Concrete Repair and Protection
We live in a world of concrete. It sounds silly until you think about it. The foundations of new homes are laid with concrete. There are streets of concrete, as well as the bike and pedestrian paths next to them. There are buildings, bridges, water breaks and safety structures created from it. Indeed, wherever you look, you are likely to find some form of concrete. But, as a material, it’s not infallible. There is, unfortunately, the need for concrete repair – and protection – in many areas.
What Is Concrete Repair and Why Is It Needed?
There are many different types of concrete repair that occasionally need to be undertaken. These include cracks and chips. Keep in mind that wherever there is concrete, there is a possibility that it may need to be repaired. It all depends on the type of damage that has occurred. When it comes to public works projects, repair must be done to prevent loss of life or other health and safety concerns. The sooner these repairs are done; the safer the entire structure remains. (Consider bridges and public buildings; these structures are crucial to restore soonest to prevent injury.)
Concrete can become damaged or worn out from several different causes. Natural causes that break down rocks and soil can also affect concrete. This includes air and water that, given enough time, wear down the face of (just about) anything in their path. Concrete, because it is created from natural substances that are subject to expansion and compression based on temperature and weather, can also become damaged from the effects of aggregate expansion over time. And, all of these are entirely natural ways in which concrete scan become damaged. (Before you become disheartened, consider that it’s still one of the strongest and most resilient materials available to the construction industries.)
In addition to natural concerns, concrete can also be weakened and, therefore, damaged through fire. Bacterial and chemical damage can also occur though these types of wear and tear often have more to do with the location of the concrete, such as the wave breakers and soil protectors found along steep coastlines.
And, just like most materials, it can be damaged by brute force. Crashing cars or heavy falling objects are likely to crack and damage concrete instantly. Though, as you may have noticed, continued pressure will have the same impact (such as the root of a tree pushing for space underneath an area covered by concrete.
Although, in some cases, concrete is damaged beyond repair, it is usually better to attempt it than to replace it entirely. Despite the effects of water and air on concrete, it does take an enormous amount of time to break down completely. As such, concrete is difficult to dispose of – and it should never be taken to a landfill which causes many adverse effects on the environment.
However, professional repair of broken or cracked concrete is possible which saves time, money and negates the environmental impact of dumping concrete. However, the type of repair required often depends on the location and the structure of the concrete to be restored. It also depends on access and the internal composition of the concrete.
When Does Concrete Call for Repair and How Is It Done?
Generally speaking, concrete repairs must be done whenever there is a concern for human (or animal) life or safety. In some cases, this means immediately. This includes repair to structures that are meant for occupation or that affect travel routes. Often, this means revamping buildings and bridges if their structures have been affected or negotiated by concrete degradation. In some cases, such as the water breakers, concrete is left until it becomes inefficient for the purpose that it was installed. Because these are not crucial areas affecting health and safety – and because wear and tear are indeed expected – these are usually not as critical as dwellings and offices.
Additionally, there are smaller repairs that must be undertaken when they become unsightly, inefficient or potentially dangerous. These areas include kerbs and pavements. They may not demand immediate attention; however, they will need to be addressed at some point in order to maintain a minimum standard of living.
Concrete repair is as easy, or as complicated, as any structure or area demands. But, there are two common types of repair. One of the most common types is crack repair. When cracks are located at ground level, such as pavement, it’s typically easier to repair, but it isn’t just a matter of pouring in fresh concrete. Because of the expansion inherent in the makeup of concrete, specialised products and compositions must be mixed. In addition, continued pressure, such as tree roots must be addressed prior to the stitching of these fissures.
When damage has occurred on a vertical structure, such as the wall of a building, additional care on concern is typically needed due to the weight these walls must support. After assessment, concrete repair begins with a thorough clean of the entire area. Weak or broken pieces must be removed; failure to do so could negate the whole process. After concrete has dried, a protective sealant is applied to the damaged area so that the replaced pieces do not further negate the structure. A new layer of concrete is then applied before being sealed with a protective coating.
As technology has developed, so too has the level of protection that builders can offer concrete. Typically, these are applied as coatings or protective sealants after concrete has been laid, cleaned and dried. One of the most common protective layers is an anti-corrosive which inhibits damage from chemicals, not to mention natural elements. However, concrete protection is as technical as the production of concrete itself.
Usually, concrete protection is provided as part of any installation or repair; however, this was not always the case. If you have a structure that was not previously protected, doing so now is not only easy – it is recommended. After all, we do live in a concrete jungle (even if we live out in the country).
For more information on concrete repair, please click here.
