Popular Concrete Repair Techniques and Steps Involved in the Process
Buildings are constructed by mixing different materials. But concrete is one of the most excessively used ingredients for laying the foundation and pillars. This is because it lasts for decades and can be easily molded into any shape. It can also be acquired at a lower price than other materials, helping construction companies save money. That said, concrete must be maintained well and repaired to ensure its durability over time.
Popular concrete repair techniques
Concrete is a widely used construction material for building anything from small homes to massive dams and can be repaired using different techniques.
- Epoxy grout penetration
Epoxy grout is a flowable solution inserted into cracks and molds where the concrete needs repairing.
Not all repair jobs need an extensive overhaul. Minor cracks and grooves in the concrete can be patched up with a technique known as grooving and sealing. Here, the crack is first chiseled to gauge its actual depth. Then a V-shaped groove is carved into the crack and filled with a joint sealant. Sometimes, a rod is inserted into the crack before applying a sealant to strengthen the groove further and save on joint sealant.
While concrete stitching might sound comical, it is widely used to hold two slabs together. Similar to how you would staple two sheets of paper, concrete stitching begins with two metal bars inserted into grooves on either side of the slabs. The bars attach firmly to the slabs and are tightened to pull both ends together to secure the individual pieces. Note that this technique is less effective than epoxy sealing because the cracks are not completely sealed. It would be safe to say that concrete stitching is a temporary solution to a more permanent repair job.
Some cracks develop deep inside the foundation or support beams of buildings. As a result, they must be drilled to access the point of damage before applying epoxy grout. The process can be repeated as many times as necessary. Drilling and plugging is quite effective in repairing cracks that form in a straight line, mainly because straighter cracks are easier to plug using minimal sealants.
Steps for concrete repair
Concrete is exceptionally durable, but that does not mean it will not degrade over time. Weather elements, general wear and tear, and accidents slowly damage the concrete binding, causing it to crack under pressure. Here are a few steps for both residential and commercial concrete repair:
- Step 1: Identify the cause
Before choosing a repair technique, you must identify the cause behind the damage. The cause could be anything, from exposure to weather elements to general wear and tear by use. Moreover, some structures that hold chemicals can leak and cause the concrete to chip away. Evaluating the underlying cause will make applying a suitable concrete repair technique easier. - Step 2: Determining the scope of repair
Concrete repairs are categorized into crack, spall, and joint repairs. A crack repair is done by simply filling in the gaps to prevent further damage or leakage. Spall repair involves filling in areas of concrete that have separated from the main structure. Joint repairs improve structural integrity by preventing the joints from buckling under pressure. Slab jacking is another technique, especially used to fix uneven concrete surfaces. Here, a porous mixture is pumped to raise uneven slabs and level it once the mixture sets. Besides these, other special and decorative repairs can be done to improve concrete construction. - Step 3: Preparing for the repairs
Preparation is key to any successful repair job. It involves various tasks, from mapping out the project to ordering the right materials and setting a timeline based on the scope of the repair. You can fill up smaller cracks on your own by purchasing tubes of self-leveling epoxy online. But if you do not have the time, contact commercial concrete repair services for a quote. Concrete repair costs vary depending on the time taken, materials used, labor employed, and other factors.
Besides repairs, you can contact a contractor if you need to install a new concrete structure. Note that there is a difference between residential concrete installation and commercial concrete installation. Commercial-grade concrete is synthesized to withstand more pressure and the constant movement of heavy vehicles at a commercial facility. On the other hand, residential concrete is mainly used to build the walls and foundations of small properties to provide stable support for the roof and columns.
