Concrete repair starts with a condition evaluation, determination of the deterioration mechanism and selection of suitable repair methods and materials. This will often include destructive and nondestructive testing.
Repair materials should have low shrinkage to avoid debonding with the existing concrete matrix. They should also have good abrasion resistance and freeze-thaw resilience. Visit https://www.concreterepaireauclaire.com/ to learn more.
Concrete crack repair is a delicate process that requires experienced concrete contractors. Using inappropriate repair techniques can lead to further damage in the future.
The first step is to clean the area around the crack with a pressure washer and detergent. This ensures that the crack will be free of dirt and debris. It is also important to make sure that the crack is dry before starting the repair process.
Next, the crack needs to be “keyed.” This means that you need to chip away at the crack site with a hammer and chisel. You should chip down to a depth of about one inch below the surface plane. This will create a space for the patching material to bond with the existing concrete.
Once you have keyed the crack, you need to fill it with a repair product that is suitable for your environment. This will depend on the width of the crack, whether it is dormant or active, and the service conditions of the concrete structure. The chosen product should have a low water/cement ratio and a high percentage of coarse aggregate to minimize shrinkage cracking.
A common method of repairing concrete cracks is to use a polyurethane sealant that dries to a flexible rubber. This type of sealant is particularly useful in climates with extreme temperatures and is able to expand and contract with the surrounding concrete, preventing further damage.
Another popular repair method is to use a grout “key.” This involves drilling a hole the length of the crack and then filling it with grout or epoxy. This will help prevent further movement of the concrete sections and reduce the risk of leakage.
Delamination
Concrete delaminations can be a serious problem and must be repaired as soon as they appear. Generally, the cause is trapped bleed water or air and can range in size from a few inches wide to several square feet. It can also be a result of poor construction or surface preparation.
When concrete is poured, it naturally moves water from the interior of the mix to the surface. This is known as bleeding. If finishing operations like troweling begin before the concrete is completely hydrated, this bleed water can get trapped under the surface of the new concrete, eventually creating a weak layer that separates from the rest of the slab. This is the primary reason that delaminations occur.
If a delamination occurs, the damaged surface must be chiseled away to expose the concrete base and then treated with an appropriate repair material. It is important that the proper repair method is followed to ensure a long-lasting and strong bond with the concrete substrate.
The first step is to perform a thorough condition evaluation of the structure. This may include a review of the design and construction documents, structural analysis of the existing structure, destructive and nondestructive testing, and a visual inspection. This information will help to determine the cause of the deterioration and the best repair method and materials.
One of the most common methods of repairing delaminations is to use a high-density repair mortar such as Top’N Bond. This product is heavily polymer modified and has a very low cement content so that it will not rob the existing concrete of the water needed to hydrate the concrete. It can be mixed by hand or with a mechanical mixer. It is best to start at a 4:1 ratio (four parts mix to one part water) and then adjust as necessary. It is important to wear respirators and protective clothing when mixing.
Leaks
Concrete leaks can be a major problem, especially when they go undetected for too long. If left untreated, they can lead to serious structural issues and cost homeowners thousands of dollars. In addition, the water damage can also cause mold and mildew. In order to repair the leaks, it is important to know what caused them in the first place and use a concrete repair method that will ensure the repairs are durable.
One of the most common causes of leaking concrete is the damage caused by underground plumbing lines. These pipes are made of copper or galvanized steel, which can rust over time. They are also susceptible to environmental factors such as soil erosion and changes in groundwater. In addition, the pipes can get damaged by objects that get thrown into them or abrasion from sharp rocks or roots.
Plumbing companies can detect slab leaks using a variety of methods. These include acoustic, sonic, pressure, electromagnetic, and gas tracer leak detection tools. Once the leak is detected, plumbers can isolate it and repair or replace the pipe.
The most difficult slab leaks to repair are those that occur underneath the house. This is because the plumbing system is under the concrete, which makes it difficult to access and work on. Plumbers may have to cut a hole in the floor, jackhammer the concrete, remove the old plumbing, dig out the soil, and pour fresh concrete to repair the leak.
If you have a slab leak, it is important to contact a licensed plumber right away to prevent further damages. It is also important to keep in mind that not all concrete repairs are created equal. Over 50% of concrete repairs fail within two years, which means that not all repair methods are effective or long-lasting. A newer concrete repair method called PolyLevel has a much better track record. This is a polyurethane product that is injected into the concrete through tiny ports and expands to fill voids and lift the concrete slab.
Molds
Concrete is a porous material that makes it susceptible to mold growth. It’s important to check concrete and concrete structures for signs of mold on a regular basis, particularly if they are in damp areas like basements.
If a concrete structure shows signs of mold, it should be remediated immediately before it spreads. This is because mold can be hazardous to human health and cause structural damage to concrete, such as rotting or delamination.
Mold usually shows up as black spots or areas of green growth on concrete surfaces. Some molds are dangerous to humans, while others can be harmless.
The main cause of mold on concrete is moisture. The concrete can absorb moisture and other materials from the air, which will cause it to deteriorate faster. This process is called carbonation, and it can also lead to corrosion of steel supports within the concrete.
A solution for preventing mold on concrete is to use an anti-microbial coating that acts as a barrier against the growth of mold spores. This product is typically a clear coat that can be applied to existing concrete surfaces.
For minor mold issues, a cleaning solution of bleach or mold-killing detergent diluted in water can be used to scrub the concrete surface. It’s important to wear protective gear, like rubber gloves and a mask, when working with these chemicals. Another option is to paint with a mold-resistant paint. This can prevent mold spores from growing on concrete surfaces that have been painted with conventional paint. It is also helpful to direct roof runoff away from concrete and to implement landscaping that redirects water flow away from foundations. A professional restoration specialist can inspect and test concrete for signs of mold, and will utilize containment procedures, powerful air filtration systems, and specialized removal methods to eradicate and prevent mold recurrence after remediation.
Damage
Damage to concrete can be caused by many things, including structural overloading and corrosion of reinforcing steel. It is important to determine the cause of the damage so that preventative measures can be put in place to reduce the chance of it happening again.
If the damage is due to structural overloading, it is important to understand how and where the load was applied so that it can be avoided in the future. Often, the overloading causes distinctive patterns of cracking that can be used to identify the area of the structure where the overload occurred. This information is useful for determining the correct design loads for the structure.
Once the damage has been identified, it is important to ensure that the concrete repairs will withstand the loads to which they are subjected. This may require the use of special reinforcing techniques or additional support systems to provide resistance to tension zones and shear forces in structural concrete. It is also important to make sure that the repairs are designed in such a way that they will not accelerate the deterioration of the existing concrete or reinforcement steel.
It is essential to clean the damaged areas before repairing them. Keeping the concrete surfaces free of dirt and debris will help to prevent further damage. It is also a good idea to seal the concrete surfaces to help protect them from harsh weather conditions and moisture.