Concrete Repair Bismarck products offer easy, cost-effective and durable options to fix problems like cracks, settling, discoloration and more. But determining whether to repair or replace concrete isn’t always straightforward.

Using the wrong repair method for the type of damage can result in a temporary or even worse fix. And skipping surface preparation or rushing the curing process can lead to a weak repair.

There are a few important steps that need to be taken care of before the concrete repair process can begin. Having proper preparation techniques in place is critical to the success of any project, as it ensures that the materials used will adhere properly to the existing concrete and not peel or chip away over time.

The first step of proper preparation is cleaning the surface of the concrete that will need to be repaired. This includes removing any dirt, debris, oil, and other contaminants from the concrete. This can be accomplished using physical methods such as sandblasting or grinding, or chemical means such as acid etching. The cleaning process should leave the concrete surface free of any foreign material, which will allow for a better bond between the new repair material and the concrete substrate.

After the concrete is cleaned, it is recommended to use a profiler to roughen up the surface of the concrete that needs to be repaired. This allows for a better mechanical bond between the concrete and the new repair material, and will help extend the life of the repairs. The profiler can be a manual tool, such as a steel brush or hammer and chisel, or it can be an automatic machine, such as a shot blaster or abrasion. It is recommended that a surface profile rating of CSP 1 through CSP 5 be achieved, although it may vary depending on the project.

Longitudinal repair perimeter joints should also be prepared before the addition of the new concrete. For smaller repairs, this can be done by simply chipping the concrete until sound and clean concrete is exposed. Larger repairs that require full slab replacement or are longer than 4.5 m (15 ft) may need to be reinforced with tiebars or wiggle bolts.

It is also important to note that it is crucial to allocate sufficient time for the concrete repair process. This will allow for the necessary inspections, meticulous assessment of the damage, and precise execution of the repair work. Proper time allocation will also allow for adequate curing of the repairs, which is critical to ensuring that they last as long as possible.

Tools

Concrete repair is an essential and ongoing process for maintaining safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing surfaces. It is important to address surface damage as soon as possible to avoid more costly repairs down the road.

While full replacement of a damaged concrete slab is possible, it is often more cost-effective to repair minor damage. It is also possible to use different methods for concrete repair depending on the specific situation and what type of repair is needed.

One common method is to use a self-leveling concrete compound to level concrete that has settled over time. This is a relatively easy and convenient way to level concrete, but it is usually not effective for addressing the underlying cause of the settling (e.g., poor initial pour or soil conditions).

Other methods include routing and sealing concrete cracks. This method is generally considered to be more effective for dormant cracks, but it can also be used on active cracks as long as the appropriate sealant is used. The procedure involves enlarging the crack to expose its exposed face and filling it with the appropriate sealant.

If you are repairing a crack in concrete, it is important to clean the area of the crack and remove any debris. This will ensure a good bond between the new concrete and the existing structure. Sweep or use a pressure washer to remove any dirt and other material that could act as bond breakers. Once the area is cleaned, it should be brought to saturated surface dry (SSD) to ensure a good bond between the crack patch and the existing concrete.

It is also a good idea to undercut the edges of the crack by striking it with a small sledgehammer or chipping hammer. This will help prevent the new concrete from pulling away from the existing concrete or cracking again later.

Another tool you will need for concrete repair is a bull float, which is a smoothing tool that looks like a long stick with a handle. Once the self-leveling concrete has set, you can use a bull float to create a smooth and polished surface.

Materials

The materials needed for concrete repair vary depending on the type of damage and how it was caused. Surface repairs include chipping away loose concrete with a hammer and chisel, then filling the damaged area with concrete patching material to restore it to its original condition. This method of repair is used to fix surface defects such as cracks and spalling. Concrete bonding agent is sometimes used in conjunction with this to improve the adhesion of the repair material to the existing concrete.

Concrete patching materials come in powder, liquid and pre-mixed forms. Each has its own benefits and uses. Some of these products are also available as an epoxy coating, which is ideal for protecting and strengthening concrete surfaces that are exposed to a lot of wear and tear. These products are also good for repairing spalling and resurfacing concrete that has lost its smooth, even texture due to exposure to water or chemicals.

For small cracks, a masonry concrete crack filler can be applied with a caulking gun or trowel to create a strong and durable repair that will not crack or deteriorate. These types of crack fillers are available in a wide range of color options to match the surrounding concrete. They are also low in viscosity, making them easy to use and very effective.

Larger cracks can be repaired with a concrete patching compound, which is a pre-mixed material that can be spread or pumped into place to form a horizontal or vertical surface. This type of concrete repair is very durable and has good freeze-thaw durability, making it a great choice for industrial or heavy-duty applications such as airport runways, parking structures or concrete highways.

For concrete resurfacing or structural concrete repairs, it is best to choose a pre-blended patching material that contains polymers. This will make the cement more adhesive and flexible, which is necessary for a good repair. One option is Tenon(r) Air-Entrained Concrete Patching Mix AE (3U58M) (BOM #126198), which mixes with water to produce a high-strength, non-shrink, fast-setting patching material suitable for commercial or industrial concrete pavements and bridge decks as well as industrial and commercial concrete floors.

Curing

Concrete repair is a common problem for many property owners, and there are several types of repairs. Surface treatments fix minor surface damage, like cracks and spalling, before it becomes a serious issue. Surface treatment products like urethane, epoxy or acrylic coat the concrete and act as a barrier to more damage. It is important to choose the right product for the job and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for curing times.

Injection and injection-placed concrete repair are methods that inject a material into the concrete to fill a crack or other damage. The material is typically a cement-based polyurethane or epoxy that is placed under pressure into the damaged area. The material is then allowed to cure. This repair method can be used to treat cracks, spalling and other damage in commercial and residential structures.

It is also possible to replace damaged concrete sections. Concrete replacement is usually required when the damage extends to more than one-half of the existing concrete section or when it reaches the bottom of the reinforcement bars. This type of repair is more complex than a surface repair and requires the assistance of a professional engineer experienced in concrete construction.

Natural deterioration of concrete includes abrasion, erosion and corrosion that degrade the integrity of the structure over time. The deterioration can cause structural issues, like cracks and spalling, or it can lead to discoloration, which decreases the aesthetic value of the building or parking lot. It is important to address these problems promptly to maintain safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing facilities.

While concrete repairs are often necessary, there are ways to prevent them from happening in the first place. A proper maintenance program that includes regular inspections and timely repairs can greatly increase the life of the concrete. It is also important to avoid letting small issues grow into bigger ones by fixing them as soon as they appear. This will help to save money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs and replacements.