Quick Concrete Repair Tips to Handle Storm Damage in McAllen

Immediate Storm Damage Assessment

Your first step after any storm event will involve assessing the damage to your McAllen property’s concrete. First, assess your safety by checking for standing water, electrical hazards, and unstable structures. Once you have done this safely, you can begin inspecting damaged areas of the concrete.

Examine the area to determine if there was damage to your property’s concrete. Look for cracks, displaced areas of concrete, and spalling (where the top surface of the concrete has been peeled away). Inspect for any areas of the concrete that have experienced soil loss due to erosion, which could compromise the structural integrity of the concrete.

Take photos of the damaged concrete from multiple angles and record the approximate size and location of the damaged area. These photos will serve as proof for any insurance claims and will also assist the contractor winproviding an estimate to repair the damage. Be sure to pay close attention to any damage to the concrete surrounding your property’s foundation. If there is damage to the concrete surrounding your property’s foundation, it may be indicative of a larger structural concern that needs to be evaluated immediately by a professional.

Prioritizing the Urgency of Needed Repairs

Not all damage to your property’s concrete requires an emergency response. There are some types of damage that necessitate a rapid response in order to avoid safety risks and/or to prevent further degradation. Cracks in your property’s foundation that indicate structural issues require immediate repair. Areas of displaced concrete that are larger than several inches square and any area where rebar is exposed also require professional assistance promptly.

Areas of moderate damage, such as surface cracks and minor spalling, are considered moderate-priority damage and do not require immediate attention; however, if left unrepaired, they can allow water to infiltrate your property. Cosmetic damage that does not affect the structural integrity of your property’s concrete, including surface scratches and discoloration, is low-priority damage and can be repaired during normal maintenance schedules.

Removing Standing Water and Creating Conditions for Rapid Drying

It is imperative to remove standing water from around and on your property’s concrete surfaces as soon as possible to slow the rate of damage. You will need to use pumps, wet vacuums, or other methods to remove all standing water from your property. After removing standing water, you will need to create conditions that promote rapid drying of the concrete.

As a porous material, concrete absorbs a tremendous amount of water during flooding events. Therefore, you must take an active role in drying out the concrete to prevent ongoing damage.

Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open ventilation to establish airflow over the concrete surfaces to speed up the rate of moisture evaporation. Remove all debris, mud, and organic matter that can absorb and hold onto moisture and potentially promote mold growth. The first step in drying out wet concrete is to remove all standing water. The second step is to monitor humidity levels to prevent additional moisture from being absorbed into the concrete.

Preventative Measures to Prevent Additional Water Damage

After the initial water has been removed from the property, you will want to take preventative measures to prevent additional water from entering the damaged areas. Do this while you plan for the permanent repairs. Temporarily seal cracked areas with a waterproof covering. Redirect any drainage that flows towards the damaged areas. Monitor weather forecasts so that you can prepare for additional protection needs as they arise.

Due to McAllen’s subtropical climate, the high humidity levels will lengthen the time needed for the drying process. Additionally, the high humidity creates ideal conditions for mold growth in porous materials like concrete. Utilize dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity at 50% or lower. Make sure that the area receives enough ventilation to promote total moisture evaporation from the affected concrete surfaces.

Quick Temporary Repair of Hairline Cracks

Hairline cracks, less than ¼ inch in width, can be temporarily sealed to prevent water from entering the concrete and causing additional damage. Clean the crack with a wire brush to remove debris. Clean the area completely, then apply a flexible concrete crack sealant. Select a sealant that remains waterproof and can accommodate minor movements.

Larger cracks require more substantial temporary measures. Hydraulic cement can be used for quick-setting repairs, or polyurethane-based sealants that expand to fill the voids created by the crack. Both of these products can be applied quickly in McAllen’s humid environment, and they will provide an excellent barrier to water infiltration until a more permanent solution can be installed. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparing the surface and for the timing of the application.

Surface Preparation Methods

In order for temporary repairs to successfully last until a permanent solution is found, the surface must be prepared correctly for the repair. Remove any loose concrete, dirt, or debris from the damaged area. Depending on the severity of the damage, use a wire brush, chisel, or pressure washer to prepare the surface for the repair.

If the cracks are greater than ¼ inch wide, undercut the edges of the crack to create an inverted “V”. This will increase the mechanical bonding of the repair materials to the existing concrete. Undercutting the edges will help to stabilize the temporary repairs during the thermal expansion and contraction cycles that occur in McAllen’s climate.

Materials & Equipment Needed for DIY Emergency Repairs

• Hydraulic cement for quick-setting repairs.
• Polyurethane crack sealant for flexible joints.
• Concrete patching compound for surface repairs.
• Waterproof membrane coatings for temporary protection of damaged areas.

