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Archive for the ‘Concrete Repairs’ Category

Concrete Repair in and around Baltimore

Friday, April 18th, 2014

A little concrete repair can go a long way!

We may sound like a broken record, but businesses all over Baltimore are suffering the consequences from this past winter! The snow, ice, and freezing temperatures took their toll on parking lots, sidewalks, handicap ramps, and so much more. And this past winter was particularly snowy, icy, and cold.

The Freeze-Thaw Cycle

The freeze-thaw cycle is exactly what it sounds like. When water penetrates concrete cracks in the winter, it freezes and expands, widening cracks, before thawing. And during a harsh winter like the one we just had, this freeze-thaw cycle happens numerous times, degrading your concrete surface from the inside out. The Result: Premature pavement failure. The Solution: Concrete repair.

Of course, concrete damage is not restricted to the freeze-thaw cycle.

Snow Plows and Concrete Damage

Sometimes even something as helpful as a snow plow can cause problems for business owners. This is because snow plow operators can’t always see what lies beneath that blanket of shimmering snow. As a result, snow plows are notorious for hitting and damaging curbs, speed bumps, wheel stops, and signage.

The Solution: Concrete repair.

Concrete Repair

Concrete is an incredibly durable material, which is why it is used for sidewalks, curbs, dumpster pads, and similar structures. In addition to its strength, this material holds up well to the elements. Still, concrete is not indestructible, especially when water penetrates deep below the surface. And when concrete cracks, it not only detracts from the overall look of your property, it can become a safety hazard. This is why timely, professional concrete repair is so important.

Concrete Repair Baltimore

  1. Crack repairs: When concrete cracks there are several ways to address the problem.
  2. Caulking During new construction, expansion joints are installed to allow shifting and movement of the concrete. Over time, the fill material rots and needs to be caulked. This helps prevent water intrusion.
  3. Trip Fall Hazards: As sidewalks settle or the ground beneath shirts, it sometimes creates what is known as trip and fall hazards.

The good news is that PTG Enterprises can handle it all!

Concrete Repair in and around Baltimore

At PTG, we are experts when it comes to commercial concrete jobs. Our crews are extremely familiar with all types of concrete paving. When we first come out and assess the damage, our knowledgeable estimators will present options to address the symptoms as well as the underlining problems.

If you have any questions about Concrete Repair in Baltimore, please contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also follow PTG Enterprises on Facebook and Twitter!

Concrete Cracks: How Much is Acceptable and When Are Repairs Necessary?

Friday, May 10th, 2013

Like asphalt, concrete is a durable material excellent for sidewalks, curbs, dumpster pads, and so much more. Concrete holds up exceptionally well to the elements. However, over time, even the toughest concrete surface will crack.

Concrete Crack Repair Baltimore


Common Causes of Concrete Cracks

Cracking can be the result of one or a combination of factors such as drying shrinkage, thermal contraction, subgrade settlement, and applied stresses.

  1. Drying Shrinkage: When the water used in mix design evaporates, concrete cracking can occur.
  2. Thermal Contraction/Expansion: This occurs as the result of temperature changes.
  3. Subgrade Settlement: When the underlying soil condition is poor or there is a change in soil moisture content, cracking can occur.
  4. Applied Stresses: Outside forces, such as building load, earth load, hydrostatic pressure, or heavy equipment can cause cracking.

According to the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) of North America, “there are two guarantees with concrete. One, it will get hard and two, it will crack.” When this happens, it not only detracts from the overall look of your property, but it can become a safety hazard, as well.

Unfortunately, cracking cannot be prevented, but it can be significantly reduced or controlled with proper repairs.

Concrete Repairs from PTG Enterprises in Baltimore, Maryland

Patrick T. Gillen III, the owner of the Baltimore, Maryland-based asphalt and concrete paving company PTG Enterprises has a general rule of thumb for assessing concrete cracks.

Patrick’s Rule: Can you stick a quarter in it?

If you can stick a quarter in a crack, it needs attention as soon as possible. But what are your options? When concrete cracks there are several ways to address the problem. The knowledgeable estimators at PTG Enterprises will analyze you specific situation and present options to address the symptoms as well as the underlining problems.

PTG Enterprises are experts with commercial concrete jobs.

If you have any further questions about our blog, “Concrete Cracks: How Much is Acceptable?” please contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!