Hello, my name is Tony and this is my concrete installation and maintenance blog. I am not a professional concrete contractor but I am very passionate about DIY. My dad was a contractor and when I was growing up he taught me all kinds of neat tips and tricks. Once time, he took me out into the yard and made me inspect the concrete wall. The concrete was crumbling away, exposing the metal bars beneath. My father explained that this was concrete cancer and then demonstrated how to repair the damage. I hope you find my blog useful and entertaining.
Concrete structures are known for their sheer strength and durability. Few things can bring down a concrete structure if is well built. Regular maintenance and repairs will ensure the structure lasts a long time, but one thing that can bring down a concrete structure, given time, is cracks.
Why does concrete crack?
Many times, concrete will crack within the first month of setting. Most cracks are so small that you cannot notice them, so when they have widened is when you see them. Some cracks can be the result of a poor concrete mixture—maybe it had excess water or it wasn't strong enough when it was poured. Once the concrete has been poured, it needs to be cured so that it does not dry rapidly, which could lead to cracks. Other reasons for cracks could be age, excess moisture, extreme temperature changes, and structural issues. One of the places prone to cracks in many houses is the joints, usually because of there is a lack of control joints.
Effects of cracks
Cracks in your concrete floor or wall will pose a lot of hazards. Though harmless-looking, cracks usually widen, and if you don't have a minor repair done, the need for major repairs will arise. Apart from a potential collapse of your house, cracks will let in vermin, water and cold air. Dirt will also accumulate in cracks, and it can host insects. When you notice a crack in your house, whether on the floor, wall or joints, get it repaired before it becomes wider.
Concrete joint sealing
When you need the cracks in your concrete structure repaired, it is usually advisable to call a concrete crack repair professional to do it. The remedy is usually sealing the crack. The contractor will start by identifying the source of the crack. After this, the crack is prepared for sealing. The sealant used in joints is usually elastic. This is because joints usually move slightly as a result of contraction and expansion due to temperature changes.
The contractor will clean the area around the crack to remove any impurity that can hinder the seal from effectively sealing the crack. When the crack is ready for the seal, the contractor will inject it into the crack at pressure to ensure that it seals the whole crack. After this, the seal will be allowed to set and dry, and then you can use sandpaper to scrub the seal back to the level of the joint.
Share