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Choose Your Concrete Repair Method

Why Are you trying to repair the concrete?

Are you simply trying to get the concrete looking good again? Perhaps you want to fix a crack in your driveway, or seal and smooth out some old concrete. Are you trying to patch up an area that is at risk of further damage, such as around your foundation walls where there are signs of settling? Or is it somewhere between these two extremes like on the side of your garage where the concrete is cracked, but not in an area that you are worried about? Let us help you choose the right concrete repair method in this post.

 

One factor to consider when determining which method of repair is best for your project is whether or not there will be further exposure to traffic. If it’s a driveway, then traffic can be expected over time and whatever concrete crack repair option you choose must be able to withstand that. If the concrete is going to be used for a patio, then you’ll want to think about how people will be walking on it and choose a repair option accordingly.

 

Another factor is the severity of the damage. A small crack can often be fixed with a simple clean and fill, while more extensive damage may require one or more additional steps. This is where the integrity of your concrete comes into play, as you will want to inspect it and see what repair methods are best based on its condition. Methods for repairing damaged concrete include crack repairs like filling holes or cracks with a product that hardens over time, epoxy injections into deep cracks, polyurethane injections for smaller cracks, and autogenous healing which uses the existing concrete to patch up any damage.

 

No matter what kind of damage your concrete has sustained, Augusta Concrete Solutions can help you choose the best repair method and get the job done right. Give us a call today!

Cracked Concrete Repair Methods

Clean and Fill Methods

Cracks can be filled with a variety of products. Methods for cleaning and filling concrete include using acid to dissolve any hydrocarbon contamination before applying a sealer or epoxy, which is then often finished off with an application of calcium chloride (winter salt) to prevent the healing process from happening too quickly. This works best on horizontal surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and patios.

Rout and Seal/Fill Methods

If the crack is too deep for a clean and fill, then you may need to route it out before applying the sealant or epoxy. This will remove any loose concrete around the edge of the crack and give you a smooth surface to work with. You can then use a caulking gun to apply the sealant or epoxy. This is the most common method for repairing cracks in vertical surfaces like foundation walls, retaining walls, and garage floors.

Epoxy Injection Methods

Deep cracks on vertical surfaces are sometimes too big to be filled with a sealant or epoxy. In these cases, epoxy injections may be the best option. This involves drilling into the crack and then injecting it with a sealant. The injection process uses the pressure of the crack itself to push out any air bubbles that may form and further stabilize it as it cures. This is also the only repair method that will count as a structural repair, meaning that you will be able to get a better guarantee of the integrity and longevity of your concrete.

Polyurethane Injection Methods

Polyurethane injections are often used for wet or cracks caused by leaking water. The process involves drilling a hole into the concrete and injecting it with polyurethane foam. This thickens up the crack while also sealing out any water that may be inside. The foam will then harden, creating a long-term fix for your concrete. This concrete repair method works on both dormant and active concrete cracks.

Autogenous Healing Methods

If the concrete is in generally good condition and there are only a few small cracks, then autogenous healing may be a good option. This is when the concrete itself fills in the cracks and repairs them over time, requiring little to no further maintenance or repair. This type of concrete repair method is only effective in very small cracks, but it can save you the cost and hassle of having to continually monitor your crack repair and do additional repairs as needed.

 

No matter what kind of concrete repair you need, Augusta Concrete Solutions can help. We have years of experience in all forms of concrete repairs and a wide array of products to choose from. Whether you need epoxy injections, polyurethane injections, autogenous healing, clean and fills, or any other concrete repair method. Give us a call today to get a free quote and get started on your concrete repair.

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