Concrete Repair Dallas is repairing damaged, old, or degrading concrete. It’s important to repair concrete early on before cracks or other damage worsen and become a safety hazard.
Professional contractors have the right tools and ensure repairs are done properly and safely. They also offer warranties and insurance coverage for peace of mind.
Whether a crack is structural or not, it can still be damaging to concrete. It acts as a passageway for water, oxygen, minerals, and other materials to penetrate concrete structures, leading to deterioration and potential safety issues. It’s important to identify and classify the significance of a concrete crack to ensure the best repair method is followed.
Cracks that are found to be dormant or static can usually be filled with a flexible sealant to prevent water intrusion and other contaminants from entering the concrete. However, this only works if the crack isn’t going to get worse. Cracks that are continually widening or presenting a tripping hazard should be repaired by a professional to address the underlying issue.
Crazing cracks are a network of fine, random cracks that develop in the surface layer of concrete. They can occur in both dormant and live cracks and are more noticeable on surfaces that have been troweled or brushed. Crazing is a common problem that can be minimised by thoughtful concreting construction practices, including careful control of moisture content and thoughtful curing techniques.
The earliest cracking of concrete occurs due to thermal contraction and resulting stresses that create movements and cracks in the concrete. These early-age cracks are generally not considered to be a structural concern, as they will close as the concrete matures and do not compromise the overall sturdiness of the structure. However, these cracks should be repaired to reduce the permeability of the concrete and limit the ingress of water, oxygen and other contaminants that could lead to corrosion of the steel reinforcement, leading to costly maintenance.
Once the cracks have been evaluated and classified by a licenced professional, they can be filled with the appropriate repair methods to improve the durability of the concrete, reduce permeability and prevent further deterioration of the concrete structure. The most effective method is to use a liquid polyurethane crack filler that is designed for this purpose and will stretch with the movement of the concrete, ensuring a lasting, durable crack repair.
Leaks
A concrete slab leak is a serious problem that should not be ignored. It can damage floors and cause structural problems. A professional plumber can assess the leak and recommend the most suitable method for Repair. They will use advanced technology and a variety of tools to locate the source and fix it quickly.
Leaks can occur for a variety of reasons, including corrosion of steel pipes, settlement cracks in the concrete slab and soil movement. Environmental factors, like acidic water or extremes in temperature, can also contribute to slab leaks.
Several signs of a slab leak include water spots on walls and floors, puddles under carpets or in other rooms of the home, unexplained spikes in your water bill, and the sound of running water even when no faucet is active. If you notice any of these signs, contact a plumber immediately.
Another common sign of a slab leak is low water pressure. When a pipe under the concrete foundation of your house leaks, it decreases overall water pressure throughout your home. This can affect showers, sinks, and laundry appliances.
If you notice a sudden drop in water pressure, turn off all your sinks and water-using fixtures, then look at the numbers on your water meter. If the red triangle is moving or the numbers are going up, this is a clear indication that you have a leak.
Wood floor damage is another sign of a slab leak, as the water can rise through the floor and damage it. You may also notice a musty smell in living areas, and moisture accumulation around windows and doors.
Slab leaks can be extremely difficult to detect, and they can lead to costly long-term damage to your property if not repaired promptly. A qualified plumber can use methods such as acoustic leak detection and thermal imaging to pinpoint the exact location of the leak. They can then implement a trenchless repair process such as pipe lining or bursting to reduce the impact on your home and garden.
Slab leaks are dangerous and require a plumber with the right knowledge, equipment, and experience to handle them. A plumber will be able to pinpoint the exact location of the leak and then implement a targeted repair using new plumbing materials that match your soil composition. This will prevent future problems such as high water bills and potential mold growth.
Loose Joints
Whether it is new concrete being poured against an existing slab or expansion joints in commercial or industrial floors, cracks and loose joints need to be addressed. The key is to properly repair them so they can continue to be functional and don’t cause damage or further deterioration to the concrete slab below.
Loose expansion joints, or control and movement joints as they are sometimes called, need to be repaired by a professional. Using a liquid bonding agent like Roadware 10 Minute Concrete Mender and a trowel, clean out the joint and create a profile that is a minimum of 1.5″ deep and 2″ wide on each side. This will give the bonding material a place to adhere to.
Next, vacuum the area and sweep it well to remove any dust, dirt or debris that may be preventing the bonding process. If the existing concrete is already heaving or dropping at the joints it is likely that the movement has passed and that repairing the cracks will not be a long-term solution.
Once the concrete is ready to be bonded, spray the surface with water to hydrate the concrete particles. This is especially important if the weather is warm. If the concrete is too hot the water will be pulled out of the cement particles causing them to lose strength.
After the surface has been sprayed with water and is damp, apply a thin coat of the bonding agent to the existing concrete surface. This will help the concrete Repair to bind to the existing concrete and help it resist further cracking, heaving or dropping.
Mix the Polyflex in the correct proportion as per the manufacturer’s instructions and apply using a caulking gun, following the manufacturer’s application instructions. After the application, use a putty knife or trowel to smooth the sealant and make sure it is level with the surrounding surface. If needed, lightly tap the surface to test the bond. If you hear a dull thud the concrete is bonded well.
Professionally designed, installed and repaired expansion joints provide many benefits to your business including superior safety for your employees, reduced maintenance work and a higher quality of product or service. Contact us to discuss your expansion joint needs today.
Damage
Identifying and fixing damage early on is key to maintaining the structural integrity of concrete. Whether you’re dealing with cracks, spalling, efflorescence, pitting, or crazing, proper concrete repair techniques can help keep your home safe and secure.
Concrete is susceptible to damage from both internal and external forces, including shrinkage, settling, freeze-thaw cycles, water penetration, and environmental contaminants like deicing chemicals. When these factors come together, they can lead to serious structural problems and even collapse. However, identifying and fixing these issues promptly can prevent major damage and save you money and hassle down the road.
When it comes to repairing concrete, the most important factor is ensuring that the new material will fully bond with the existing structure. This requires thorough cleaning, removing any loose or deteriorated sections of concrete, and applying a high-quality epoxy filler or patching compound. Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions for proper mixing, application, and curing.
The other factor to consider is the underlying cause of the damage. For example, plastic shrinkage cracks can be repaired with a polymer-based concrete repair product that is formulated to resist expansion and contraction caused by moisture changes. Drying shrinkage cracks, on the other hand, are often more problematic and require a different approach, such as a resurfacing compound or overlay.
Other types of surface damage to look out for include flaking, chipping, pitting, and scaling. These are usually the result of exposure to harsh weather conditions, especially in winter, and can be addressed by removing the damaged areas and applying a new concrete overlay. Pitting and scaling may also be the result of poor drainage, which can lead to water infiltration. Efflorescence is a white, powdery substance that forms on the surface of concrete and can be removed with a stiff brush or treated with an efflorescence remover.
In many cases, repairing concrete is a more sustainable option than replacing it, as it uses fewer resources and generates less waste. It’s also a much faster process than getting brand-new concrete poured, which can be an important consideration if you’re looking to save time and money.