Repairing concrete requires a variety of materials. Each must be selected for its early age performance, durability and cost.
Hairline cracks can be filled with liquid fillers. Larger cracks, gouges and spalling are best repaired with patching compounds or quick-setting cement. A balcony drawing should be included with each payment requisition to show the location of all repairs made. Visit Website to learn more.
Concrete repair is an ongoing process that is vital to maintaining safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing surfaces. The best way to keep up with this maintenance is through regular cleaning and the application of a quality sealant that protects against moisture absorption and harsh weather conditions. Additionally, addressing small cracks and damage promptly can help minimize the need for future repairs, saving both time and money.
Before beginning a concrete repair project, it is important to thoroughly investigate the structure to ensure that the underlying cause of failure has been addressed. This can be done by identifying factors such as structural deformation and spalling, or determining the presence of stress zones or shear and bending forces in structural concrete. Once this has been determined, the appropriate repair technique can be selected.
Surface damage such as pitted and rough concrete, surface discoloration, and uneven slabs can often be repaired by resurfacing the affected area with an overlay or self-leveling cement. It is important to choose a repair product that is compatible with the existing concrete and complies with all applicable environmental and load requirements. It is also critical to ensure that the material chosen is properly mixed and applied, and that it is allowed to cure for a sufficient length of time.
SpecChem offers a variety of durable, high-performance repair products that are suitable for a wide range of applications. We also offer helpful guides and training to ensure that our customers are confident in using the right products for the job at hand.
Structural Repair
The structural repair of concrete involves repairing or improving the underlying structure of a building or its foundations. It includes repairing cracks that affect the integrity of the surface, fixing concrete cancer and other such issues. This type of repair is often necessary to keep the building safe for people living in it or using it. It also prevents damage to other structures around it by restoring its structure and keeping it stable.
Concrete repairs can be made using many different products and techniques. However, the best method depends on the type of repair and severity of the deterioration. A qualified repair contractor can determine the best methods for each specific problem. They can also advise on appropriate repair materials.
Repairs that involve structural elements should be carried out by a professional engineer. This is because they may require extensive work to the underlying structure and could be dangerous for workers. A good engineer will know the best way to restore the integrity of a concrete structure and its safety.
A professional will use the right tools and equipment to carry out the concrete repairs. They will take the time to walk through the repair area and ensure that they understand the issue before starting. They will also use a low-shrinkage repair material to ensure that it bonds well with the existing concrete. This is important because if the new repair material shrinks, it can debond and cause further problems.
Epoxy Injection
Using epoxy injection products can help resolve cracking in concrete structures such as walls, slabs, foundations and other commercial concrete surfaces. They can be used to repair existing cracks or to prevent future ones by filling them with an epoxy resin that is stronger than concrete. These systems are very effective and offer a long term solution.
Before injection begins, the crack and surface must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, dust, oil or grease that could inhibit the bond of the epoxy injection system. After cleaning, the surface to be injected should be sealed with a suitable surface seal, such as an epoxy-based concrete patching compound or masonry mortar. Injection ports (short, rigid plastic tubes with a flat base) are then installed over the crack at points spaced no further apart than the thickness of the concrete member at that location.
Using a syringe or a special injection pump, slowly dispense the epoxy into the crack, moving from one port to the next. Continue until the crack is filled, making sure that the polyurethane flows through any voids in the failure plane, and that no ports are left uncovered by the epoxy. Once cured, the injection ports can be removed. Depending on the application, the crack may need to be monitored over time for signs of recurrence. If it does, methods beyond simple injection may be necessary to bolster the strength of the structure.
Urethane Sealant
Sealants are an essential part of construction and home repair, whether caulking a window or repairing concrete walls. But what type of sealant should you use? The answer depends on the application and environment. Both silicone and urethane sealants have unique advantages and applications.
For example, if the surface you are sealing will be exposed to heavy foot or vehicle traffic, silicone sealants can better resist abrasion damage. Silicone can also better handle torque and vibration, whereas urethane is not as good in this regard.
On the other hand, if you are sealing expansion/contraction joints in concrete surfaces such as driveways and garage floors, a urethane sealant like Loctite PL Concrete Non-Sag Polyurethane Sealant can provide a strong, durable seal that will last for years to come. It is not affected by extreme temperature changes and can be painted for a more seamless appearance.
The up-front cost of a urethane sealant is typically more than that of a silicone sealant, but its lifetime value can often be far greater. Recaulking a single eight-story building can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars, but the initial investment for a high quality urethane sealant is very low compared to the potential costs of ongoing maintenance. Manufacturers will often offer warranties that cover both the chemistry of the sealant and the services that they provide to customers. Those services may include extensive testing, real-person customer support, on-site training and technical assistance.
Hydraulic Cement
Hydraulic cement is a common concrete repair material. It is a type of concrete that starts out as a liquid and quickly dries and solidifies to create a strong material. This trait makes it ideal for projects that need to be completed in a short amount of time, such as construction or structural repair.
Hydraulic concrete can be used to fill and smooth over cracking in basements, floors, outdoor walkways, and around pipes. It is also often used by professional waterproofers to stop leaks in specific situations. This is because hydraulic cement can dry and seal over leaks in a very short amount of time, which can be crucial to stopping water damage before it gets out of hand.
However, hydraulic cement is only a surface patch and is not as effective at sealing leaks that are beneath the concrete or masonry. It is not as resistant to moisture or lateral pressure from outside soil as expanding urethane is.
Additionally, hydraulic cement can easily crack and break down over time if exposed to too much stress. As a result, it is not recommended to use for repairing cracks that are very large or deep, such as a foundation wall crack. It is important to hire a basement waterproofing expert for cracks in a foundation that require more than a simple surface repair. Investing in a permanent solution like a full-coverage waterproofing membrane can help protect the structure and prevent future damage.
Bonding Agents
Bonding agents are natural or man-made materials that help different concrete surfaces act like a single unit. They’re used in repairs such as joining new concrete to old, spraying concrete at construction joints, or adding cement-sand repair mortar.
The type of bonding agent you use depends on the materials you’re using and the surface preparation. For example, some bonding agents can be applied with a brush while others must be sprayed on. You’ll also want to consider the drying time and cost of the bonding agent.
Before applying any bonding agent, make sure that the surface is clean and free of debris and contaminants. If there’s any dirt or grease on the surface, it can prevent the bonding agent from adhering properly, which could lead to a weak bond or even failure.
Rocland offers several different types of bonding agents for various applications. These include Cretelox(r) acrylic integral bonding additive and admixture, Duraguard 100 100% solids moisture-tolerant epoxy primer, sealer and bonding agent for reinforcing steel, and Level Top(tm) Primer for use with the Level-Top(tm) underlayment or Level-Top Supreme self-levelers.
A concrete bonding agent is an essential part of ensuring that your repair project will stand the test of time. It can make the difference between a strong, durable repair and one that fails quickly or worse, breaks apart entirely. So, be sure to choose the right bonding agent for your project and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.