Concrete Slab Repairs 101: How to Fix Up the Problem in a Cinch
Concrete guarantees strong and durable structures, but only when mixed properly. Excess water in the concrete mix, rapid drying, lack of control joints, and improper strength can cause cracks, including hairline, shrinkage, settlement, and structural cracks. In addition, expansion and contraction because of temperature fluctuation can cause concrete cracks. A small crack on the concrete slab can comprise the structural integrity of a building. Nonetheless, sometimes, small cracks (usually less than 0.016 inches) don’t call for demolition as these repair techniques could help fix the problem.
Slab Repair Using Pilings
Concrete pilings are ideal for slab foundation repair. The slab repair process involves lifting and supporting the area using pilings, vertical cylindrical beams made using concrete and reinforced with steel. Concrete pilings are suitable for slab repair because of their affordability and speed. In addition, the installation process requires less equipment and space as the slab repair experts will only need about two-feet deep holes. The pilings are drilled deep into the ground using a hydraulic machine. Commonly, large diesel hammers are used to drill larger pilings into the ground, but static installation is recommended for slab repair.
Use Epoxy
Epoxy injection is one of the effective methods of repairing concrete cracks, but this depends on the cause, length, and with of the crack. The use of epoxy for repairing a concrete slab is recommended for slam cracks. Epoxy injection in the cracks should be preceded by cleaning the crack using a wire brush and a high-pressure water jet to ensure the epoxy properly binds to the concrete. Also, widen the small cracks using a right-angle disc grinder because V-shaped cracks guarantee better resistant finishing.
Use Mortar and Latex-Patching Compounds
Mortar is recommended for fixing concrete cracks or holes exceeding one cubic foot or 0.1 cubic meters. Even though mortar mix looks similar to concrete, the composition is different; it comprises sand, blinder like cement or lime, and water. The use of mortar mix is recommended for large imperfections on the concrete slab because concrete does not bind to cement that has already cured. Clean the concrete surface and apply a scratch coat to improve adhesion. After applying a mortar patch to the concrete surface, allow it to cure slowly and in the presence of moisture.
Use Latex Patching Material
Latex concrete patching material is a polymer modified for concrete repair and resurfacing mortar. Latex patching material will permanently adhere to the concrete slab crack when correctly applied. Latex seals the concrete cracks and prevents further cracking. Polymer concrete is a thermosetting plastic material that guarantees high strength, chemical resistance, and durability and is ideal for narrow cracks on a concrete slab.
A concrete slab defines the durability and strength of the building because it bears the load and anchors it to the ground. Quite often, concrete slabs develop issues, particularly cracks and holes, that can interfere with the strength of the building. Concrete slab repairs using these strategies restore structural integrity and prevent it from developing more issues.