Elite Concrete Coatings LTD.

08/07/2026

Concrete cracks. That does not automatically mean the slab has failed.

Concrete shrinks as it cures and continues reacting to temperature, moisture, soil movement and loading over time. That is why properly planned concrete includes control joints. They help manage where movement is most likely to occur.

The important question is not simply:

“Is there a crack?”

It is:

Where is it?
How wide is it?
Is there vertical movement?
Is water entering it?
Is it following a joint?
Is it getting worse?

A small, stable crack with no displacement may simply need monitoring.

A growing crack, water intrusion or cracking outside expected joint locations is worth assessing.

Cracking with settlement, heaving, separation or uneven elevations can point to a larger problem below the surface.

Not every crack needs replacement. But every crack tells you something.

At Elite Concrete & Coatings, we believe the right recommendation starts with understanding what the concrete is actually doing before deciding whether to repair, replace or protect it.

08/07/2026

Concrete is porous. That matters more than most homeowners realize.

Even when it looks solid, concrete contains tiny pores and capillaries that can absorb water and carry contaminants below the surface.

That is why unprotected concrete can become difficult to keep clean over time.

Oil can soak in.
Leaves and organic material can leave tannin staining.
Rust can pe*****te the surface.
Dirt can become embedded.
Water can carry minerals into the concrete and leave deposits or discolouration behind.

And once a contaminant gets into the pore structure, pressure washing alone may not completely remove it.

Moisture is the bigger issue.

Repeated wetting and drying can contribute to deterioration. In colder conditions, absorbed moisture can also become part of freeze thaw damage. Deicing salts can introduce another source of stress, especially when concrete is already worn or highly absorptive.

That does not mean every concrete surface needs to be coated.

The correct approach depends on the concrete itself, its age, condition, exposure and how the area is being used.

A sound surface may simply need proper cleaning and a penetrating sealer.

Decorative concrete may benefit from a film forming sealer that helps protect the finish and colour.

Garage floors and higher wear areas may be better suited to a purpose designed coating system.

Concrete that is cracked, settled, delaminating or structurally deteriorated should be assessed and repaired before anyone tries to make it look better with a coating.

That distinction matters.

Repair what has failed. Restore what can be restored. Protect what is still sound.

At Elite Concrete & Coatings, that is how we look at concrete before recommending a treatment.

Not every slab needs the same product, and sometimes the right recommendation is not a coating at all.

Have a concrete surface that constantly looks stained or tired? Send us a photo. We can help you understand what you are actually looking at.

08/07/2026

08/06/2026

🤔 Most concrete contractors can tell you what needs to be fixed.

But can they tell you why it failed in the first place? 👀

With 15+ years of concrete experience, I look past the crack or sinking slab to find the real cause. Fixing the symptom is easy. Solving the problem is what saves homeowners money.

Elite Concrete & Coatings
604 377 7283