The Importance of Concrete Repair
Concrete Repair involves a thorough evaluation of the structure, a determination of its condition and causes of deterioration, and the selection of the appropriate repair method. It requires a careful approach, skilled practice, and quality materials. Visit Concrete Contractors Colorado Springs to learn more about the importance of concrete Repair.
Whether reforming an edge for a residential concrete step or injecting a crack with moisture-tolerant epoxy, a contractor needs the right tools.
Concrete is a strong, durable construction material that can develop cracks over time. These cracks on a walkway, patio or driveway can pose a serious tripping hazard and must be repaired. The type of crack and the location will determine the appropriate repair method.
Plastic settlement cracking, which is generally very shallow, is deemed to be acceptable and not a structural problem. However, if the cracks extend into the area of reinforcement steel or other types of restraining elements, they may cause the steel to corrode. These cracks should be identified and repaired immediately.
Drying shrinkage cracking is a more serious concern. The cracks form as a result of the concrete’s exothermic chemical reaction. The reaction creates heat, which causes water molecules to evaporate from the concrete mass. This leaves voids and creates movement that leads to the cracking of the concrete.
The best method for repairing cracks is to use a commercial concrete patching product. These products come in a variety of forms, including polyurethane foam, epoxy, asphalt emulsion and acrylic fillers. The patching product should be mixed per the manufacturer’s instructions, then applied to the surface of the concrete. Use a putty knife or broad knife to force the material into the crack, then smooth it to level with the surrounding concrete and feather the edges. The patch should be covered with a plastic sheet and damp cured as directed by the manufacturer.
Another popular method of repairing cracks in concrete involves routing and sealing them with epoxy. This technique can be used for both hairline cracks in floors and larger wall cracks. Purchase an epoxy injection kit that includes a 2-part epoxy, caulk-type epoxy cartridges and injection ports (small nozzles). The kit also comes with directions for using the product.
Stitching is another method of repairing cracks in concrete. This method is often used to repair cracks in concrete slabs and block walls. It involves drilling an entry and exit hole across the crack then running a series of U-shaped metallic staples through the holes, anchoring them in place with either an epoxy-based system or grout. This is a quick and cost-effective method of Repair for existing concrete structures and can be done without the need to remove and replace the old concrete.
Leaks
Leaks in concrete are a serious problem that can damage the structural integrity of buildings. They can lead to deterioration of the concrete, corrosion of steel and bacterial growth. These problems can be prevented by repairing leaks in concrete structures such as water tanks, building basements, floor slabs and balconies. Several factors are responsible for the leaks in concrete including overdose of admixtures, deviation from the designated mix, improper placement of the concrete, impurities in aggregates and water-line leaks.
If left untreated, slab leaks can cause severe damage that may cost you thousands of dollars in damages. They can also foster mold and mildew growth, resulting in health issues for you and your family. If you think you have a slab leak, it is important to call a plumber right away for professional help.
A plumber can use acoustic, sonic, pressure, electromagnetic and gas tracer leak detection tools to locate the source of the problem. They can also use a fiber optic plumber’s camera to visually inspect the plumbing lines.
The first step is to shut off all the water-using appliances in your home. This will stop the flow of water into your property and prevent further damage. Next, you should check for any signs of water leaks in the walls and flooring of your house.
If you have an active leak, you should dampen the area before placing a repair. This will allow you to see where the water is leaking from and determine if it’s a surface or underground leak. Once the area is damp, you can use a quick-setting patching mortar to stop the leak.
You can also try using Kryton’s Krystol Plug, a concrete sealant that can be applied under ground to stop the leaks. It is easy to apply and can be cured in a few hours.
Before applying the Krystol Plug, you should clean the area of any dirt or debris that is blocking up the crack in the concrete. You should then clean the area with a vacuum cleaner or power washer to remove any dust and grit that could interfere with the bonding process. Once the area is clean, you can apply the Krystol Plug and allow it to dry overnight.
Surface Damage
Concrete structures that have been exposed to natural aging, wear and corrosion will eventually develop surface damage. In some cases, this can cause safety problems for pedestrians or vehicular traffic. Surface damage can be repaired with methods that harden and bind the damaged surface, stopping it from crumbling or breaking off. Some of these repair methods also correct the underlying causes of damage, so the structure is less likely to get damaged again in the future.
When repairing surface damage, the concrete mix used must be able to form an integral bond with the existing concrete. Thin repairs can lead to thermal stresses that exceed acceptable levels, causing spalling of the concrete. In addition, thin repairs may not provide sufficient support for any remaining steel reinforcement in the existing concrete, which could accelerate deterioration behind or adjacent to the Repair.
