If you’re debating whether or not to tear out your existing concrete and pour it new, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before committing to a decision.
Sometimes replacing concrete is the best course of action for repairing the problems your existing concrete is facing, but there are important risks to consider in order to make the best decision for yourself.
Here at A-1 Concrete Leveling, we’ve made it our mission to bring an affordable and durable alternative to conventional concrete replacement.
Over the last 30 years, we've seen and tried to help countless customers with complications from their newly-poured concrete, and because of this, we wanted to create a list of the possibilities that can occur if you pour new concrete.
This article will walk you through the most common risks associated with getting new concrete installed so you can decide for yourself if concrete replacement is a good option for you.
1. High Likelihood of Settling
New concrete is more likely to settle within the first 5-10 years after installation. This is because the soil and base that the concrete is sitting on have usually not had the proper amount of time to settle and compact naturally.
When new concrete gets installed, the dirt underneath gets disturbed during the installation process. That soil must eventually settle again, but this time it may bring the new slab with it.
2. Bad Concrete Batch
Concrete can last decades when manufactured properly and its maintenance is kept up with. While this is true, if the concrete isn’t manufactured with the right ingredient ratios, it can cause lots of problems throughout the life of the concrete, like surface spalling, crumbling, cracking, etc.
The concrete you have has already cured and stood the test of time, so you’re familiar with its quality. Just because the soil underneath it has settled doesn't mean the actual concrete itself is poorly made, which is a risk you have to weigh when considering new concrete.
3. Tearing up Lawns & Landscaping
If your lawn, landscaping, or trees are something you take pride in, concrete replacement can be a big risk depending on the area in need of replacement.
During the concrete replacement process, there are lots of heavy and large pieces of equipment that have to make their way to the site. These could easily disturb flower beds or grass, leaving you with a mess and additional costs.
4. Big Equipment on Your Property
Similarly to the risk of damage to the landscaping and lawns on your property, the big, heavy equipment can be not only a nuisance but also cause damage to other parts of your property, as well.
Because the concrete trucks and other equipment are so large and heavy, driving them onto concrete driveways in order to access the replacement site comes with a risk of concrete trauma and other damage.
5. Long Curing Times
The long curing times for concrete also pose a big risk, as having to be cautious and wait to use the concrete can be hard. Not only can you not use the concrete normally for an extended period of time, but there’s also the potential for it to be scuffed up or dinged while curing.
However, this could also play to your advantage. Seeing a furry friend’s paw prints trapped in a concrete driveway or sidewalk will always bring a smile to your neighbors’ faces as they walk by your home!
6. Other Risks
There are other risks involved with getting new concrete poured, like the fact that it likely won’t match your home’s existing concrete, or the fact that it will likely cost a lot of money to get the job done the right way.
Read more about the pros and cons of concrete replacement.
Summary
Choosing to get new concrete is a big decision, and the risks involved should be carefully considered when figuring out if it’s the right move for your home. In addition, picking the right new concrete contractor matters.
If you’re not quite sure if the benefits outweigh the hassle and risks involved, be sure to research concrete leveling, which is a non-invasive and quick way to get your concrete looking great and functioning the way it should.
In fact, you can even set up a free consultation and pricing estimate with an expert member of our concrete leveling team with the link below.
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