Get matched with top concrete repair specialists in Cambridge, NE

Concrete can crack from general wear, improper installation, or in response to uneven support from the soil underneath. Small, thin cracks on the surface of aging concrete are usually a result of normal wear and tear, while cracks on new concrete more likely indicate a problem with installation. Larger cracks or uneven steps can signify a much more severe issue. A concrete contractor should be able to diagnose the cause and repair concrete cracks for you.

If your concrete steps have crumbled or chipped, you can fix them by removing any chips or flakes, cleaning and wetting the affected area, applying a concrete bonding agent, and finally applying new concrete, usually in the form of Portland cement. For widespread damage, you can consider concrete resurfacing instead. For fixing concrete spalling that has led to deep damage, you might need to remove damaged material, add structural supports, and pour new concrete into a mold.

The best foundation repair method will depend on the issue you’re having, but usually, foundation instability is best fixed using supportive piers, like steel piers or helical piers. A professional foundation repair contractor or structural engineer should always decide what the best course of action is, and even then, it’s imperative that you also take measures to treat the underlying issue as well, like soil erosion or oversaturation from runoff.

Most single-story homes don't have foundations strong enough to support a second story, but they can be reinforced for an addition. A structural engineer can assess your foundation and what needs to be done to get it ready. They'll look at any cracks or unevenness in your current foundation and consider any special framing or beams your home needs, especially if it’s in a high-wind or hurricane area.

“To support a second story, many structural engineers will require that you install additional concrete piers in the crawlspace,” says Tschudi. “This involves hand excavating, pouring a large concrete footing—usually with specially coated rebar—and then building concrete piers right up to the girders.”