Concrete is known for its strength and durability, but over time, it can still crack, spall, or deteriorate, especially when exposed to heavy use or harsh environmental conditions. When that happens, many property owners are tempted to patch things up themselves or hire budget contractors. Unfortunately, this often leads to poor concrete repair results that don’t last, and in some cases, make the problem worse.
In this article, we highlight the top five DIY concrete repair mistakes property owners make, so you can avoid them and protect your asset properly. If you’re managing commercial property, a car park, a warehouse, or a multi-storey building, avoiding these pitfalls could save you significant time, cost, and stress down the road.
1. Using the Wrong Repair Material
Not all cracks or defects require the same solution. A common mistake is using general-purpose cement or mortar to patch up structural cracks or areas affected by rebar corrosion. While this might work short term, it often lacks the necessary bonding strength and durability, leading to further cracking or complete failure under stress.
At Apolodor Ltd, we use specialist materials designed for specific repair scenarios—whether that’s epoxy injection for structural cracks or high-bond repair mortars for spalled concrete. If you’re unsure which approach is best, our concrete repairs in the UK offer fully tailored solutions with proven results.
2. Ignoring the Root Cause
One of the biggest errors in concrete repair is treating the symptom rather than the cause. For example, covering up a crack without investigating whether it’s due to movement, water ingress, or corroded reinforcement is a recipe for recurrence. Many surface-level repairs fail because the underlying issue was never addressed.
Proper repair begins with professional diagnostics. Our team assesses every crack, joint, or damaged slab to identify the root cause before recommending the right fix. This is especially critical in cities like London, where older infrastructure can be vulnerable to structural movement, water ingress, and environmental wear. See how we approach this in our dedicated concrete repairs in London services.
3. Poor Surface Preparation
Even the best materials will fail if the surface isn’t prepared correctly. Dust, grease, loose particles, and moisture can all prevent repair products from bonding properly. Unfortunately, many DIY jobs skip or rush this crucial step.
Professional repair technicians clean, grind, and prepare the substrate carefully before any product is applied. This ensures maximum adhesion and longevity of the repair, saving you money over time. Rushed jobs with poor prep are one of the leading causes of poor concrete repair seen in commercial properties.
4. Neglecting Movement and Expansion Joints
Concrete expands and contracts due to temperature changes. That’s why buildings include expansion joints to absorb movement. When repairs are made without considering these joints—or worse, when joints are sealed incorrectly—cracks will reappear elsewhere, often worse than before.
Effective repair work requires a full understanding of how the slab or structure moves. This is why we assess surrounding joints and stress points before starting any work. In many cases, we also recommend resealing joints as part of a complete repair package to protect your concrete moving forward.
5. Waiting Too Long to Act
Many property owners delay small repairs because the damage “doesn’t seem serious.” But waiting can lead to significantly more costly outcomes. Water ingress, for example, can escalate a small surface crack into widespread rebar corrosion or spalling within months, especially during winter.
Routine inspections and early intervention help prevent costly damage. Our experienced team is available to assess your site, offer maintenance plans, and recommend preventative strategies to keep your concrete in excellent condition year-round.
Trust the Professionals at Apolodor Ltd
Whether you’re dealing with cracks, flaky surfaces, or damaged structural elements, Apolodor Ltd provides expert repair services that go beyond just patching up the problem. We assess the full condition of your concrete, recommend the right materials, and carry out professional-grade repairs that last.
With over 25 years of experience in concrete restoration and structural remediation, we’ve helped commercial landlords, councils, developers, and contractors throughout the UK protect their most valuable assets.
If you’re currently facing an issue—or simply want a professional inspection before the damage worsens—now is the perfect time to act.
Contact Apolodor Ltd today for a no-obligation site visit or quote. We’re here to help you avoid these costly repair mistakes and restore your concrete with confidence.
