Concrete Cancer Repair Sydney
Concrete cancer or spalling is caused by the corrosion of steel in the concrete.
Concrete cancer begins in many ways including:
The use of poorly treated reinforcing steel when the concrete is poured.
Having the ends of the reinforcing too adjacent to the surface, so water is then absorbed.
Using incompatible metals.
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Fractures in the concrete.
When the steel starts to rust, it expands and contorts. The expanding steel can often break or rupture the concrete, causing pieces of the concrete slab to fall away.
The effects of concrete cancer have commonly shown up in many buildings and units blocks built from the 1950’s until the 1980’s. These buildings have suffered from inadequate cover provided to the reinforcement or poor-quality concrete, resulting in corrosion to the steel and spalling of the concrete. The impact of this has caused unfortunate results. When the steel rusts away, the functional cross-sectional area of the bar diminishes, until eventually there is insufficient steel remaining intact to resist the forces. At that point, the slab is now considerably weakened and at risk of sudden failure.
The Australian design code for concrete repair and protection now gives strict requirements for concrete strength. The needs are specific regarding the amount of cover (or grade) that needs to be provided for steel reinforcement. The degree of protection required is determined by the environment of the building. For example, suburbs by the sea require a stronger grade of concrete compared to benign areas. Waterproofing can reduce the risk of concrete cancer occurring again. Builders were less aware of these fundamental requirements in previous decades.
Concrete cancer repair involves treating the areas affected, by skilled, experienced professionals.
Concrete caulking
From filling in joints on a driveway to repairing a hole in a wall, there are numerous reasons why you may need to use caulk on concrete. Several types of caulk are suitable for use with concrete. These include Butyl, Acrylic latex silicone, Polyurethane and Elastomeric. A professional company can provide a solution for protecting your concrete effectively with superior results. Specialists in concrete repair provide the commercial-grade products, application experience, knowledge and skill to enhance and protect your asset.
How to Prevent Concrete Cancer
Methods for this include:
- Waterproofing. High-quality waterproofing membranes will keep water leakage to a minimum as they are significantly resistant to tears and punctures. Specialised paints may also be an option.
- Resolve any water leaks and drips.
- Repair any breaks or cracks in the concrete surface as soon possible and this is especially vital in exposed areas as water will compromise the strength of the concrete rapidly.
- Regular maintenance and check-ups.
Concrete Cancer – what are your options?
Sonaa offers concrete repair with a range of applications to find the perfect solution for all concrete repair requirements. Concrete cancer can be remedied in all building structures. For a successful restoration, the spalled concrete must be removed, and any exposed steel must either be renewed or cleaned and treated. The area is then reconstructed to the original concrete profile using cement mortar, epoxy mortar or concrete. The chosen product will depend on the size of the damage and the structural requirements. Cracks are restored using suitable epoxy resins, specific mortars and injection technique.
The key to an optimal outcome with concrete repair is the knowledge of the contractor and the skills of the applicator.
Advice, tips, and considerations for choosing a concrete repairer
Workmanship
Concrete repair requires a skilled team of workers and professionals precisely trained in modern concrete repair procedures ensuring that optimal standards of workmanship are sustained throughout the job. Reliability and dependability are also a priority.
Procedures
Repairing concrete requires the use of the correct methods. The right team will take the time to evaluate the condition of the concrete and choose the best systems that will provide the ideal result.
Materials
Materials are the final component to a dependable concrete repair. High quality, new and reliable materials are required. The chosen materials must be mixed, proportioned and handled according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, ensuring a tight bond and an enduring repair. Experienced contractors will produce a lasting result that is inconspicuous and well bonded to the existing surfaces.
Sonaa is at the leading edge of technology within the concrete restoration market. With our extensive technical expertise, our specialised team of professionals will repair your concrete spalling and cracking issues before they intensify or create safety issues. We will deliver high-quality, cost-effective concrete repair designed for your requirements. Sonaa have a vast range of applications to give you the perfect solution to your concrete repair needs. We are committed to efficiency, quality and superior safety standards. Our concrete specialists are chosen for their skill, knowledge and qualifications to give you outstanding results with every project.
Please contact us for a free quote.