🧱 Top 5 Concrete Maintenance Mistakes Property Managers Make

Avoid costly repairs by getting your concrete care right from the start.

Concrete surfaces may be tough—but they’re not maintenance-free. Without proper care, even the best-poured sidewalks, curbs, dumpster pads, and parking lots can crack, spall, or deteriorate faster than expected.

At Tibbs Paving, we work with property managers across Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland to help them protect their investments and maintain safe, attractive properties. Here's a breakdown of the most common concrete maintenance mistakes—and how to avoid them.

❌ 1. Ignoring Small Cracks

Hairline cracks might not seem like a big deal—but they can let water seep into the subgrade. This leads to expansion, freeze-thaw damage, and eventually, full-blown structural issues.

What to do instead:

• Schedule routine inspections, especially before and after winter

• Seal small cracks early to prevent spread

• Call Tibbs Paving for professional concrete crack repair

❌ 2. Delaying Repairs Too Long

Waiting too long to fix damaged concrete increases repair costs and safety risks. Uneven slabs or crumbling sections can become trip hazards—especially in high-traffic areas like sidewalks or ADA ramps.

What to do instead:

• Act quickly when damage appears

• Use concrete patching or full panel replacement based on severity

• Budget annually for preventive maintenance

❌ 3. Skipping Sealant or Joint Maintenance

Concrete joints allow the surface to expand and contract—but when they’re not maintained, water and debris can sneak in and cause major damage.

What to do instead:

• Maintain joint seals to block moisture intrusion

• Use polyurethane or silicone-based sealants

• Partner with paving professionals to schedule timely joint resealing

❌ 4. Using Harsh Deicing Chemicals

Many standard ice melt products contain chlorides that corrode concrete and speed up surface scaling—especially when applied year after year.

What to do instead:

• Choose concrete-safe deicers like calcium magnesium acetate (CMA)

• Use sand or non-corrosive alternatives when possible

• Rinse concrete in spring to remove leftover salts

❌ 5. Forgetting About Drainage

Poor drainage is a major cause of concrete failure. Standing water erodes the surface and seeps below, damaging the subbase and shortening the lifespan of your pavement.

What to do instead:

• Ensure proper slope and drainage design

• Clean catch basins and downspouts regularly

• Let Tibbs Paving evaluate your site’s water flow and provide drainage solutions

🏢 Why Property Managers Trust Tibbs Paving

With over 30 years of experience, Tibbs Paving is the go-to contractor for concrete installation, repair, and maintenance in commercial, municipal, and HOA properties.

We offer:

• Sidewalk & curb repairs

• Dumpster pad replacement

• ADA-compliant ramps

• Joint sealing and crack filling

• Expert site assessments and long-term maintenance planning

📞 Protect Your Concrete the Right Way

Don’t wait for cracks to turn into costly problems. Partner with Tibbs Paving for dependable concrete maintenance and expert repairs tailored to your property’s needs.

👉 Request a free estimate today or schedule a site walk with our team.