The thickness of the Repair will depend on the geometry of the existing concrete and any structural requirements that may be specified for the structure. The depth of the repairs will affect how quickly the repair material can set and cure, and whether any sand or aggregate is required for proper compaction. If the repairs are to be made overhead, consideration must be given to the thermal effects of curing on the structure and the effect of a high percentage of coarse aggregate on sagging.
A wide range of concrete repair materials is available for repairing surface damage. Portland cement mortars and grouts, packaged dry-pack cementitious repair mixes, and a variety of coatings and surface sealers are common options. Some of these products require special preparation to achieve proper results, including removing loose debris and cleaning the damaged area thoroughly. Others are formulated to be applied in specific weather conditions, such as extreme temperatures or wet conditions.
The deterioration of concrete can have many causes, and it is important to determine the cause of the problem before starting any repairs. This may include a visual inspection of the structure, destructive and nondestructive testing, a review of maintenance records, a review of corrosion activity, and chemical and petrographic analysis of concrete samples. Once the deterioration cause has been identified, the appropriate concrete repair method and material can be selected.
Repairs
Concrete Repair should address not only the surface damage but also the underlying causes of cracking and sinking. This can include repairing or replacing the concrete slab, fixing subgrade issues, and tying in existing reinforcing steel (rebar). Concrete replacement is required when the damaged area extends through the concrete sections or when the depth of the damaged concrete exceeds 6 inches. Concrete replacement is best performed by a professional engineer experienced in concrete construction.
Repairs should be done as soon as the concrete surface is damaged. The longer the damage is left untreated, the more likely it is that the problem will recur.
Contractors should select appropriate repair materials for the type of damage and the environment in which the concrete is located. For example, if the structure is exposed to chloride-contaminated water, then moisture tolerant epoxy may be required. Before beginning the repair work, contractors should test the base concrete for its hardness and other characteristics that influence the bond strength of the repaired material. This can be accomplished with both destructive and nondestructive evaluation techniques.
In some cases, the proper method for repairing concrete is not to repair at all. If the cracking is caused by drying shrinkage, then the cracks will most likely stabilize on their own. However, if the cracks are a result of continuing foundation settlement then Repair is useless until the cause is corrected.
For concrete repairs, it is important that the contractor selects a material with an adequate flexural strength and a good thermal expansion coefficient. It should also be capable of withstanding compression and abrasion, and have a high tensile strength. It is also crucial to consider the durability requirements of the concrete, such as resistance to corrosion and chemical attack, when selecting a repair material.
When hiring a contractor for concrete repairs, it is recommended to ask for references from past clients and check reviews online. This will help you find a reputable contractor that has the experience and expertise to complete the job correctly and safely. In addition, a qualified contractor should have the proper insurance coverage to protect you and your property in case of any damages.
What Does a General Contractor Do?
General contractors are responsible for a construction site’s day-to-day operations, quality control, and deadlines. General Contractor Lexington KY turn the designs and renderings of architects, engineers, and interior designers into reality.
In addition to securing work, GCs must also take care of overhead expenses, including workers’ compensation and liability insurance. They typically mark the cost of materials and labor by a certain percentage, ranging from 10 to 30 percent.
Project Management
Project management is a discipline that is focused on delivering specific results within a defined timeframe and budget. This is the foundation of what distinguishes it from general management. It involves the application of processes, methodologies, skills and knowledge to achieve a project’s acceptance criteria. It also includes the development of a plan to deliver specific results for each project phase.
While many people mistakenly believe that the duties of a general contractor and a project manager are the same, the two positions have very different functions. General contractors handle the physical construction of a project, while project managers coordinate and oversee the entire project.
A project manager will utilize their experience to meet with the client and review the scope of the work, timelines and cost. They will then create a list of potential design, engineering and general contracting firms that are best suited for the project. They will then interview each firm to select the one that has the qualifications, expertise and experience necessary for the task at hand.
Once the final design is selected, a project manager will create a bill of quantities. This will include all the labor and material requirements for the project. They will then use this information to develop the contract documents and submit them for bid. They will also apply for any building permits and secure the site, if needed.
During the preconstruction phase, a project manager will make sure that all parties involved in the project are on board and understand their roles. They will also establish an appropriate schedule for completion and set hefty penalties for if the deadline is not met. They will also negotiate with subcontractors to ensure that their rates are competitive and manage any logistical issues that may arise.
Subcontractor Management
Subcontractors are a critical part of construction projects. They are specialty contractors who help a general contractor complete project tasks within budget and on time. A GC may use subcontractors to handle everything from plumbing, drywall, and steel framing to electrical wiring or concrete installation. Subcontractors can also work on a more specialized task like painting or roofing. On large, complex projects, a general contractor might even hire a sub-subcontractor to handle an even more specialized aspect of the job.
