness in your foundation.

• Maintain roof drainage

Most of the time foundation damage is caused by downspouts and gutters, especially if they are poorly installed. In fact, gutters are usually close to the foundation, and they can cause lateral pressure, which can lead to cracking. These drains should be installed at least 5 feet away from the walls to avoid flooding in that area.

• Correct ground drainage

Groundwater during the rainy season may seep through your concrete foundation, so it is important that you install a drainpipe next to your walls. This will draw most of the groundwater away from the walls, and it will also protect your foundation from any flood water.

• Always use a reliable concrete contractor

When it comes to concrete foundation maintenance, it is recommended that you hire a professional foundation expert because they can provide you with well-rounded assistance. They will have a team of reliable and experienced concreters in Canberra who can diagnose and repair issues your foundation may have. After all, a home is a significant investment that you should protect.

Many builders use concrete for commercial and industrial buildings, and many homeowners are now choosing concrete for their home construction projects because of its strength and sustainability. In fact, concrete is durable, resistant to wind, water, and fire. It also cuts heating/cooling bills and is low maintenance compared to other building materials.

However, we should also understand water can cause significant damage to concrete. Water carries chemical contaminants into concrete, and it can erode the surface, which can lead to massive cracks and other disruptive reactions. 

That is why it is important to keep water out of your concrete to enhance its durability and longevity. Here are suggestions on how you can improve the strength of your concrete:

• Mix design

Durability starts with a concrete mix design, and it should properly be matched to the condition and weather of your location. You must also understand that there is no single mix design that can be durable to every situation. Therefore, the mix design should include air-entraining admixture because it will help protect the concrete under any conditions.

• Construction joints

Construction joints in concrete are essential and unavoidable. They are also considered the weak points in the structure because this is where water finds its way through the interior part of concrete. Therefore, water penetrating joints may deteriorate your structure and cause corrosion, especially on the reinforcing steel. That is why you should ensure the design of your structure, and there must be adequate control join locations to avoid random cracking. Next, ensure that each joint has a reliable waterproofing system of its own.

• Low permeability

Mix designs must be based on the condition of your area, and it should have low permeability. You need to ensure low permeability, which can be achieved with good mix proportioning. In fact, you can use water-reducing admixtures and plasticizers to reduce the amount of free water in your mix.

• Proper curing

One of the most overlooked steps in achieving durable concrete is proper curing since this will maintain the conditions that will allow the concrete to gain strength and harden optimally. Therefore, adequate temperature and humidity are essential and must follow the golden rule that it should be above 10°C for strength development and proper curing at a reasonable pace.

Moisture must also be maintained during the first few days to promote cement hydration and to keep the concrete from cracking, shrinking, and drying. Remember that proper curing will increase your concrete’s durability and life expectancy.

Overall, these are just some tips for strengthening your concrete, but you can readily contact a reliable concreting company for more details.