Whether it’s a major structural repair or a patch for an edge, the repair of concrete is a critical part of any concrete project. It can mean the difference between a structure that performs properly and one that fails.
There are many types of materials that can be used to make repairs. However, a proper selection is important to get the best result. Contact Concrete Contractors Dallas TX for professional concrete repair services.
Surface preparation is a critical part of any concrete repair, whether it’s for a sealer, coating, overlay or even a stain. Without proper surface prep, these topical materials are unlikely to bond with the substrate and will delaminate or not penetrate at all, resulting in poor results.
The International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) defines surface preparation as the procedures and techniques used to create an ideal concrete substrate for the application of various topical products such as sealers, coatings, stains and overlays. This includes removing dirt and laitance, rust stains, oil or grease stains, old adhesives and any other contaminates that could prevent the desired results from occurring.
Some of the most commonly used surface preparation procedures for a variety of concrete repairs include washing, acid etching and grinding. All of these methods involve cleaning the concrete, removing dirt and stains, and leveling uneven surfaces.
Washing – A common form of surface preparation that uses a combination of mild detergents and water to remove oil, grease and dirt. It is a gentle procedure that may be done by hand or by using a power washer or rotary floor scrubber.
Acid Etching – A less aggressive form of surface preparation that involves using a chemical solution to remove rust and other contaminants from the concrete. This technique has been around for a long time and has proven to be effective in removing rust and other organic material from the concrete.
Grinding – A more aggressive form of surface preparation that utilizes a handheld or walk-behind grinder equipped with abrasives to remove stubborn contaminants such as old sealer, coatings, grease and paint. This technique can also be used to smooth uneven surfaces and joints.
During the surface preparation process, engineers should conduct tensile pull-off adhesion tests to verify that the prepared surface will hold up to the repair. This should be a standard requirement of most concrete repair projects. It is recommended to perform the test at least a few days after the repair is completed, to give the new bond strength a chance to develop.
Primer is an essential step in any paint project, and concrete repair can be no exception. Not only will a primer create a smooth and even surface for your paint, but it can also help your paint last longer and withstand changes in weather.
When it comes to a concrete repair job, there are a few different types of primer that you may need to use depending on the situation. For instance, there are epoxy primers that will provide a strong bond between the concrete and the paint.
Another type of primer is silane penetrating sealer, which helps protect the concrete from water and biological growth. It is also resistant to abrasion and chemical damage, and it can be used outdoors.
Lastly, there are bonding primers that will improve the adhesion of the paint to the concrete. These are especially useful for areas that have been damaged or where the paint is being applied over an existing coating.
One of the most important parts of a concrete repair job is sealing the interior of the concrete. Without this, moisture can seep in through the concrete and cause serious issues like cracks and mold.
For this reason, it is important to seal the interior of the concrete with a moisture barrier before applying any patching materials. This will keep any deterioration and mold from occurring in the first place.
Once you have sealed the interior of the concrete, you can then use a concrete primer to fill in the imperfections and create a smooth surface. Once the primer is dry, you can then apply the actual paint.
