A gap or height change between a garage floor and driveway usually forms because the two slabs are separate pieces of concrete that can move independently, and the driveway apron may settle, heave with frost or shift as the soil beneath it changes. A worn or missing joint filler can also make the gap more…
Road salt carried into a garage on tires and vehicle undersides can contribute to surface scaling, flaking, pitting and white stains on a concrete garage floor, especially when salty slush melts and refreezes or sits on the floor for long periods. The amount of damage depends on how often salt reaches the floor, how long…
Maintaining a concrete pool deck in Michigan involves regular cleaning, keeping joints and cracks sealed, resealing the surface when it shows wear, managing splash-out and drainage, and caring for the deck through winter. How often each step is needed depends on use, sun, the sealer and the deck’s condition. Pool decks face more water, sun…
A concrete pool deck can crack because concrete shrinks as it cures, the ground beneath it moves or washes out, water reaches the soil around the pool, or freezing and thawing add stress through the winter. Missing or poorly placed joints and the area where the deck meets the pool can also be trouble spots.…
A concrete pool deck can be slippery when wet, especially if the surface is smooth, has a glossy sealer or has algae, sunscreen or other residue on it. Texture, finish, sealer choice, moisture, cleanliness and footwear all affect how much grip the deck provides. No pool deck surface is slip-proof or guaranteed safe when wet.…
Drainage affects a concrete porch because water that collects on it or around it can freeze into ice, wear the surface, soften the soil underneath and run toward the house. A porch that sheds water away from the door and foundation usually stays safer and holds up better. Porches sit right at the entry, where…
A concrete porch can often be repaired or resurfaced when it is stable and the damage is limited to the surface or a few areas, but replacement is usually worth considering when the porch has sunk, tilted toward the house, broken apart or has widespread deterioration. The right choice depends on the porch’s condition, movement…
Before building a concrete porch, consider how big the entry platform needs to be, how it will be supported, how water will drain away from the house, how it meets the door, steps and walkway, the finish you want and any building or permit requirements. These choices shape how the porch works and how long…
Concrete steps can be made safer in winter by clearing snow promptly, using traction and deicers carefully, keeping water from draining onto the treads and making sure handrails are sturdy and easy to grip. Surface texture and the condition of the steps also affect how slippery they feel. Steps can be one of the trickiest…
Concrete steps can pull away from a house when the ground under them settles, washes out or moves with freezing and thawing, or when the steps were not supported or connected the way the site required. The actual cause varies, so the steps and the conditions around them need to be looked at together. A…