Concrete repair is a vital part of maintaining concrete structures. It can improve safety, extend their lifespan and increase curb appeal.
Proper concrete removal practices and surface preparation are essential for successful repairs. A thorough curing period is also necessary to prevent moisture loss and shrinkage cracking in the repaired area. To learn more, visit https://www.concreterepaireauclaire.com/.
Concrete overlays offer a fast, cost-effective way to rejuvenate existing surfaces. These cementitious materials are mixed and applied directly over the surface of a concrete floor or other surface, and can be colored to achieve a desired appearance, polished for a sheen, or stamped with patterns. An experienced concrete repair contractor can help you decide which overlay system to choose, based on the style and function of your space.
To ensure a long-lasting concrete overlay, it’s important to properly prepare the substrate. This includes cleaning the concrete, removing any existing coatings, and profiling the concrete, which roughens it and helps the new overlay bond. A good profile can be achieved using chemical etching, mechanical methods such as diamond grinding, shotblasting, or scarifying, or with an acid wash. It’s also a good idea to repair cracks before applying an overlay, so they don’t reform and telegraph through the new surface.
The thickness of the concrete overlay is another factor that affects its longevity. A thin overlay may not be strong enough to withstand the weight of people walking on it, and it’s unlikely to resist surface damage, such as scratches or gouges. A thicker, higher-strength concrete may be more appropriate for high-traffic areas, or if the overlay is being used to cover structural issues.
When choosing an overlay, look for a product with good performance testing and a track record of success in the field. You should also consider the ease with which you can work with the product, and whether it’s environmentally friendly.
After the concrete is prepared, it’s time to install the overlay. Depending on the type of overlay, this can be done using conventional concrete tools or specific concrete tools designed for the overlay. Some products may require a bonding agent to be applied before patching and the overlay, while others can be poured right over the concrete.
Like any flooring material, concrete overlays need routine maintenance to keep them looking and performing their best. Regular cleaning should include sweeping to remove dirt and debris, and the concrete should be sealed to protect it from water absorption and harsh weather conditions.
Repairing Cracks
Concrete cracks are a common problem, but they’re also a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. The good news is that the underlying issue can be resolved quickly and affordably with PolyLevel, a flexible polyurethane foam that fills and lifts concrete slabs back to their original position. It’s quick, noninvasive, aesthetically pleasing, requires no clean-up and doesn’t retain moisture.
Before applying any repair materials, the area should be thoroughly cleaned with a pressure washer to remove dirt and debris from the cracks. This will help ensure that the repaired surface is clean and ready for the repair material to bond with it.
The next step is to dampen the area to prevent moisture from pulling away from the new repair material. This can be accomplished by placing a damp burlap sheet over the area or by covering it with a larger sheet of plastic and taping the edges to seal in the moisture. This will allow the newly applied materials to set and cure properly, which is essential for long-term strength gains.
When repairing narrow cracks that are 1/4-inch or less in width, it’s a good idea to stuff a backer rod into the crack before applying a concrete patch. This will create a solid base to hold the new repair material and reduce the likelihood of the crack reopening later.
Next, apply the concrete repair product to the cracks using a mason’s trowel or putty knife, forcing it into the crack and smoothing the surface to match the surrounding concrete. It is recommended to use a liquid bonding agent to assist in adhesion of the repair material to the existing concrete. Different products require different application techniques, so always consult the manufacturer’s directions.
It’s important to document repairs with before and after photos, certify that the surface preparation is acceptable by observing cleanliness and surface amplitude or direct tensile testing and sounding the finished repair to detect voids or lack of bonding. It’s also a good idea to use a contractor that has demonstrated experience in the project environment and an excellent safety record.
Repairing Voids
Voids under concrete slabs can lead to sagging and instability. Professionals fix voids in concrete by a process called “slab jacking.” This involves injecting a special grout mixture under the slab to fill the void and restore the structural integrity of the slab. The repaired slab will look darker than the surrounding concrete because it contains a higher percentage of water, but after it cures and the water evaporates, the repair will lighten in color.
When it comes to repairing holes in concrete, the first step is to remove any loose debris and wipe the area clean with a damp cloth. Then, spread a heavy layer of Loctite Metal And Concrete Epoxy on both the hole and the mating surface. Push the broken piece into place, leaning a heavy block against it until the epoxy sets.
The type of repair material used depends on the expected service life of the structure. For concrete repairs that must withstand high-service temperatures, the material should be able to tolerate thermal expansion and contraction stresses. Other considerations include the modulus of elasticity, chemical resistance, freeze-thaw and scaling resistance, abrasion resistance, and strength.
To ensure that the repair material will withstand the load conditions to which it will be exposed, all structural repairs should follow standard concrete repair procedures including documenting the repair with before and after photos, confirming the preparation of the surface to which the concrete repair is being applied by observing cleanliness and surface amplitude or direct tension testing, sounding the finished repair to detect voids or lack of bonding and submitting the repair to a qualified testing agency for a determination of its strength, abrasion and penetration resistance.
Specialized concrete repair contractors may work as general contractors or specialize in specific types of concrete construction and maintenance projects, such as industrial plant repairs, cooling tower repairs, parking structure repairs, concrete silo repairs, DOT bridge repairs, concrete dam repairs and wind turbine foundation repairs. Many of these projects require unique access and safety requirements, requiring specialty contractors with experience working in hard-to-reach areas.
Repairing Slabs
A damaged concrete slab needs repair to ensure it supports the weight of the structure above. Whether the cause of the damage is foundation cracking, delamination, spalling or simply age and weathering, there are several ways to repair it.
When repairing slabs it is important to expose a fresh surface of the concrete and remove any weak or brittle material that won’t support a strong new bond. This can be done using a hand sledge and mason chisel or an angle grinder with a masonry wheel. This will allow the repair mix to bond to a stronger base and ensure long term durability.
It is also important to use a good quality repair mix. There are many different types of repair mixes on the market, some offering very high early strengths. While these may seem attractive, it is generally considered to be better to use a repair product with a lower early strength, as this can reduce the risk of shrinkage cracking in the future.
Cracks are a common issue with concrete slabs and are usually caused by movement in the ground or structural loads that exceed the capacity of the slab. While it is possible to fill cracks in concrete with products such as silicone caulk, these tend to be a temporary solution that will eventually reopen and chip away.
Fortunately, cracks in slabs can be repaired permanently with products such as carbon fiber concrete crack locking. These provide a strong, non-corrosive means of adding tensile strength across cracks and are especially useful for repairs to concrete pool decks.
Another way to repair cracked concrete is by drilling and plugging. This method involves drilling holes 2 – 3 inches wide in the cracked concrete and then filling them with grout. This forms a “key” that locks the crack and prevents it from widening or spreading further.
If you have a sunken slab in your home, it is important to contact concrete repair professionals as soon as possible. Mudjacking is a popular method of raising sunken concrete, but it can add too much weight to the soil below and worsen the sinking condition. Concrete repair professionals can also use polyjacking to raise concrete slabs, which is less expensive than mudjacking and has the advantage of not increasing the load on the soil.