Repairing concrete faults promptly saves you a lot of cost and improves the lifespan of the structures. It also helps reduce slip/trip/fall hazards that might cause injuries to people.

Some repair methods produce heat during curing and can cause thermal stress beyond an acceptable level, or shrinkage. They can also require special materials that are odorous, toxic, or combustible. Visit https://www.concreterepaireauclaire.com/services to learn more.

Concrete surfaces need constant protection from the elements. Cracks in exterior concrete can lead to water infiltration which leads to corrosion and damage to underlying materials. This damage can lead to structural problems in the future, especially if it is left untreated. This is why it is important to address these issues as soon as possible. Crack repair is an effective way to stop further damage and keep a building in good condition.

Concrete surface repair techniques involve filling or sealing the damaged area. Surface repair is best for hairline cracks in the concrete and can be performed using several different methods, including epoxy coatings and sand-topping. For more severe damage, patching and routing is often required. The choice of which method to use will depend on the severity of the damage and the extent to which it affects the integrity of the structure.

Crack routing is a nonstructural repair technique that consists of enlarging the crack and filling it with a sealant or filler (photo 3). This method is best suited for active or dormant cracks. It can be used in conjunction with a wide variety of fillers and sealants, from epoxies to polyurethanes. The selected material should be compatible with the cracks to prevent deterioration of the repaired surface and provide a long-term solution.

Before repairing cracks, it is important to properly prepare the area. The cracked surface should be cleaned thoroughly with a pressure washer, shop vacuum or brush to remove any debris in the crack. This will ensure that the repair materials adhere to the concrete. It is also essential to ensure that the concrete is dry before beginning the repair process. Having moisture in contact with fresh concrete can cause the material to fail, or result in spalling.

Routing and sealing is a simple, low-cost method to repair small cracks in exterior concrete. It is important to use proper safety precautions when working with any concrete repair material, as direct contact can lead to chemical burns. It is recommended that you wear eye protection, nitrile gloves and a dust mask.

Crack Stitching

In masonry wall systems, crack stitching is one of the most popular methods for fixing structural movement issues. It involves inserting stainless steel ‘helical bars’ into slots that have been cut in a cleared mortar bed or brickwork, then bonding them with HeliBond to stabilize the cracked masonry structure. This method is quick, effective and causes minimal disruption to the building. It is ideal for restoring stability to stepped or diagonal cracks in masonry walls which are often caused by rusted lintels or movements in the ground, but can also be used in a wide variety of other applications.

The helix of the helical bars provides excellent resistance to tensile stress and minimises any future cracking, unlike simple injection methods which can cause fatigue in the concrete over time. Stitching also provides additional reinforcement within the concrete to minimize lateral movement of the slab.

Stitching is a fast and cost-effective solution to repairing concrete cracks in both new and existing structures, even on damp substrates. It can be applied as a stand-alone treatment or prior to the application of an overlay system for concrete.

Before deciding whether or not to use crack stitching, we recommend getting a structural engineer to inspect the building and give you an assessment of the existing conditions. It is important to find out if the cracks are active, and if so, what is triggering them. This could be a range of things including lintel failure, movements in the ground, de-bonding mortar joints and water penetrations.

A carbon fiber stitch is far stronger and more flexible than a standard metal staple, so it has the capacity to better resist bending stresses, and can offer more surface area for bonding. This is important because the holding strength of a staple or stitch in concrete depends on its surface area, not just its tensile strength. This is why carbon fibre stitching is a superior choice for concrete repair and strengthening! Unlike traditional staples, which are only held by their own tensile strength, carbon fiber stitching is bonded to the concrete through its entire cross section. This makes it much more resistant to tensile stress and significantly increases the lifespan of your structural concrete repairs.

Sika Crack Sealer

Sika crack filler is designed to heal non-moving cracks and gaps in concrete and masonry. It is a cold cure, thixotropic epoxy resin adhesive with deep penetration and firm bonding. It is easy to use with its convenient side-by-side cartridges that fit a standard caulking gun. It also adheres well to a wide variety of substrates and is moisture tolerant. It conforms to ASTM C-881 and AASHTO M-235 specifications.

Choosing the right concrete repair product depends on the size of the crack and where it is located in the structure. Small cracks that are hairline in width should be filled with a concrete caulk or sealant, while larger cracks and honeycomb areas require dry pack mortar for repairing. The concrete crack filler should also be flexible enough to give slightly with ground movement or expansion/contraction to prevent further enlargement of the cracked concrete.

Another important consideration is whether or not the concrete repair product will withstand weather conditions that can cause further damage to the structure. Moisture is a major factor in the formation of cracks, and it’s necessary to choose a filler that will resist moisture. This will help prevent the cracks from reopening when it rains or snows, which can lead to further deterioration of the concrete surface and structure.

Once the concrete crack filler has cured, it’s essential to protect it with a concrete coating. This can help to preserve the filler, prevent stains and other environmental damage and make maintenance easier. The best concrete coatings also provide protection from graffiti, fly posters and other common types of environmental damage that can be difficult to remove once the concrete is set.

It’s important to repair concrete surfaces as soon as they show signs of deterioration, as this can significantly reduce the cost and time needed for future repairs. In addition, a smoother concrete surface is much safer for people in the household to walk on and can reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Taking the time to properly repair a concrete surface can greatly improve its longevity and increase its value. Using a Sika crack filler or other repair products will ensure that the concrete remains in good condition for years to come.

Concrete Patch

Concrete patches are a great way to patch cracks in old concrete and restore its strength, durability, and appearance. They can be used to repair a damaged concrete slab, prevent water from leaking into an existing foundation, fill in a hole in the wall, or fix a broken corner on steps. Concrete patches are available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and thicknesses, making them a great option for any surface. In order to choose the right concrete patch for your project, it is important to consider a few key factors.

A good quality concrete patch will be easy to work with and have a high durability rating. It should also be flexible and able to resist the impact of heavy traffic and weather changes. Additionally, it should be able to resist the damage caused by freezing temperatures and chemical spills.

Depending on the type of concrete patch you choose, it may have added grit or sand to make it easier to apply and blend into the surrounding concrete. This helps to make the patch look more like mortar or concrete, which is ideal if you plan on staining or painting the area. A trowel is a useful tool for blending in the patch, and you should always use caution to ensure that the patch doesn’t become too thick and cause further damage to the surface.