Get your concrete repaired quickly to protect against mildew and severe structural damage. Ask for references from reputable repair contractors.
Where historic fabric requires conservation, it is generally accepted that like-for-like repairs should be used, unlike modern ‘concrete repair mortars.’ This helps ensure that the new concrete repairs weather similarly to the parent concrete and do not promote algal or mold growth, which darkens ‘aged’ concrete. For more details, visit https://www.concreterepaireauclaire.com/.
Preparation
Whether it’s an old sidewalk or a modern parking deck, concrete structures will eventually show signs of deterioration. Damage caused by roots, freeze-thaw cycles, de-icing chemicals and traffic is a fact of life for any concrete surface. When it comes to repairing these damaged areas, timely assessment and proper construction practices are crucial to the success of the repairs and longevity of the repaired structure.
The preparation phase is a vital part of any concrete repair project. The quality of the repair is directly related to how clean and prepared the surface of the existing concrete is before application of the repair materials. Various methods are used to prepare the surface including grinding, sandblasting, and hydrodemolition. The goal is to remove any contaminants that will interfere with the bond between the existing concrete and the new repair material. This preparation step is very important because it allows for the best mechanical bond between the existing concrete and the new repair mix.
After the surface is cleaned, it’s a good idea to profile it. This is accomplished by using a handheld or walk-behind grinder with abrasive discs. This helps to create a rougher surface texture, improving the mechanical bond between the existing concrete and the new concrete repair mixture. It’s important to note that a profiled surface will also improve the water resistance of the new repair.
Once the surface is prepped, it’s time to start preparing the concrete repair mix. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the concrete. A medium-weight concrete repair product like Fosroc Renderoc GP is ideal for this type of work because it is quick to set and provides a range of benefits that make it an excellent choice for concrete repairs, including shrinkage compensation.
Once the concrete repair mix has been mixed, it’s ready to be placed in the damaged area. The repair material should be pressed into the cracks and shaped to match the existing concrete surface. After the repair material has been shaped and compacted, it’s a good idea to use a masonry brush or margin trowel to recreate a non-slip broom finish, if desired.
Stitching
When it comes to repairing concrete, there are two main types of repairs: surface and structural. Surface repairs are for cosmetic damage, while structural repair is needed when the integrity of the concrete structure is compromised. Structural repair involves reinforcing the damaged area with steel bars to provide added strength.
When determining which type of repair is required, it is important to first figure out what caused the problem in order to effectively fix it. Once this step is complete, the surface can be prepared for a new application of concrete repair material. Surface preparation includes cleaning the damaged area, removing any unsound concrete, and preparing the surface to accept the new material. It is also important to make sure that the correct type of repair material is installed. The best way to ensure that the concrete is strong and durable is to use a high quality, ready mix concrete product.
Concrete repairs must be adequately moist-cured in order to develop sufficient bond and durability. This is especially important for exterior slabs where temperature changes can cause the concrete to expand and contract. It is also critical that the repaired concrete is not exposed to excessive traffic loads until it has had a chance to properly cure.
Crack stitching is a common repair method for active cracks. While it does not completely close the fissure, it does help to re-establish tensile strength across the entire cracked area. Stitching also helps to prevent active cracks from spreading further.
If a crack or joint separation is too wide for the crack stitching method, slot-stitching can be used to help improve performance of longitudinal joints and cracks. In this method, slots are cut perpendicular to the long crack or joint using a walk-behind saw or a slot cutting machine. Then, deformed bars are inserted into the slots, a repair concrete is placed, and the concrete is finished, cured, and consolidated around the ends of the bars.
If the cracks or joints are too wide to be repaired with either a slot-stitching or a crack stitching method, concrete replacement may be necessary. This type of repair should be accompanied by proper shoring to support the adjacent structures, and it should be installed with a high-quality, ready mix concrete product to ensure longevity.
Filling
Concrete repairs need to be filled with a material that can fill the crack and bond with existing concrete. This step is critical to the longevity of the repair, as well as the overall structural integrity of the concrete slab. Cracks that are left unfilled will continue to grow, eventually causing more damage and becoming an expensive project down the road.
The type of material used for filling a crack depends on the severity and type of damage, type of repair method chosen and available time to properly perform the work. Different types of cracks need to be addressed with specific repair materials that are designed for those conditions. These products are often categorized by handling properties, rheology and cure times. The handler of the product must also have a high tolerance for dry shrinkage, freezing and temperature fluctuations to ensure a strong and long-lasting repair.
When filling a crack in concrete, it is important to first chisel the edges of the crack to create a backward-angled cut. This will allow for the filler to better adhere to the crack and help prevent the material from backing out of the crack. It is also important to remove any debris or loose materials from the crack as they can block the filler and hinder its effectiveness.
After chiseling, the crack should be cleaned to prepare it for the repair material. A latex-based or polyurethane-based concrete repair product can be used to seal the crack. Both are formulated to have low odor and easy clean-up. Polyurethane-based concrete repair products typically provide higher performance and are suitable for cracks up to 3/8″ deep and wide.
A new, state-of-the-art concrete leveling technique known as PolyLevel is a non-invasive method to fill and seal voids in your concrete slab. This high-density, polymer-expanding foam is injected through small holes that are drilled into your concrete slab. The polyurethane chemical reacts, expanding to fill and seal void defects within minutes. PolyLevel has a very short curing time and is much faster than traditional mudjacking.
It is important to address damaged concrete surfaces as soon as they are discovered. Failure to repair the damage may result in costly damages, safety hazards and a loss of function. In some cases, the damage may even pose a life-threatening risk.
Sealing
The sealing phase of concrete repair is an important part of the process, and can help to extend the life of your repairs. There are a variety of different sealants that you can use, but it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. For example, if you are repairing an active crack, it’s best to use a flexible filler that is designed to flex and move with the crack so that it can absorb stress without debonding.
Another thing to consider is the type of damage that you are repairing. For example, some types of cracks will require a routing and sealing method, while others will work well with a filler. In addition, it’s a good idea to use a product that is compatible with the type of concrete that you have, such as an epoxy, silicone, or urethane.
When it comes to applying the sealant, it’s important to follow all the instructions that are provided on the package. For example, you may need to wait a certain amount of time before applying the sealant, or you may need to clean the area before applying it. Lastly, you will need to apply the sealant after it has had a chance to cure properly.
Once the sealant has a chance to fully cure, you can take care of any additional steps that are necessary to complete the concrete repair project. This can include sanding the surface to smooth it, or you may need to sweep it down and vacuum it. It’s also a good idea to apply a top coat of sealant to the repaired area, so that it will be protected against water damage and harsh weather conditions.
There are many things that can damage concrete, including the elements, chemical spills, and even salt that is used to prevent ice build-up. Taking the proper steps to ensure that your concrete is in a good condition can save you a lot of money and headaches in the future. To protect your concrete from the harmful effects of moisture, abrasion, salt, chemicals, and stains, it’s important to keep it sealed with a high-quality product.