measuring step

How Does Concrete Repair Work?

Concrete repair is a process that can be used to fix cracks, chips, and other damage to concrete surfaces. In most cases, the damaged surface is cleaned and then a special epoxy is applied to the area. This epoxy will fill in the cracks or chips and will then harden, restoring the surface of the concrete. 

 

In some cases, however, it may be necessary to use a foam repair system. Foam repair systems work by filling in the damaged area with a foam-like substance. This substance will then harden and will restore the surface of the concrete.

 

There are a few things that you should keep in mind when using a foam repair system:

1) Make sure that you read and follow the instructions on the container. Each foam repair system is slightly different and you need to make sure that you take the proper precautions when applying it.

 

2) Make sure that the area is completely dry before using a foam repair system. The surface should be free of any moisture, grease, or oil. If there is water in the cracks, then the repaired area may break or chip easily. This can be a problem if there are lots of cracks going through the concrete as there may be moisture seeping from several places at once.

 

3) Follow all safety precautions listed on your repair kit’s instruction manual. When working with chemicals, it is always a good idea to follow all safety instructions carefully to prevent injury or illness during the application or after your project is completed.

 

If you are unsure about how to use a repair foam system, or if you have any other questions about concrete repair, please feel free to contact our experts. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and can help you choose the right repair system for your needs. We also offer a wide range of services, so we can handle all of your concrete repair needs. Contact us today to learn more.

 

pouring concrete

What is Polyurethane Foam and Why Do We Use It?

Polyurethane foam has become an increasingly popular choice for concrete crack repair in recent years. This is due, in part, to the many benefits that it offers.

 

So, what is polyurethane foam? Polyurethane foam is a type of insulation made from two liquids that are mixed together and then foamed up using air or nitrogen. It is available in both open cell and closed cell varieties, with the latter being more common.

 

Open cell foam is less dense and more permeable than closed cell foam. This makes it a better choice for applications where moisture needs to be allowed to escape, such as roofing and insulation. Closed cell foam, on the other hand, is more dense and water-resistant. It is thus a better choice for structural applications, such as concrete crack repair.

 

Polyurethane foam comes in several different strengths and densities. The lowest density types are typically used for insulation purposes, while higher density types are more suitable for the structural repair of things like cracks. Concrete crack repair with polyurethane foam typically involves filling the crack with an expanding spray product that becomes up to ten times stronger than the surrounding concrete within minutes after application.

 

What are Some of the Benefits?

A few of the major benefits of using polyurethane foam concrete crack repair needs include:

 

(1) It is very easy to apply;

 

(2) Provides long-lasting results;

 

(3) Requires no curing time;

 

(4) can be used to prevent water damage, which is particularly beneficial for basements and crawl spaces where concrete cracks are often common;

 

(5) after the foam cures it becomes inert, meaning that it does not support mold growth.

 

As you can see, polyurethane foam is an extremely versatile product with many applications as a concrete crack repair material. If you live in need of such services please contact us at your earliest convenience so we may provide you with further information about our products and services as well as how they might benefit you.

 

old concrete building

Tips to Maintain Your Concrete

There is nothing eternal, each building structure deforms over time as a result of mechanical influences and the influence of the natural environment. Concrete is a durable building material that is made on the basis of cement and is also susceptible to destruction. Therefore, many private developers are interested in what to do if concrete crumbles and how to maintain concrete.

 

The Main Causes of Destruction

The main factors of deformation of concrete structures:

 

  1.   Moisture that gets into the voids of the building material. Every person from school physics lessons knows that water can take 3 states: steam, liquid, ice. After freezing, water crystallizes and expands. Accordingly, water trapped in the voids of the structure expands in winter and destroys it.

 

  1.   Sharp changes in ambient temperatures.

 

  1.   If in the process of pouring a poor-quality building mixture was used, the composition of which did not comply with building codes.

 

  1.   For the mobility of the cement slurry in the process of its manufacture, additional water was added, and no special additives were used.

 

  1.   Structures at the stage of hardening and curing of the solution are not provided with proper care. In order for the solution to acquire the required level of strength, it must set gradually over several days. To do this, in hot weather, the flooded foundation is sprayed with water and covered with a film, in winter it is heated with special devices (mats, electric cables).

 

How to Maintain Concrete and Prevent it From Crumbling  

Recommendations of concrete repair contractor Rockwall Tx for maintaining concrete and for the prevention of crumbling of concrete structures:

 

  1.   When preparing the building mixture on your own, it is necessary to additionally use water-repellent additives. To ensure the homogeneity of the mixture, increase the strength, it is necessary to add plasticizers.

