Brick pavers are a beautiful addition to your outdoor living areas. However, as time passes, they can move and shift. Some may dip below the ground while others bulge out to the point of getting dislodged. Uneven brick paving not only looks unsightly, but they also pose a tripping hazard.
Concrete projects are never meant for do-it-yourselfers. And yet, many of us choose to skip professional service. Mistrust of contractors, decreased costs and sense of accomplishment are the most common motivations for DIYing concrete structures.
White stain is one of the most troublesome cosmetic defects on masonry. The French have a word for it is efflorescence, which means “to flower out.”
This is a reaction to when the masonry surface meets moisture. When the water dries, it can leave behind salt, and the deposits are an eyesore.
Although the efflorescence effect is naturally occurring, it doesn’t mean you have to live with it. There are ways to reduce its likelihood of happening in the first place and address it when it manifests itself.
It’s a fact of life that everything ages, and oxidation is a big part of why this happens. And, it’s not just iron – even asphalt paving and, in fact, cells in the human body!
Concrete is a mainstay of modern life, which is why it’s used in almost every imaginable structure – from skyscrapers to driveways. But what is this wonder material really made of, and why is it so ubiquitous and durable?