Because of its durability and affordability, concrete is often preferred by engineers and architects when choosing materials for building residential and commercial establishments. As with other materials, however, concrete may cause the structure to deteriorate if installed poorly. Additional elements, such as flowing water or ice, and failure to conduct periodic maintenance, can also result in the structure’s failure in the long run. If you are planning to perform concrete repair in Salt Lake City by yourself, here are the methods you can use:
The Routing and Sealing Method
For remedial repairs, you can try enlarging the crack and them filling and sealing it with any of the following joint sealants:
- Asphaltic Materials
- Epoxies
- Polymer Mortars
- Polysulfides
- Silicones
- Urethanes
The routing and sealing methods are often used in flat horizontal surfaces, such as pavements and floors, but it can also be carried out on vertical and curved surfaces, like pipes, poles, and piles.
The Epoxy Injection Method
For cracks as narrow as 0.05 mm, sealing the surface and injecting epoxy with pressure often solves the case. This method will only be successful, however, if the cause of the crack has been corrected. Otherwise, the issue is most likely to recur near the original crack in the future.
For cracks wider than 0.05 mm, you can opt for the vacuum-assist method. Instead of epoxy, use acrylics and polyesters. The epoxy injection can be used to repair cracked concrete in bridges, buildings, and dams.
The Stitching Method
Stitching involves drilling holes on the surface and using metal staples so that the tension is distributed across the crack instead of concentrated on a single area. To anchor the legs of the staples, you can use either an epoxy resin-based bonding system or a non-shrink grout.
The Drilling and Plugging Method
For cracks that are accessible at one end and run in straight lines (e.g., cracks in retaining walls), the drilling and plugging method is often preferred. It involves drilling down the length of the break and then grouting the hole to form a key. The grout key prevents movements and reduces massive leakage through the crack. Mainly if water continually flows through the walls, you must pick water-resilient material for this method.
The Gravity Filling Method
For cracks with surface widths of up to 2 mm, the gravity filling method will work just fine. Typically, you’ll need to clean the surface and then let it dry completely for best results. You can use high-molecular-weight methacrylates and urethanes to fill the cracks. Some low-viscosity epoxies can also work if installed correctly.
The Overlay Method
For cracks that are dormant and have surface widths of up to 30 mm, the overlay method is preferred. This involves applying polymers, such as styrene-butadiene or acrylic latexes, directly over the cracks. This method is used in applications such as highway bridges and commercial buildings.
The methods mentioned above are examples of the most common and easiest concrete repairs you can do at home. While they can very well be used in commercial settings, it’s best to leave the task to the professionals to ensure the security of the structure and the safety of the building inhabitants.
