Concrete shows its age in the form of cracks, holes, discoloration, and other imperfections. Luckily, there are easy and cost-effective ways to fix these problems instead of replacing concrete.

Safety – Repairing small issues quickly addresses safety hazards and extends the lifespan of concrete structures. Concrete Repair Bismarck is also better for the environment and your wallet.

There are a number of ways to repair cracks in concrete, including routing and sealing. This method uses a tool to enlarge the crack, which is then filled with a joint sealant. Concrete stitching is another method, and it involves drilling holes on both sides of the crack and installing large staple-looking metal units to prevent the crack from widening. Then, a polymer modified, rapid setting grout or epoxy is used to fill the cracks and create a seal.

Regardless of the type of concrete crack repair, it’s essential that the factors causing the cracking be identified and addressed to avoid recurrence. A professional contractor can provide a concrete crack evaluation and recommend preventative maintenance measures to protect your investment.

Hairline cracks that are less than a quarter inch wide are normal in new concrete. They are caused by surface shrinkage and are a natural part of the curing process. Plastic shrinkage cracks in freshly poured concrete are not structural and are also common. Cracks that are wider than a credit card and running through the depth of the concrete indicate a problem and should be repaired by a concrete repair specialist as soon as possible.

Widening cracks are often a result of continued movement in expansion joints and foundation settlement. This type of crack should be repaired as soon as possible to reduce the risk of further damage and water ingress. A qualified concrete repair contractor can use a high-performance epoxy or polyurethane to seal the cracks, with a flexible membrane for additional protection.

It is important that the crack repair material is compatible with the type of concrete and construction method in place. Historic concrete can have different properties than newer concrete, such as lower compression strength and density, higher porosity and water absorption, and a longer hydration time. The proper concrete crack repair materials must be selected to match these properties to ensure the longest service life of the concrete structure.

DIY-ing a concrete crack repair project can be an involved process that takes up to a weekend, not including the actual time spent doing the work. Depending on the scope of the repair, it is likely that you will need to research products and purchase the necessary materials. Additionally, the job may require special tools and equipment to get a professional-looking result.

Loose Joints

Concrete expansion joints are materials placed in between slabs of concrete to allow for both expansion and contraction of the slab while preventing cracking. They are essential to the integrity of a warehouse concrete floor and should be repaired as soon as they are damaged. Joints that are not filled correctly can deteriorate and become trip points for forklift traffic or simply fall away. If you are having trouble with your concrete expansion joints, it may be time to hire a professional contractor to replace them with a proper, long-lasting material.

Typically, a caulk-like repair is used in concrete joint repairs. The problem with this is that the caulk can pull loose if there is any movement in the concrete expansion joint, or it can deteriorate and then become a passageway for dirt, debris, and even water. In addition, the voids created by these fillers are not protected from the harsh effects of heavy forklift traffic and the corrosive chemicals found in some warehouses.

A better repair solution for your concrete expansion joints is to seal them with a moisture insensitive epoxy. Sikaflex, for instance, is a highly effective joint expansion sealer that is self-leveling, moisture insensitive, adheres well to concrete, and is extremely flexible. When properly installed by a professional, Sikaflex can keep your concrete expansion joints free of damage for years to come.

If you want to do your own joint expansion sealing, the best tool to use is a desoldering pump and soldering wick. The desoldering pump pumps out the molten solder so you can remove it and clean up your work area. The wick absorbs the melted solder and helps you to avoid making a mess.

While it is impossible to prevent all thermal contraction cracking in concrete, you can reduce the risk by ensuring that the concrete is mixed correctly, providing adequate restraint, using high quality aggregates, and using the appropriate spacing for reinforcement steel. It is also important to have the concrete poured on a level surface and to properly curing it.

Loose Filler

Concrete is very strong and durable, but like any material, it wears down over time. It is important to take the steps necessary to repair concrete and protect it from further damage. Concrete repair restoration techniques include coating and sealing the surface of the concrete, as well as repairing and replacing sections of concrete structures.

It is important to identify the source of the problem and repair it immediately before further damage occurs. This will prevent cracks, spalling and deterioration. If left untreated, it can lead to structural failure, including the possibility of collapse.

Loose filler is often caused by a lack of proper compaction or vibration during the placement of the concrete. This may result in voids within the concrete that can weaken it. It is also important to ensure that the concrete is not over saturated with water, as this can cause expansion and contraction problems that can weaken the concrete.

In order to achieve a proper bond between the repair and the parent concrete, it is important to use a high-quality concrete repair product. This product should have a good handleability, rheology and cure times. Concrete repair products are available in a variety of forms and sizes. These include ready-mix concrete delivered from a local concrete plant, site batched concrete using a mobile mixer and a variety of bagged repair mortars.

When applying a concrete repair product, it is important to start with a thin scratch coat. This is a mixture of the repair material and water to create a soupy consistency. This scratch coat is then applied to the area requiring repair. Once this is complete it is important to smooth the concrete surface with a hand float or power trowel.

For high-traffic areas where repairs are required, it is a good idea to use traffic bearing repair mortar. This is a sprayable material that can be used to quickly repair concrete defects such as spalling and crumbling. It is usually fiber-reinforced with silica fume and a corrosion inhibitor added.

It is a good idea to test the concrete once it has been repaired to ensure that it is up to standard. Testing can be done with a rebound test, which uses a spring-powered device to hit the concrete and measure the distance it rebounds. This can be performed on a small sample or the entire structure. It is also possible to perform a compressive strength test on the concrete, which uses a calibrated load cell to measure the force it exerts on the specimen.

Water Infiltration

Water infiltration is a common concern of homeowners and business owners with concrete structures. It can occur in a variety of ways, including inadequate waterproofing, seismic soil movement, tree roots and settlement cracks. Water infiltration can erode the dense material and reduce its service life. In addition, it can weaken reinforcing steel and contribute to the development of cracks in the concrete.

Water damage in concrete typically leads to a musty smell that can be particularly noticeable in confined spaces such as basements and crawl spaces. It can also lead to mold growth and other health concerns. Additionally, the cracking of concrete from water damage allows for more moisture to seep in, increasing the likelihood of further damage and potential structural failure.

To avoid the potential for water infiltration, a professional can evaluate the structure and recommend preventative measures such as waterproofing or drainage systems. These measures can help to minimize the risk of long-term infiltration problems and extend the service life of the concrete.

It is important to note that water infiltration can occur in a variety of ways and can be caused by a number of factors including poor waterproofing, inappropriate repair methods, shoddy repairs and ignoring surface preparation procedures. It is important that the source of the leak is found and repaired as soon as possible to reduce the risk of significant damage.

When selecting a repair method it is important to consider the construction process, handling properties, rheology and cure time. Concrete repair materials are available with a range of pumpability, slump, flow and hang/stickiness to suit the construction process and application of the repair. For example, products with high pumpability can be used in form-and-pour and precast concrete repairs and those with low viscosity are appropriate for trowel applied vertical and overhead repairs.

It is essential that the contractor you choose has the technical expertise and experience to ensure a successful repair. In addition, they should be able to offer a warranty on their work and have the proper safety equipment for working in high places. Also, they should be able to provide concrete repair products that have been tested and proven to deliver quality results.