Equipment needed for DIY repairs includes:

• Wire brushes for cleaning the surface of the damaged area.
• Chisels and hammers for cutting and shaping the crack.
• Trowels for applying repair materials.
• Protective gear, including gloves, eye protection, and dust masks.

Having the right materials and equipment on hand will allow you to respond immediately to damage caused by a storm, reducing the risk of additional damage occurring while awaiting the arrival of a professional contractor or permanent repairs.

Best Practices for Application

In order to be successful, all DIY concrete repairs should be completed in accordance with best practices for application specific to McAllen’s climate. Whenever possible, apply repair materials during the coolest part of the day to extend the working time for the materials. Apply no repair materials during rain or when additional storms are forecasted.

Repair materials should be applied in thin layers instead of trying to fill large voids in one application. Thin layers of materials will provide better adhesion and will reduce the risk of cracking as the materials cure. Wait for the recommended curing time for each layer, then apply additional layers as recommended by the manufacturer. Finally, do not expose the repair to foot traffic or vehicular traffic until the recommended curing time has passed.

Foundation Specific Storm Damage

Damage to your property’s foundation due to a storm should be assessed by a professional immediately. While waiting for an expert assessment, you can take a few preliminary steps to prevent additional damage. Clear the area around your property’s foundation of any debris that could cause drainage issues. Document any new cracks, settling, or displacement that occurred to the foundation during the storm.

Do not attempt any DIY foundation repairs beyond sealing any cracks that were discovered during the storm. Any improper repairs could hide serious structural issues and could also hinder the professional assessment and implementation of permanent repair plans. Focus on preventing additional water from entering the damaged areas.

Restoring Soil Support Surrounding Your Property’s Foundation

Erosion of soil around your property’s foundation caused by a storm can undermine support for the structure, potentially allowing additional settling or movement to occur. Gradually replace lost soil with properly compacted backfill materials. Reestablish proper drainage grades that direct water away from your property’s foundation walls.

Monitor your property’s foundation for any new cracks or signs of movement in the weeks following a storm event. As soil conditions continue to change, many structural problems that developed slowly after the storm will likely become apparent. Early detection allows for timely interventions to prevent minor issues from becoming major structural problems that would require extensive repairs.

When to Hire a Professional Contractor

While many homeowners can successfully perform surface concrete repairs themselves, some types of damage require the expertise of a professional contractor to ensure a safe and successful repair. Such damage includes structural cracks, foundation settling, and widespread spalling. Exposed reinforcement-steel damage also warrants a professional assessment.

Hire a professional contractor when damage affects multiple areas of your property, or when temporary repairs are unsuccessful in stopping water from entering the damaged areas. Hire a professional contractor when homeowners feel uncertain about their ability to properly diagnose and address the full scope of damage.

Waiver of Building Permit Requirements for Flood-Related Home Repairs in McAllen

The City of McAllen offers a waiver of building permit requirements for 90 days following a storm event for flood-related home repairs. This provides homeowners with increased access to professional repair services during the recovery period.

Insurance Claim Documentation and Considerations

Before making any repairs to your property’s damaged concrete, document the damage as clearly as possible. Insurance adjusters will require photographic evidence of the extent of the damage and the probable cause(s) of the damage. Document the damage by taking photographs from multiple angles, measuring the size and location of the cracks, and documenting the approximate size of the damaged area. Document the temporary repairs made to prevent further damage, and consult with the insurance representative to learn what documentation is required and what temporary repairs may be reimbursed through your policy.

Prevention Strategies to Reduce Risk of Future Storm Damage

Following the resolution of the immediate storm damage to your property’s concrete, consider implementing prevention strategies to decrease the risk of future damage from storm-related events common to the McAllen area. Install or upgrade drainage systems around your property’s concrete surfaces. Seal cracks and joints to prevent water from entering the damaged areas. Consider installing protective coatings that are resistant to water.

Regular Maintenance to Reduce Risk of Future Storm Damage

Regular maintenance will help your property’s concrete surfaces withstand storm impacts better than poorly maintained surfaces. Regular maintenance includes crack sealing, surface cleaning, and maintenance of drainage systems. Schedule annual inspections of your property to identify potential problem areas before they become vulnerable to damage from future storm events.

When you have storm-damaged concrete in your McAllen home, performing a thorough assessment and utilizing temporary measures to protect your property’s value will provide you with time to hire a contractor to provide permanent solutions to restore your property to its original condition. Understanding when to utilize DIY repairs versus hiring a contractor to complete repairs will provide you with both a safe and successful restoration of your property. When you need professional concrete repair due to storm damage, McAllen Concrete Contractors is here to provide you with emergency response service and permanent repair options that meet the unique challenges of McAllen’s climate.