There’s no single schedule that fits every commercial property, but many owners and managers find it useful to walk the concrete areas regularly and do a more thorough review at least once a year, plus after major storms or other events. How often you check should depend on traffic, the age and condition of the concrete, and how the property is used.
Commercial concrete takes a lot of wear from vehicles, delivery trucks, carts and foot traffic. Regular checks help you spot problems while they are smaller and easier to plan for.
What Affects How Often to Look
Busy properties usually need closer attention. A retail center with constant parking lot traffic or a warehouse with daily truck deliveries may show wear faster than a small office building.
Other factors include the age of the concrete, past repairs, drainage problems and how many people use walkways and entrances. Lease agreements, company policies or other outside requirements may also set expectations, so check what applies to your property.
Seasons matter as well. A check in early spring can show what winter left behind, while a check in fall helps you plan before colder weather limits some types of work.
What to Look For
A walk-through doesn’t have to be complicated. Many managers keep an eye on:
- cracks that are new or growing,
- uneven sections or raised edges on walkways,
- broken or crumbling areas at loading docks and drive lanes,
- standing water after rain, and
- damage around drains, curbs and entrances.
Taking dated photos makes it easier to tell whether conditions are changing over time.
Pay special attention to areas used by the public, such as entrances, ramps and crosswalks. Problems there can affect many people each day.
When to Check Sooner
Some events call for an extra look. Heavy storms, which Burlington sees regularly, can reveal drainage issues or wash soil from edges. Unusually heavy loads, nearby construction or a reported trip-and-fall are also good reasons to inspect promptly.
Changes in how the property is used matter too. A new tenant with frequent truck deliveries may put more stress on areas that were planned for lighter traffic.
Who Should Do the Inspection
Property staff can handle routine walk-throughs. For a more detailed assessment, or when you’re planning repairs, a concrete contractor can evaluate the conditions and talk through options. Structural concerns, such as problems with elevated slabs or foundations, may call for an engineer.
A contractor may also notice issues that are easy to miss during a quick walk, like small voids under slabs or joints that have lost their sealant.
Keeping records of each inspection and repair helps build a history of the property. That history is useful for budgeting and for answering questions from owners, tenants or buyers.
Our commercial concrete services include evaluating existing concrete areas. Contact us to schedule a look at your Burlington property.
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