Concrete Repairing is not like painting or staining. It is also not like filling in cracked walls and repairing doors and windows. For any given repair job, the main components that will be involved are: aggregate, curing agent, surface repair, joint compound, repair joint compound, sealer, and concrete crack repair coating. While some of these components may not be in use during the actual repair work, many are.
As mentioned above, concrete is a fine and coarse aggregate joined together with a liquid binder that hardens over time. Hairline cracks in concrete are small cracks at the very edge where two adjoining concrete surfaces meet. For concrete repair this type of crack is typically repaired with an aggregate repair method. This method uses fine aggregate (gravel) to fill in the hairline cracks, which is held taut against the adjacent surface.
If you have small openings (holes) in your existing concrete structure, concrete restoration can save you a lot of money. Holes become a big problem in buildings where there is extensive settling of the soil. Small holes turn into big ones when water seeps through the spaces between the ground and the concrete. This can cause serious structural problems that can also lead to mold infestation. By repairing these small holes with a concrete repair, you will be able to save yourself money for other necessary materials for your concrete restoration project.
Another good thing about repairing smaller cracks is that it can also be done in a cheaper way. For example, you can dig up the area and place a Tee down through the hole. You can then create a “dummy” concrete wall around the tee, which prevents water penetration. After this, you can pour a waterproof mix on the concrete and let it set overnight. The next day, remove the fake wall and place your new concrete wall back. This is a cheaper way than hiring the services of a specialized contractor.
One disadvantage of repairing smaller cracks is that the mole may eventually develop holes in the walls. This will allow water to penetrate and cause more damage to the structure. To avoid this problem, it is best to wait until the weather is dry and the moles have subsided. Repairing larger damages to your concrete structure will require the expertise of a concrete restoration company.
Dry packing is another option to be used for repairing cracks in concrete. This process involves applying a heavy amount of dry packing material on the damaged surface. The repair material is allowed to dry overnight, after which the surface is thoroughly scrubbed with a chemical compound that breaks up the aggregate (gravel) and fillers. This type of repair requires advanced knowledge and skill, so hiring the services of a certified repair specialist will be beneficial to ensure the repair job is properly executed. Most home owners would rather prefer repairing the cracks themselves to save money and worry about doing the repair in a timely manner.
