Common Concrete Problems in New Orleans and How to Fix Them

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways

2. Why New Orleans Is Tough On Concrete

• The Soil
• The Water
• The Air
• Local Challenges and Solutions

3. Identify Common Concrete Problems

• a. Sinking & Settling
• b. Widespread Cracking
• c.  Surface Spalling
• d. Moisture Damage
• e. Algae & Mold

4. Practical Repair Solutions

• Patching
• Resurfacing
• Lifting
• Sealing

5. Addressing Common Concrete Issues in New Orleans

New Orleans suffers from some issues because of its soil and weather, causing cracking, settling, and water damage. We offer special solutions in the form of drainage, soil stabilization, and sealants to reverse these.

Big Easy Concrete excels in designing beautiful outdoor spaces such as patios, driveways, and walkways.  Let us transform your concrete dreams into reality—your perfect solution is only a phone call away! Call now for a free consultation.

Key Takeaways

• New Orleans’ water table, moist air, and soil combination equals concrete doom. Knowing the main offenders is step one to knowing how to fix them.
• New Orleans’ most common concrete woes: settling/sinking, extensive cracking, surface spalling, moisture damage, algae/mold growth. Catch it in time, and Big Easy Concrete can save homeowners from expensive fixes.
• From resurfacing and patching to sealing and lifting, professional repair methods can fix almost any concrete issue. Selecting the proper approach ensures economy and durability.
• From using the correct mix to competitively preparing the site and curing the concrete correctly, proper concrete installation is key to crafting lasting and solid structures in New Orleans’ environment.

Why New Orleans Is Tough On Concrete

New Orleans is tough on foundation repair due to its climatic and regulatory environment. The soil, water, and atmosphere in New Orleans all bear down on concrete, leading to common foundation problems like warped concrete and cracks.

Homeowners must understand these elements to devise effective and lasting solutions for their concrete slab houses.

The Soil

In New Orleans, clay soil disfigures concrete foundations, causing slabs to become uneven and crack. Soil moisture changes make the ground swell and shrink, putting stress on even well-built foundations.

Heavy rains wash away the soil, creating voids beneath slabs and instability. A meticulous soil test prior to construction detects these faults and prescribes solutions like reinforced foundations or soil stabilization.

The Water

New Orleans’ high water table pushes against concrete, often leading to shifting and cracking. Flooding and heavy rainfall lead to moisture damage, while drainage issues have water pooling around structures, compromising the concrete.

In an effort to prevent this, waterproof concrete and the inclusion of proper drainage are imperative. Installing such things as French drains or permeable paving can redirect water from concrete surfaces, reducing damage while making the surface more durable.

The Air

New Orleans’ hot, humid air promotes the growth of mold and mildew on concrete, contributing to foundation issues and discoloration. Seashore areas consist of salty air that accelerates rebar-equipped concrete corrosion. To prevent water damage and extend home life, foundation repair experts advise the use of protective coatings and sealants.

Local Challenges and Solutions

The city discourages concrete-heavy designs, mandating 40% of front yards to be concrete-free. This is indicative of wider initiatives to control rainwater runoff and beautify.

Substitutes, such as permeable pavers or astroturf, are being touted more and more as the happy medium to achieve both.

Identify Common Concrete Problems

New Orleans is particularly special regarding concrete because of our humidity, extreme temperature changes, and the ground. All of these issues, including cracking, settlement slabs, spalling, water damage, and algae growth, can contribute to making the concrete less robust and shorter-lived. Heavy rain, humidity, and expansive soils exacerbate these concerns.

Knowingly recognizing these problems up front is most important in preventing expensive repairs and keeping the building sound.

1. Sinking & Settling

Shifting soil is the culprit behind sinking and settling concrete. New Orleans’ soft, shifting soil intensifies this, as concrete slabs become unsupported with age. Bad foundation prep — insufficient compaction or drainage — only exacerbates the issue, resulting in uneven floors and dangerous walkways.

Uneven slabs are not just trip hazards; they can stress the structure. Slab jacking, in which a grout mixture is used to raise the slab back into position, or underpinning, are good ways to stabilize and level settled concrete.

2. Widespread Cracking

Shifting soil, temperature changes, or overloading are common causes. Hairline cracks are cosmetic, but structural cracks are stability-compromising. Freeze-thaw damage, as water freezes and expands inside the concrete, is another leading suspect.

Repairs vary from epoxy crack injections to repairing surface damage, though these may be temporary at times. Periodic sealing can prevent further cracking.

3. Surface Spalling

Spalling is when the surface peels or spalls off, typically due to freeze-thaw or inadequate curing. Not only does it reduce longevity, but it also ruins the aesthetic of concrete.

Resurfacing or overlays may restore spalled areas, and there is a chance that some damage may still be evident.

4. Moisture Damage

Water erosion can cause extensive foundation issues, particularly with concrete subjected to hydrostatic pressure. Well-sealed and waterproofed concrete surfaces, however, will not crack and leak because of moisture entrapment.

5. Algae & Mold

Very high humidity permits algae and mold growth and slick surfaces, and poses health hazards.

Maintenance cleaning and sealing, and mold-resistant coatings that do not permit buildup and provide long-term protection are included.

Practical Repair Solutions

Specific issues in New Orleans usually arise from local soil, excess moisture, and inadequate installation, which causes all sorts of problems with the foundation. These concrete issues need to be repaired by specialized foundation repair services that value both the longevity and the costs of homeowners. Below are some more detailed damage-based solutions.

Patching

Patching is ideal for small surface imperfections and cracks. Below are some of the techniques:

• Epoxy Injections: Most suitable for structural wall cracks; it seals tight cracks and strengthens.
• Vinyl Patching Mix: Best for sidewalks and small spaces; it is fast-drying and flexible.
• Polymer-Modified: Perfect for driveways and patios; it provides a durable repair for minor damage.

Specialized patch kits exist to facilitate simple do-it-yourself repair. Patching is not an option, however, for deep cracks or foundation problems, and is best as a low-cost, short-term measure.

Resurfacing

Resurfacing is adding a thin cement-based coating to refresh tired concrete. It can be very effective for dealing with surface spalling and minor scaling.

Besides boosting structural strength, resurfacing beautifies, enabling glossy coats or artistic textures. For performance that lasts, quality products such as polymer-modified overlays are necessary.

Resurfacing is particularly handy for driveways and pool decks, where style and strength count.

Lifting

Lifting brings back sunken slabs from unstable soil. Methods such as mudjacking pump a concrete slurry underneath the slab.

Polyurethane foam injection presents a cleaner, more contemporary alternative with fewer headaches. It’s much more affordable than a complete slab replacement and perfect for repairing tripping hazard-inducing walkways, patios, or driveways.

It backs up the foundation by tackling the source—shifting soil.

Sealing

Sealing is water protection, staining, and preventing future damage. Sealants increase lifespan and must be reapplied every two years.

Sealing is a preventative repair, especially for areas where water pools, retaining both the appearance and the integrity.

Addressing Common Concrete Issues in New Orleans

Keeping your concrete strong doesn’t have to be complicated. At Big Easy Concrete, the focus is on helping it stand the test of time by addressing local conditions from the start. Simple fixes like filling cracks, improving drainage, and using durable materials go a long way. We offer affordable, lasting solutions for driveways, patios, and foundations.

Our team is ready to help you bring strength and style back to your concrete surfaces. Let’s turn your ideas into something solid and built to last. Reach out today for a free consultation, and let’s bring your concrete vision to life.