Concrete Repair Bismarck used to get a bad rap. It used to take much longer and cost more than replacement but with new technology it’s fast, affordable, and can save you time and money.
The type of repair material selected is important as is the surface preparation to ensure good bond. It is also important that the interface between the repair and existing concrete is durable.
Cracks in concrete are common and can be a sign of problems with the concrete structure. Cracks are caused by a variety of reasons from water ingress to structural failures like shear and bending forces. It is important to identify the cause of the cracking and correct it to prevent further damage.
Using the right type of concrete repair is the key to ensuring that your repairs last. The type of repair you use will depend on the size and location of the crack, but in most cases it will be a mix of different materials. You will also need to prepare the area to ensure that your repairs are successful. This will include cleaning the crack and removing any loose debris.
If you are repairing a wide crack then it is a good idea to use a backer rod to hold the repair material. This is a foam round rod that comes in a range of sizes, simply push the rod into the crack to a depth equal to the width of the crack. Then fill the crack with your choice of concrete repair material. You will need to allow time for the concrete to cure, depending on the type of repair you have used it may take up to 28 days to fully harden.
You should also consider adding pre-stressing steel to your repair if the crack is due to shear or bending stresses. This will help to prevent future cracking and can be added either by injecting epoxy or using a mortar mix.
Narrow cracks can be repaired by chiselling out the area around the crack with a hammer and stonework chisel tool, this will create a backward angled cut that will help the repair material to bond to the main body of concrete. Once the area is cleaned, the crack should be sprayed with a liquid bonding agent and left to dry before applying the concrete repair mix.
When repairing cracks it is important to choose the right type of repair mix, the concrete must be similar in strength and quality to the existing concrete. This will make sure that the concrete repair has a similar elastic modulus and thermal coefficients to the existing concrete, this will help to prevent stress transfer and debonding of the concrete repair material.
Sealing Cracks
As any homeowner can attest, concrete crack repair is a big job. It requires research, finding and buying materials, prep work, the crack repair itself and clean up. It’s no wonder that DIY-ing a concrete crack repair project can easily take up an entire weekend.
The secret to a lasting concrete crack repair is proper preparation. This includes removing any deteriorated concrete, cleaning the area, and stabilizing the structure if necessary to keep it from falling apart. The repair itself should be done using a concrete patching material that has low shrinkage and good bond strength to the surrounding concrete.
All cracks must be inspected and cleaned to determine their cause and origin, and any factors that contributed to the cracking must be addressed in order to prevent future failure. This is where a professional can help. They can identify any obvious causes of cracking such as failed roof and flashing, cold and expansion joints, and improper curing of the concrete.
If the concrete is too badly deteriorated to be repaired by epoxy injection, it will need to be removed and replaced. It is critical to stabilize the structure as much as possible prior to removing any concrete, and all corroded reinforcing steel must be cleaned thoroughly and tied in with new steel bars before placing replacement concrete. This is why many engineers recommend that associations budget for a contingency of about 25 percent of the total repair cost to cover this type of unexpected work.
It is also important that the concrete patching material be chosen carefully, as it will dictate how well the repair will hold up. A low shrinkage patching material is usually preferred to minimize any dying cracks in the repair. For the best results, patches should be simple in geometry – rectangular or square is usually better than circular or ovoid – in order to minimize the formation of feather edges that can affect the integrity of the repair and long-term durability of the structure.
After the patching material has been applied, it should be allowed to dry for a few hours, and then covered with a plastic sheet to protect it from moisture until it is completely cured, which takes about five days. Once the concrete is cured, a concrete sealer can be used to protect it from further damage.
Repairing Slabs
Many homeowners encounter dipped or unlevel concrete slabs in their driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, garages and other structures. These problems are not only unsightly and unattractive, but they can also lead to structural damage over time if left unattended.
To repair a concrete slab, the first step is to clean the area and remove any loose debris. Next, the crack is filled with a resilient material to prevent water from entering and expanding the crack. The injected material can be epoxy, polyurethane or another product designed to fill and lock the crack, such as Sakrete’s Slab Patch. This repair method is only recommended for vertical cracks in concrete surfaces running in a straight line.
Another option is to use the drilling and plugging method. For this, you will drill holes into the cracked concrete at close intervals along the crack. Then, each hole is filled with a metal unit that will transfer load to the other side of the crack.
After the injected repair material has set, you can remove the units by hand or with a power tool. The next step is to apply a self-leveling concrete mix to the slab and smooth it over the divots, allowing it to self-level as it cures. This is a quick and easy fix that will provide some stability to your concrete surface.
If the leveling repair doesn’t provide enough stabilization or you want a more long-term solution, underpinning is an excellent option for your concrete slab. This involves excavating underneath your slab and installing piers that reach down to stable soil where they can support the slab from beneath, mitigating future damage from changes in moisture levels.
While there are many ways to repair cracked, dipped, or sunken concrete slabs, replacing them is often the best option because it will save you both money and hassle in the long run. Aside from being expensive, a sunken or cracked concrete slab is unattractive and may lower the value of your home. It can also be a tripping hazard and cause structural damage to structures connected to the slab, such as doors and windows.
Repairing Foundations
A crumbling concrete foundation needs to be addressed as soon as possible in order to limit further damage and protect the value of your home. The first step is determining the severity of the problem. This can be done by examining the cracks, spalling and overall condition of the concrete. You will also want to identify the underlying cause. This could be from water infiltration, poor construction, soil settlement or other factors. A geotechnical engineer may be able to assist with this process.
There are a variety of repair methods for foundations, depending on the type and severity of the cracking. Hairline cracks are often repaired using hydraulic cement sealants. These products expand as they cure, filling voids and tightly sealing the crack. For larger cracks, a syringe or caulking gun can be used to inject epoxy or polyurethane into the gap. This will help to strengthen the crack, preventing further damage and ensuring a long life span for your foundation.
If you are experiencing horizontal cracking in your concrete foundation, this is a sign of serious trouble and should be addressed immediately. This type of cracking is caused by hydrostatic pressure and can cause structural damage to the house. If left untreated, this pressure can lead to a complete collapse of the foundation.
When repairing cracks in concrete foundations, you will need to clean the area thoroughly with a wire brush and vacuum cleaner in order to remove any debris. It is also important to prepare the surface of the concrete to ensure proper bonding. This can be achieved by high-pressure water blasting or by scrabbling the surface of the concrete. The surface should also be free of oil, grease and other materials that would inhibit the proper adhesion of the repair product.
For a permanent solution to foundation problems, galvanized steel helical piers can be installed underneath your home. These piers, which are similar to screw anchors or augers, are drilled into the ground until they reach heavy, dense soil that can support the weight of your foundation. If helical piers are not an option, concrete piles can be used instead. These are simply blocks or cylinders of pre-cured concrete that are driven into the ground beneath your foundation.
