Concrete Repair Eau Claire is the process of repairing damaged or deteriorated concrete structures. Concrete repairs can be minor or major and can range from surface wear to a complete replacement.
For the longest time, mudjacking was the most common method of repairing concrete. It was messy, chaotic and left injection holes. Now most professionals use PolyLevel which is a quick, noninvasive and aesthetically pleasing system.
Concrete is known for its durability and strength, but even the most robust construction materials can experience cracking. While many cracks are harmless, others are indicative of more serious issues and should be repaired quickly to prevent further deterioration. The first step in repairing concrete cracks is to determine their severity and type. Narrow cracks that are less than 1/4-inch wide can be filled with a concrete patching compound to prevent water from entering the cracks and causing further damage. Cracks that are wider than this will require a more involved repair process.
Hairline cracks that only extend the surface of a concrete slab can be left alone as they will not cause structural problems. However, they should be regularly inspected for signs of further deterioration and resealed to prevent further moisture intrusion. Wide cracks may indicate the presence of a void or settlement below the concrete, and should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid future problems. Cracks that are expanding should also be treated as a priority as they can pose a safety hazard to pedestrians and vehicles.
In most cases, the cause of concrete cracks is soil instability that can be caused by moisture intrusion, poor site preparation, or inadequate support. These issues should be addressed immediately before the cracks worsen and lead to more expensive maintenance and repairs.
Depending on the cause of the cracks, there are several different solutions for concrete crack repair. In most instances, concrete sealers can be used to fill and protect the cracks. These products range in application from topical coatings that protect the concrete surface to those that penetrate deep into the concrete pores to provide resistance against chemicals and abrasion.
In some instances, early-age cracking of concrete can be considered a cosmetic defect, but if left untreated, these cracks will eventually cause moisture infiltration and can lead to corrosion of reinforcing steel, structural distress, and costly maintenance. It is highly recommended that building owners and facility managers appoint qualified remedial crack repair contractors to treat these early-age cracks as soon as they appear in order to prolong the service life of their concrete structures.
Spalling
Spalling in concrete is a deterioration of the surface of a concrete structure that typically involves the breaking down of small fragments of the concrete. This type of damage is often caused by weather and environmental factors. It can also be caused by structural deficiencies and improper construction techniques. The result is that the concrete structure becomes weaker, and it may need to be replaced sooner than would otherwise be necessary. It can also be dangerous as the weakened structure is more likely to break apart or crumble under foot traffic.
While replacing the concrete is one way to deal with spalling, it can be expensive and time consuming. A more cost-effective solution is to do regular maintenance of the concrete, including cleaning and applying water sealants to prevent moisture from penetrating the concrete. This is a particularly effective measure if the structure is located in an area where rain or snow regularly falls.
Another effective way to avoid spalling is by using a penetration test. This method determines the density of the concrete and can help identify any problems before they start to show signs of deterioration. This is a simple test that can be done by a professional or even a homeowner.
Finally, a fire suppression system can help to prevent spalling in concrete structures by preventing the structure from being exposed to extreme heat for long periods of time. However, a fire suppression system must be properly installed and maintained to be effective in reducing the risk of spalling.
If you are experiencing spalling in your home, it is a good idea to hire a concrete repair company to perform the necessary repairs. The first step is to thoroughly clean the damaged area and remove any loose concrete, dirt, or debris. You should also tap the concrete with a hammer and listen for hollow sounds to find out if the underlying concrete has deteriorated.
Once the damaged area has been cleaned, you can apply a patching compound or repair mortar that is designed for spalling in concrete. This material should be matched to the quality of your existing concrete in terms of strength, color, and texture. The mortar should contain bonding agents to improve the adhesion of the repair material and the existing concrete. Make sure that the patching extends 4-6 inches beyond the spalling to ensure that there is enough concrete cover and to reduce the possibility of future spalling.
Loose Aggregate
When repair work is undertaken on a precast concrete barrier, the repair material used should be compatible with the quality of the host concrete to ensure durability and optimum performance. Incompatibilities at the interface between repair materials and the parent concrete can result in premature failure due to differential thermal expansion or shrinkage, abrasion resistance, freeze-thaw action, chemical attack, or electrochemical interaction.
In order to avoid incompatibilities at the interface, the concrete must be thoroughly prepared prior to applying repair materials. This includes removing all damaged and unsound concrete, cleaning the surface with abrasives or high-pressure water, and ensuring that all corrosion products and cement have been removed from the exposed reinforcing steel (rebar). The rebar should then be protected using one of several rebar protection methods.
Repair materials include dry-pack mortar and polymer repair cements. Dry pack mortar is made up of two parts portland cement and one part sand and is commonly used in small concrete repairs. It is also used to fill voids and resurface deteriorated concrete surfaces. The use of polymer repair cements is gaining popularity because they provide higher strength and a more durable finish than traditional concrete. They are also more environmentally friendly and require less energy to produce.
All repair materials must be properly cured to ensure their durability and long-term performance. However, curing is often shortened or performed haphazardly in an effort to speed up the repair process and get workers out of the site. Inadequate curing of repair materials can lead to deterioration, premature failure, and cost overruns.
The key to achieving successful repairs is to understand what causes concrete to deteriorate. Some of the major contributing factors include improper soil substrate or existing site conditions, mix design, overhydration during placement, insufficient steel placement and reinforcement, and inadequate grade preparation. In addition, accelerated chloride contamination from deicing salts and other sources can cause deterioration in both the original concrete and the repair materials.
Increased concrete repair activities as a consequence of durability failures are associated with escalating environmental damage in the form of natural resource depletion and GHG emissions. Engineers have a critical role to play in the development of eco-efficient repair systems that can attain specified performance levels while minimizing their impact on the environment, society, and costs.
Crack Repair
Whether they’re caused by weather conditions, ground movement or inadequate support, cracks are one of the most common problems with concrete surfaces. While they may mar the look of concrete structures and lead to more serious damage if left unattended, cracks can easily be repaired with the right tools and techniques.
Before beginning the crack repair process, it’s important to understand why they’re occurring. This will help determine the method used to repair them and prevent them from reoccurring. For example, a crack caused by traffic or wear and tear will have different repair requirements than a crack caused by freeze/thaw cycles.
Next, the cracks should be cleaned. A pressure washer and detergent can be used to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated around the crack. This will provide a clean surface for the filler to adhere to, ensuring that the crack is sealed properly.
Once the area has been cleaned, a thin layer of bonding adhesive can be applied. This step is often overlooked but it’s crucial for ensuring that the crack filler will stick to the concrete structure. Once the adhesive dries, it can be covered with a thick coat of masonry crack filler that’s mixed and troweled into the crack.
Finally, the cracks should be textured and smoothed out with a wire brush or sandpaper to ensure that they blend in with the surrounding concrete. This will help ensure that the crack repair looks as good as new, rather than like an obvious repair.