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.