April 2025

Concrete Restoration Can Extend the Life of Your Building

Concrete is one of the most durable building materials, but over time, it’s bound to face wear and tear. From exposure to harsh weather conditions to general aging, concrete structures can degrade, compromising their structural integrity and overall aesthetics. Concrete restoration is a cost-effective way to repair and maintain the durability of a building, preventing the need for costly replacements. In this blog, we’ll explore the key benefits of concrete restoration, focusing on its impact on structural integrity, safety, and aesthetic improvements.

Here are some of the benefits to investing in concrete restoration:

1 - Maintaining Structural Integrity

The primary benefit of concrete restoration is the preservation of your building’s structural integrity. Over time, concrete can suffer from issues like cracking, spalling (chipping or flaking), and corrosion, especially when exposed to moisture and harsh environmental conditions. These problems can weaken the structure, leading to potential safety hazards.

2 - Enhancing Safety

Safety is a paramount concern for any property manager or building owner. As concrete deteriorates, it can become unsafe, posing potential hazards to residents, workers, or visitors. Concrete restoration plays a vital role in ensuring that your building remains safe and secure.

3 - Boosting Aesthetic Appeal

The appearance of your building is not only a matter of pride but can also significantly affect its value. Whether you own a commercial property, a condo, or an apartment complex, the visual appeal of the building contributes to its overall attractiveness to tenants, customers, or potential buyers.

4 - Cost-Effectiveness

One of the most compelling reasons to invest in concrete restoration is the cost-effectiveness compared to full-scale reconstruction. Concrete restoration typically requires less time and fewer resources than replacing large sections of a building, making it a more affordable option.

5 - Sustainability

Sustainability is an important factor for many building owners and managers. Concrete restoration supports green building practices by making use of existing structures and materials, reducing the amount of waste generated by full demolitions and replacements.

If you’re looking for a trusted partner to manage the structural integrity of your building? Keystone Engineering is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and start the journey toward ensuring the long-term durability of your building.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Balcony Demolition & Corroded Steel

Our crews are working carefully at White Surf Condominium to demolish the balconies, floor by floor in an alternating pattern, ensuring structural stability during the process. In image #05, the severity of corroded steel reinforcement is clearly visible—an important reminder of why timely restoration is critical in coastal environments.

Structural Reinforcement & Inspection

As the project moves forward, our focus shifts to reinforcement preparation and epoxy set dowel installation. During our latest inspections:

• Most tensile bars showed attenuation beyond 20%, requiring supplemental reinforcement
• All dowels are being installed in accordance with ACI (American Concrete Institute) guidelines
• Keystone conducted pre-dowel inspections to verify minimum embedment depths and ensure each drilled hole is properly cleaned and free from bond-inhibiting debris
• The crew has mechanically cleaned all exposed reinforcing steel, ensuring a strong bond and long-lasting repairs

Check out our blog to see the full photo gallery and what's next for White Surf Condominium!

If your building is in need of similar roof services, contact us today! We serve the east coast of Florida, from Ft. Pierce to St. Augustine.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Keystone Engineering was proud to present at this month’s VCAA Educational Hot Breakfast Meeting, where we shared key insights on industry trends, practical engineering strategies, and essential details for successful restoration projects.

The featured course, Restoration Project Details: Extra Things to Know, offered attendees valuable takeaways to apply in the field.

MEET OUR STAFF

Michael is a licensed Professional Engineer with over 6 years of experience in structural construction engineering, bridge design, and aerospace ground support equipment. With a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida, he has contributed to several high-profile projects, including projects with both NASA and the US Navy. Proficient in structural analysis and design software, Michael specializes in construction engineering analysis, designing temporary structures, and integrating complex systems across disciplines.

Michael began working at Keystone in early 2024 and quickly acclimated to the oversight of condominium restoration projects. He has provided oversight and guidance on a variety of projects, including concrete restorations, coating/painting, waterproofing, and structural inspection and repairs.

Michael Hallenstein, MSCE, P.E.

Structural Engineer

FL #98630