The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Preventative Maintenance
- chris68513
- Nov 7
- 3 min read
Why Deferred Maintenance Leads to Expensive Repairs
Concrete might look solid, but it’s far from invincible. Tiny cracks and open joints are often early warning signs of larger problems forming below the surface. Once water seeps in, freeze-thaw cycles, de-icing salts, and heavy traffic accelerate damage. What started as a hairline crack can turn into full-slab failure or sub-base erosion in just one season.
For commercial property managers, ignoring preventative maintenance isn’t just a short-term savings—it’s a long-term liability. Concrete rarely fails overnight. A bit of preventative maintenance—patching, sealing, or replacing worn joints—can save you from major repairs later. It’s the classic ‘ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure‘.
The Big Four Preventative Solutions Every Business Needs
1. Crack Fill Repair
Small cracks can lead to major issues if left untreated. Professional crack filling stops moisture intrusion and prevents cracks from spreading through the slab.
Why it matters: Once cracks expand, replacement—not repair—becomes your only option.
Safety: Cracked sidewalks and aprons increase the risk of pedestrian trips and fall claims.
ROI: Early repair costs less than 10% of what full slab replacement would.
2. Joint Sealant Replacement
Expansion joints are critical to your concrete’s flexibility. Over time, sealants dry, shrink, and peel away.
Function: New sealant keeps joints watertight, preventing erosion beneath the surface.
Where it’s used: Sidewalks, curbs, aprons, and other high-traffic areas.
Frequency: Replace joint sealant every five years—or sooner depending on use.
3. MPR – Minor Patch & Repair
Minor Patch & Repair (MPR) targets localized damage before it spreads.
Applications: Retail approaches, aprons, and walkways exposed to frequent traffic or weather.
Value: Repairs isolated surface damage without the disruption or cost of full replacement.
Longevity: Incorporating waterproofing extends performance, even in harsh conditions.
4. Concrete Sealing
Concrete sealing is one of the most effective and affordable ways to extend slab life.
Barrier protection: Sealer prevents moisture, salt, and chemical intrusion.
Appearance: Preserves decorative finishes—especially important in retail, restaurant, and hospitality environments.
Best practice: Reseal every 3–5 years to maximize durability and appearance.
What Happens If You Skip These Steps
Skipping preventative maintenance leads to a domino effect of costly consequences:
Cracks expand → full slab replacement.
Water infiltration → structural instability and unsafe surfaces.
Trip hazards → liability claims and higher insurance premiums.
Fading decorative work → diminished curb appeal and reputational loss.
When damage spreads, it’s no longer a maintenance issue—it’s a reconstruction project.
Who Benefits Most from Preventative Maintenance
Retailers & Restaurants: Keep storefronts safe, attractive, and accessible.
Municipalities: Reduce public safety risks and budget overruns.
Facility Managers: Simplify planning and avoid disruptive emergency repairs.
General Contractors: Reduce callbacks and warranty claims with longer-lasting surfaces.
Preventative maintenance benefits everyone invested in the long-term success of a property.
Legacy’s Proven Approach to Long-Term Value
At Legacy Concrete & Decorative, we take a proactive approach to concrete performance. Our experienced team specializes in crack repair, joint sealing, MPR patching, waterproofing, and concrete sealing for both decorative and commercial projects.
Our process is built for reliability:
Inspection & Assessment – Identify structural and environmental stress points.
Preventative Repair – Stop deterioration early through targeted solutions.
Protective Sealing – Add a long-term barrier for durability and aesthetics.
Protect Your Concrete Investment Before It’s Too Late
Preventative maintenance isn’t an expense—it’s insurance for your property’s longevity. A small crack today could cost thousands tomorrow.
Protect your investment. Schedule a site evaluation with Legacy Concrete & Decorative to identify risks early and extend the life of your concrete assets.