 

  1.   It is recommended to treat the already poured foundation with a hydrophobic compound.

 

  1.   If the concrete structure is constantly exposed to moisture, it must be impregnated with a water-repellent agent under high pressure. To do this, you need to use special equipment.

 

The concrete surface must be maintained. It is not recommended to put into operation concrete structures earlier than the set time. The setting period of the cement slurry is 28 days. During this time, concrete is gaining strength characteristics.

 

hand tool

Concrete Foam Repair Aftercare

Concrete foam repair is not a simple job both industrial and private construction. However, many inexperienced workers who specialize in the repair or construction of buildings neglect the maintenance of the concrete surface, believing that pouring is the final stage. Meanwhile, the provision of conditions for the correct hardening of the solution allows you to guarantee the maximum strength and durability of the structure being erected.

 

Basic Rules After Concrete Foam Repair 

It is believed that concrete acquires the required strength precisely at the stage of hardening (maturation). For this reason, you should treat the surface with the utmost scrupulousness, ensuring:

  •   the minimum shrinkage rate of the solution poured into the formwork;
  •   protection of the structure from temperature drops;
  •   sufficient moistening of the surface before hardening to avoid cracking;
  •   protection against exposure to chemicals or mechanical stress.

 

Foam Repair – Formwork

It is categorically not recommended to dismantle the formwork structure until the structure has gained 70% of its strength. In order for the process to proceed at the proper level, immediately after pouring, it is necessary to inspect the formwork for leaks or geometry violations. It is possible to eliminate the shortcomings in the first two hours after laying the 

mortar: the mixture should not give in to shaking at the time of setting.

 

Microclimate

Another important aspect is the creation of optimal microclimatic conditions. After pouring the solution into the formwork, the surface should be covered with a film, preventing it from drying out in hot weather and freezing in winter. Recommended humidity for solidification is 90%. Providing such indicators guarantees that the concrete has the required strength and stability indicators.

 

Hydration

In no case should you speed up the concrete hardening process using a hairdryer or similar equipment. Such a solution will only harm the structure, because, without gaining the required strength, the solution can exfoliate or crumble. Among other things, the resistance of the structure to chemical, atmospheric, mechanical influences decreases, and the risk of shrinkage cracks formation increases.

To avoid such consequences, it is necessary to cover the surface with a film for at least 8 hours. After removing the polyethylene, the screed must be moistened by spraying with water. Such measures must be taken if the air temperature is above +5 degrees.

If the ambient temperature is below +5 degrees, it is not required to take measures to moisturize the structure. On the contrary, the surface must be additionally insulated by covering it with rags, sawdust, etc.

 

level for construction

What to Expect When Having Concrete Leveled

Your home has never looked better than it does now, but if you’re looking for ways to improve its aesthetics even more, then adding concrete leveling to your outdoor spaces may be the way to go. This simple improvement will give your yard a whole new look and make it easier for you to enjoy all of the amenities that come with living in this part of town. 

 

Concrete leveling is not limited to repairing cracked surfaces anymore; instead, you’ll notice more homeowners opting for this service because it is fast and efficient. Unlike other methods such as grinding, no particles are flying around at high speeds during the process, making it safe for use around children and pets which makes one wonder why they ever opted out in the first place! So what should you expect when having concrete leveled? If you want to know what improvements you can expect when having your concrete leveled, here are six things worth noting:

 

1) The Home’s Curb Appeal Will Be Enhanced

The first thing people notice about your home is the overall curb appeal. A good-looking front lawn tells visitors that you take pride in how it looks. What could be nicer than taking out the grass and replacing the concrete flooring with something that looks like a polished dance floor? If you want to make your outdoor spaces more interesting, then consider concrete leveling. It will give your home an amazing appearance and make it look more modern than it has before.

 

2) You Can Enjoy High-Quality Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor living is all about making memories with family and friends. This is why concrete leveling is getting so much attention these days. It can help turn concrete patios into beautiful outdoor rooms where people can enjoy just sitting around talking or singing songs near the fire pit after dinner. You’ll love being outside now that you have flat concrete instead of bumpy concrete.

 

3) No More Bumps in the Walkway

Who loves tripping over concrete bumps? Nobody! If you have concrete that is “raised” in certain spots, then concrete leveling will fix this problem. The concrete guys can literally shave off the high areas so that everybody who steps onto your property walks across even concrete all day long.

 

4) It’s Not Expensive to Add Concrete Leveling

Concrete leveling may be a bit more expensive than just pouring concrete into place, but it’s well worth the money. You can enjoy all of these great benefits without having to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on improving your outdoor spaces. Prices vary depending on the size and scope of the project, but you can expect to pay $1 per square foot or less for this service, which is far cheaper than concrete installation.

