What are the Signs of a Slab Leak?

Many homes are built on top of a concrete slab foundation. Beneath these concrete slabs, you will find a system of plumbing pipes that were installed before the home was constructed. A slab leak is simply a leak within this system of plumbing pipes, and whose indications are so subtle, they can go undetected for many months or even years. This is because they are located underneath a home and hidden from public view. In the plumbing industry, very little is known about slab leaks because of this very reason. Once detected, slab leaks are extremely troublesome to deal with and can lead to costly repair bills.

Continue reading to learn your options for repairing slab leaks in commercial pavements.

Parking Lot Repair 317-549-1833
Parking Lot Repair 317-549-1833

Slab Leak Repair

Slab leaks cause a plethora of problems for homeowners and even plumbing contractors as well, creating additional damages to your home or property. Repairs commonly involve tearing up flooring, rebuilding the foundation entirely, and more. If you suspect that you have slab leak within your home’s foundation, it is important to take immediate action before the implications become worse.

Here are the common signs that have been discovered over the years in the plumbing industry, and indicate your home or property may have slab leaks:

• Faint Sound of Running Water
• Increased Utility Bills
• Hot Spots or Cold Spots on the Floor
• Swampy Areas in the Lawn
• Wet or Moist Basement
• Other Wet Spots In or Around the Home
• And More

Slab leaks happen for various reasons. Lines can become kinked during installation, pipe corrosion, incorrectly wrapped pipes, friction, and more are all possible culprits behind slab leaks. When you have a slab leak, there are several options to choose from in order to fix the problem. The first step in discovering these options is to call a professional in the industry that can give you accurate and reliable information about concrete slabs and foundations, as well as, what to do when you have a slab leak.

Indianapolis Pavement Repair Contractors

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial slab leak repair paving services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis asphalt and concrete paving services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.

Asphalt versus Concrete Pavement

There are two main options for contractors and homeowners when it comes to choosing a type of pavement for their lot or driveway; asphalt and concrete. Although both pavements are wide-spread and common for parking lots, driveways, roads, and more; concrete is seeing less popularity in recent years due to the increase in asphalt construction.

Let’s take a look at the difference between asphalt paving and concrete paving so that you can decide on your own which pavement type is best for your commercial or residential needs.

Indianapolis Commercial Concrete Paving 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Commercial Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Concrete Pavement

Concrete is known best for its longevity. It can last up to fifty years without needing replaced. So why is concrete in less demand for public parking lots, new construction, and driveways? Concrete can have a tendency to crack in cold or freezing temperatures. Concrete repair is possible; however, it requires a lot of effort and preferably, some experience.

Other aspects of concrete are not very likable as well, including the fact that concrete can fade, discolor, or create pits from laying salt to melt snow and ice. Concrete can easily discolor from oil stains and other types of spills. These stains can be very difficult to remove. Because of the concrete color and look, stains and deterioration stand out more and are much more evident than in asphalt.

Here are some other facts about concrete pavement driveways, parking lots, and roads:

Pros:

• Concrete Lasts up to 50 Years
• Does Not Require Seal-coating
• Concrete Can Be Painted, Molded, and Carved with Design
• Comes in Multiple Finishes
• Very Durable

Cons:

• Concrete is More Expensive
• Concrete Cracks in Freezing Weather
• Difficult to Repair
• Requires Longer Drying Time
• More Prone to Cracks

Asphalt Pavement

In comparison to concrete, asphalt paving has many differences and even a few similarities. For example, asphalt is made from tar, not cement. It is used in parking lots, roads, walkways, and now driveways more than ever. It is more limited than concrete when talking aesthetics; however, there are many advantages to consider when it comes to asphalt pavement.

So why is asphalt becoming such a popular substitution for concrete paving? Let’s take a closer look:

Pros:

• Cheaper
• Easy to Repair
• Fast to Install
• Easy Maintenance
• Sleek Look

Cons:

• Less Color Options
• Less Durable than Concrete
• Requires Re-sealing Every Few Years
• Difficult to Repair
• Lasts up to 20 Years
• Become Softer in High Heat

Depending on where you live and what type of land you intend to pave, asphalt and concrete can both be good options. It is best to consult a professional paving company for information and advice about concrete and asphalt pavement. They can give you answers to the hard questions, and help you decide which pavement suits your needs best.

Indianapolis Asphalt and Concrete Pavement Contractors

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial asphalt paving services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis asphalt and concrete paving services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.

Choosing Between Concrete Repair or Concrete Resurfacing

There are several factors to consider before determining whether or not your pavement requires concrete repair or resurfacing. When concrete begins to crack and deteriorate, it is time to think about your replacement or repair options. Years of harsh weather, wear and tear, and overuse causes concrete to buckle and crack; however, these disruptions are easily refuted with concrete services. Your job is to choose between concrete resurfacing and a full-on concrete repair job.

Continue reading to catch up on a few concepts to consider before ultimately deciding on concrete repair or concrete resurfacing services for your residential or commercial property.

Commercial Paving 317-549-1833
Commercial Paving 317-549-1833

Structural Integrity of Concrete Paving

Take a look at your concrete and the cracks. If cracks are smaller than a quarter of an inch and the slabs haven’t lifted or moved vertically, then there shouldn’t be a need for all-out concrete repair. These small cracks are easier to repair at this size; so the concrete pavement can be resurfaced rather than replaced. If the structural integrity of the concrete slabs are lifted and moved, and cracks are becoming crevices, then concrete repair is most likely needed.

Sinking or Eroding Concrete Pavement

Minimal to moderate concrete sinking and heaving can sometimes be combated with a hydraulic leveler; eliminating the need for extensive concrete repair. On the other hand, if more than half of the existing pavement contains cracks, deterioration, sinking, or heaving, then it may need a professional concrete repair job. Also, if concrete paving is eroded more than a third of the way, then concrete repair is highly recommended for proper restoration and results.

Concrete Discoloration, Fading, and Wear

If the concrete pavement is free of large cracks and crevices, but appears worn and faded, then restoration and resurfacing is the best option. This option reduces the concrete service costs nearly in half! Discoloration, weathering, and aging can all be turned around with an effective concrete resurfacing and restoration job.

Indianapolis Concrete Resurfacing Services

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial asphalt paving and concrete work in Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding areas. Our licensed and bonded paving contractors provide pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and much more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.