Even with the most thorough precautionary measures, concrete will eventually deteriorate over time. Your local concrete suppliers can raise your awareness so you're better prepared to handle maintenance and repairs. Whether you're working with standard or decorative concrete, here are a few causes behind the material's deterioration.

Top 3 Causes of Concrete Deterioration

1. Freezing & Thawing

Contact with moisture and freezing conditions is inevitable. Since concrete is a porous material, it's easy for water to penetrate the outer area and freeze inside. This cycle of freezing and thawing will weaken concrete of all types, causing surface flakes and other signs of damage. If you live in an area that freezes seasonally, make sure you have a reliable concrete supplier on hand for any necessary replacements.

2. Reinforced Steel Corrosion

While reinforced steel is safe within the concrete, the presence of chloride ions can compromise the rust-preventing alkalinity of the material. With this layer gone, even the toughest of reinforced steel rebar will be prone to corrosion. This rust will cause tension against the concrete, leading to cracks that will need to be addressed.

3. Shrinkage Cracks

Concrete tends to have more moisture in it during placement, after which it shrinks a certain amount as a result of evaporation. Depending on how and where the concrete is laid, shrinkage cracks from drying can form. There's also the possibility of developing cracks due to plastic shrinkage, which occurs when the surface has a chance to dry before the concrete is at full strength.

With quality materials from a reliable concrete supplier, you can get your next project off on the right foot, and Schreiter Ready Mix & Materials is the go-to source in the O'Fallon, MO, area. This concrete company offers cutting-edge supplies at competitive prices, and they're one of the few businesses in the area that can color concrete for clients at their plant prior to delivery. Visit them online for more handy resources, and call them at (636) 240-2600 to get started today.