Whether it’s a cracked sidewalk or a void underneath your foundation, fixing these problems now prevents bigger headaches in the future. Concrete Contractors Colorado Springs has the right materials and a little know-how.
First, you’ll need to clean the area with a brush or broom. Then, choose a product with low shrinkage and excellent adhesion to concrete.
When concrete cracks or voids are present in a structure’s foundation, floor, or wall, the underlying cause must be addressed to prevent future damage and repairs. These issues are best resolved by a professional contractor with access to the proper equipment and quality materials needed for concrete repair. A qualified contractor can also offer guidance for preventative maintenance to avoid future problems.
Different repair methods may be employed depending on the size of the crack, the type of concrete used in the structure, and the cause. If the crack is not filled, water can leak into the structure and lead to corrosion of steel reinforcing bars. This can result in major structural damage that must be corrected.
Use an epoxy or latex patching product to repair concrete cracks that are 1/8-inch wide or narrower (see example on Amazon). Apply the material with a mason’s trowel or putty knife and force it into the crack. Smooth the product level with the surrounding concrete, ensuring that the crack is filled from one end to the other. Allow the product to cure as the manufacturer directs; this can take an hour or a few days.
The surface of the cured concrete can be roughened by lightly sanding to help the repaired area blend in with the surrounding concrete. This step is optional but can add a finished look to the project.
A foam backer rod can be stuffed into the crack to take up some of the space, allowing less crack filler to be needed. This will also make the repair more stable while it dries and reduce the chances of shrinkage.
A polyurethane resin can be injected into the crack under pressure for larger wet or leaking cracks. This will react with the water, chasing it into the crack and foaming it to seal it and prevent future water leaks. This is an excellent method to stop water leaks in active and dormant concrete cracks.
Concrete structures that are cracked and void-filled can suffer from structural instability, deterioration, and even failure. This is why it is important to use proper repair procedures. This starts with a condition evaluation, where the structure is inspected, and the causes of the deficiency are determined. The results of this inspection will help determine the appropriate repair methods and materials.
One way to repair cracks is by routing and sealing them. This involves using a router to cut a V-shaped groove along the length of the crack, which provides a surface for bonding and stops water flow. Using a chemical grout or epoxy to fill the cracks is also possible, offering a waterproof seal and some added strength.
A more permanent solution is using cement patching material to fill the cracks. This material is mixed and spread in the cracks and can be used to restore the original form of the concrete. This can be done by hand or with a trowel. If a concrete patch is used, it is best to lay the patch down in layers of about 1/4 inch. This will ensure that the patch is thick enough to resist shear and bending stresses caused by traffic or other loads.
For serious and long-term problems, it is best to hire a professional concrete contractor to perform the repairs. This will guarantee that the problem is solved correctly and does not reoccur. The cost of hiring a professional is often cheaper than the cost of replacing a damaged concrete structure.
All factors contributing to the damage need to be addressed to make the most effective repair. For example, if the structure has a drainage problem, it must be fixed before the cracks can be repaired. Also, if the structure is subject to fire or elevated temperatures, it will need fireproofing to prevent it from failing due to these conditions.
Another consideration is that concrete repair should be environmentally responsible. Increasing the number of concrete repairs can lead to environmental degradation due to the depletion of natural resources and the production of large amounts of waste. Therefore, engineers should design eco-efficient repair systems that attain specified performance levels while minimizing these impacts.
Concrete is a popular, sturdy, multi-purpose building material that offers tons of bang for your buck. It’s great for foundations, warehouse floors, and walls. But just like any other building material, concrete needs maintenance to keep it looking and performing its best. One crucial form of upkeep specific to concrete is repairing expansion joints.
Expansion joints are cut into concrete slabs to allow the concrete to expand and contract with temperature changes without cracking the slabs. When these joints are left unfilled, they can dry out and become brittle. This can lead to the edges of the concrete separating and cracking and, creating trip hazards.
Typically, concrete expansion joints are filled with wood or a soft material that allows the joint to move. However, These materials only last briefly and can easily be pulled out or caught on equipment. As a result, they need to be replaced regularly.
The best way to repair a concrete expansion joint is to use a flexible sealant such as QUIKRETE Self-Leveling Polyurethane Sealant. Before sealing, it’s important to sweep out the joints and remove any pebbles, dirt, or debris. The area should also be cleaned with a scrub brush and a solvent-free rag. Once the joint is dry, a thin sealant layer is applied to both sides. Press a piece of backer rod into the joint to ensure that the sealant extends at least 1/8 inch into the concrete.
Concrete surfaces can become damaged from many causes, such as cracking due to shrinkage or tension, exposure to chemical products or oxidation, and improper construction practices. When the underlying cause is not addressed, damage to concrete will continue and may lead to serious structural problems. A professional contractor should always be consulted to perform the necessary repairs and correct the underlying problem.
Repairs of existing concrete structures are typically based on a condition evaluation, which includes the structure inspection, determining the causes of the deterioration or distress, and selecting repair methods and materials. In addition, consideration must be given to the effects of the repair on the remainder of the structure and the environment.
The surface should be clean, dry, and free of voids or protrusions when repairing concrete. Any hollow areas in the concrete should be filled with suitable repair material to avoid future water penetration and potential structural damage. The fixed concrete should be finished and textured to match the surface slope of the existing concrete.
Some important characteristics of repair materials are their dimensional stability, low drying shrinkage, and the ability to form a strong bond with the concrete matrix. Choosing repair materials with similar elastic modulus and thermal coefficients is also important. These factors are particularly important for thick sections of concrete, where heat generated during curing can cause thermal stress beyond acceptable limits.
Choosing the right repair material for a concrete project is critical to its success. It is recommended that a high-quality, commercial-grade concrete mix be used for all types of repairs. This mix type provides a better bond to the old concrete and is available in various strengths to accommodate different applications.
The best choice for a particular project will depend on the amount of repair work needed, the size and location of the repaired area, the extent of the deterioration or damage, the availability of equipment and tools for performing the repairs, and the budget. It is always a good idea to hire a professional contractor for large projects and repairs that need to be performed in high places, as these contractors have the proper safety equipment and experience to complete the job safely and quickly. They should also provide a warranty and insurance to cover any damages that may occur during the repair process.