 

5) Concrete Leveling Will Last a Long Time

Concrete leveling is not like concrete pouring. This concrete treatment lasts four times longer, which means that you won’t need to worry about it for at least 15 years or so. If you care about the overall appearance of your property, then this service will pay off dividends over time as it keeps on looking great year after year without any deterioration.

 

6) It’s Easy to Install and Maintain

You don’t have to be a professional concrete contractor in order to install concrete leveling or attend to any problems associated with this service. You just need some basic do-it-yourself knowledge and you can handle it yourself, even if you’re working on concrete that is hundreds of square feet. If concrete leveling ever starts to wear down – for example, if concrete raising becomes a problem – then you can always pour concrete into place and replace it with something brand new.

 

Now that you know what concrete leveling has to offer, it’s probably a good idea for you to invest in our services. Contact concrete experts today! You can enjoy concrete leveling for at least 15 years, which gives you plenty of time to make concrete leveling a success in your home.

 

parking lot aerial view

Why You Need To Fix Your Parking Lot?

The cost to fix your parking lot is not the only thing you should consider when deciding whether or not to fix it. The safety of your employees and customers is also an important factor. As well as how quickly you can get the job done, depending on what condition your parking lot is in. Fixing a parking lot should be at the top of every business owner’s list because its benefits outweigh any drawbacks by far. A poorly maintained parking lot has consequences for all aspects of a company’s operations, so fixing it can save money in other areas while keeping everyone safe and happy. The following are reasons why is it Important to Fix Your Parking Lot:

 

  1. Provide safe and easy access to your business through the parking lot

A smooth, well-maintained parking lot provides your customers with a safe, convenient place to park while they are visiting your business. If the lot is potholed or cluttered with equipment, it will deter customers from visiting in the first place and cause accidents if they do.

 

  1. Ensure a first impression that reflects well on your business

In addition to being a safe place to park, your parking lot should be attractive and carefully designed for easy entry and exit from the space. When you build or renovate your parking lot, design it in a way that reflects positively on your business and what it has to offer.

 

  1. Avoid liability issues, fines, and damage to vehicles

Potholes, broken pavement, and other hazards in your parking lot can cause major problems if they lead to accidents or injuries, so it’s important to maintain the area carefully. If you fail to properly maintain the area around your business or do not provide sufficient warning of dangerous conditions, you could face fines and lawsuits.

 

  1. Ensure that your facility is ADA compliant

If you have an older parking lot that does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it must be made to do so as soon as possible, or you can face expensive lawsuits down the line. According to the law, anyone who owns a place of public accommodation must ensure that disabled individuals are able to access goods and services at least as easily as other customers. Parking lots should meet specific requirements for the width of accessible parking spaces, slopes, and more.

 

  1. Make your business run efficiently

A well-maintained parking lot will ease traffic flow in and out of your business, making it easier for staff members to park when they arrive and for customers to exit when they leave. If the lot is constantly jammed with cars, employees will not be able to find spaces in which to park. Parking lots that are designed well also allow your business to run more smoothly by encouraging traffic flow into, around, and out of your business.

 

  1. Keep pace with modern designs for parking lots

Years ago, businesses often favored asphalt or even dirt surfaces rather than concrete or brick because the latter two materials were considered too expensive. Now, however, many businesses choose to build new parking lots using high-quality pavement materials, including concrete pavers, brick pavers, and interlocking pavers because these take little maintenance while adding a beautiful touch of color or pattern to any commercial property.

 

  1. Easily accommodate deliveries in the parking lot

If you receive regular shipments, the best way to ensure that your parking lot can handle these vehicles is to choose materials that facilitate easy entry and exit. For example, if you plan to use a curb cut as part of your delivery process, it’s important to strengthen the surrounding pavement so that heavy trucks will not cause damage.

 

  1. Protect the value of your business

One reason for making sure that your facility is ADA compliant has nothing to do with customers: It also protects the investment and value of your business and property. According to federal law, all commercial facilities must be accessible by disabled individuals unless businesses provide “the same degree” of access for those who need special accommodations as they do for everyone else. If it is not possible to provide equal access, it must be offered at a different price or otherwise made available.

 

  1. Keep your commercial property in good shape

If your commercial parking lot looks poorly maintained and cluttered, customers may assume that the same is true of the inside of your business as well–and they will find someplace else to go. In addition, if you have been cited for failure to maintain ADA-compliant facilities on your property, federal law requires that these citations be posted on websites such as Fines.gov. In other words, customers who have bad experiences with your business by being unable to reach or buy from you will know it.

 

At the end of the day, a parking lot is an expensive investment. Make sure to take care of it so that you can get as much out of your space as possible and avoid costly parking lot repairs in the future.