About a decade ago, my condo building replaced the asphalt pavement in our parking area with concrete. It’s wonderful. Nothing against asphalt, but the surface had been patched so many times and in so many ways that driving it was like skiing moguls.
Our parking area doesn’t get heavy traffic; most of us pull in and out of our spaces from an alley. About half of the 29 spaces are covered; the rest are exposed to the elements. In Chicago, where I live, that means lots of temperature-driven expansion and contraction and, during winter, salt to reduce the chances we’ll slip and fall getting in and out of our cars.
Stephanie Johnston
Beginning of the end?
Our building has two huge walnut trees that shed their fruit every fall. I don’t know what’s in a walnut shell, but I’ll bet it’s highly acidic because the nuts stain the concrete if they’re not promptly removed.
Anyway, I noticed this damage the other day and realized I’ve seen it before in other places. In fact, it’s probably common. But what IS it? What causes it and how can it be fixed?
My condo board wants to know. E-mail sjohnston@hanleywood.com if you have any tips.