A GC will often develop a network of subcontractors they use on regular basis for each area of the country in which they work. These are typically local contractors with a reputation for quality and integrity. The GC will then monitor how well subcontractors are performing on the project. If the GC sees that subcontractors aren’t meeting their quality standards, they will intervene and make adjustments to protect their bottom line.
Keeping a good relationship with subcontractors is critical to a successful project. It’s important for the GC to communicate clearly and set expectations in the pre-award phase of each project. It’s also crucial that they keep the lines of communication open throughout each phase of the project. This helps to avoid miscommunications and misunderstandings that can lead to costly delays.
A GC should also consider how easily they can accommodate any changes to the project scope. If they are unable to handle a change in the project, it will cost them time and money and might cause the quality of their work to suffer. It’s also helpful for a GC to have an established system for handling change orders, scheduling and coordinating with subcontractors. Digital tools are an excellent way to streamline this process and eliminate the need for cumbersome paperwork.
Budgeting
A general contractor is responsible for the day-to-day operations, quality control and deadlines at a construction site. They also turn the visions and renderings of architects, engineers and interior designers into a reality. As a result, the role requires a diverse set of skills and abilities.
One of the most important duties is budgeting. A GC needs to be able to determine the costs of all materials and labor, then provide a project cost estimate to the client. This is typically done during the design process, but can happen at other points in the project life cycle.
The estimate takes into account all the direct construction costs, including field supervision and equipment, as well as a markup for overhead and profits. It also includes general conditions costs, permit fees, insurance and a variety of other expenses. A GC should be able to explain the different factors that influence the cost estimation process in a clear manner.
GCs have to be able to communicate clearly with all project members and clients. They need to be able to understand the needs and goals of each party, as well as any constraints or limitations that could impact a project. This is especially important when negotiating with vendors and other contractors.
For example, a GC should be able to describe how a change in scope will affect the project’s schedule and budget. They should also be able to clearly outline a payment plan that aligns with the work schedule. They should avoid requesting upfront payment for the entire project. This is a red flag that the GC is not financially stable enough to complete the project. It is also a sign that they may be cutting corners with substandard materials or procedures.
Legal Compliance
In large construction projects, a general contractor often assumes a managerial role while overseeing specialized workers such as masons, plumbers and electricians. This means that the project manager is responsible for ensuring that contractors and subcontractors operate according to the terms and conditions outlined in their contract or Statement of Work (SOW). Typically, the general contractor will ensure that these individuals meet certification requirements and follow established safety guidelines on the job site.
In addition to monitoring the quality of a contractor’s work, a GC will also monitor the company’s compliance with federal employment laws. This includes ensuring that the company does not discriminate against minorities or women by evaluating how well a contractor is meeting participation goals for these groups. For example, a GC may be required to hire a certain number of Hispanic workers in order to meet an affirmative action goal. However, the GC should take steps to ensure that these workers are not being paid less than other employees who are not Hispanic in order to avoid an affirmative action violation.
A GC is also responsible for submitting payroll data to government agencies and ensuring that all taxes and insurance coverage are up to date. In addition, a GC is responsible for obtaining any building permits needed for a project, as well as ensuring that the terms of any product warranties are met.
Most GCs have prior experience as a tradesperson of some kind, working in carpentry, roofing or electrical work. This background gives them the skills to manage complex construction projects. They are also familiar with the materials used for each type of build, as well as how to order them from vendors and wholesalers in a timely manner.
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is a foundational policy for General Contractors. It offers protection against claims made by third parties for bodily injury and property damage. It also covers wrongful acts such as slander and copyright infringement, which could potentially cost the company thousands in legal fees and settlements.
While there are many other policies that a contractor might need to secure depending on the scope of work they do, the best general contractors start with commercial general liability insurance. Other policy options that a general contractor might consider include builder’s risk insurance (to cover the structures they are building on a project), commercial auto insurance (to protect vehicles used for business), and workers’ compensation coverage to protect employees against injuries on the job.
General liability insurance is a common requirement by clients and project owners. Some contracts may even require proof of insurance before a general contractor can begin working on the project. It’s important for the contractor to choose a policy with flexible terms that can adapt to different projects and requirements.
There are two types of general liability policies: occurrence and claims-made. Occurrence policies offer protection for events that occur during the policy period regardless of when a claim is filed, while claims-made policies offer protection for claims that are made after the end of the policy period.
There are many policies to consider for a general contractor, but the best ones are tailored to your unique business needs and risks. A good policy can help you stay out of bankruptcy court and meet your client’s requirements. Choosing the wrong policy can be disastrous. It’s important to make sure the policy you choose does not contain exclusions that would be catastrophic for your New York General Contracting business. These can range from residential exclusions to action over / scaffold law exclusions.