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.