Most construction projects use concrete. Often, you cannot see it. You use it to provide a structural foundation but then cover it with a more attractive material. However, some clients may want the concrete to remain visible. Designers may use its heavy, stark appearance as a contemporary element.
When a client or their designer chooses a material because of its appearance, they may fail to understand the technicalities involved with using this building material. Because concrete can be subject to external factors, the final version might not appear as it was intended.
What concrete defects can occur?
Here are some common concrete errors that can occur:
- Larger cracks: Below-ground problems could lead to movement of the building. Concrete is solid, so it does not have much give and take. Movement leads to cracking. It could also occur if the architects failed to consider loading forces correctly.
- Fine cracks: These can occur if your subcontractor failed to spray water on the surface to prevent it from drying too fast in hot weather.
- Discoloration: If the cement your supplier gave you has inconsistencies between bags, it could cause uneven color. If a subcontractor you used did not mix quantities correctly, that could also cause patchy color.
- Peeling: Extreme weather conditions could affect the curing process and lead to peeling.
As the owner of a construction company, you need to protect your reputation and your bottom line. If a client is trying to blame a concrete defect on you, it is important to investigate why it happened. You need to find out who was responsible. Redoing work for errors that were not your fault will become time-consuming and costly.
