Here at BiM Remedial, our contractors are experts when it comes to concrete surface repair methods. Each and every circumstance of concrete restoration is different – with different degrees and types of damage, different causes and different optimal solutions.
So, what is concrete surface restoration and what sort of concrete repair methods do we use to get your property looking and functioning as good as new?
Concrete Surface Restoration
Concrete surface restoration is a repair and maintenance process that breathes new life into concrete structures that are either worn and degraded, damaged, or otherwise deteriorating.
Even well-maintained concrete ages over time and can develop cracks, spalling, uneven surfaces or other imperfections. Whilst these issues certainly negatively impact the visual aesthetic of the concrete, more concerningly, they can also compromise its structural integrity and therefore functionality and/or safety risks.
As concrete ages, it can develop cracks, spalling, or other imperfections that not only affect its Our concrete restoration techniques resolve these issues to ensure your concrete regains its durability, lasts longer, and looks and functions as it ought to.
9 Advanced Concrete Surface Repair Methods
1. Concrete Cancer Repair
Concrete cancer occurs when the reinforcing steel inside the concrete begins to corrode. Over time, this can manifest itself in rust stains on the surface of your concrete and even cracking. This allows additional water or moisture into the concrete, worsening the problem
What can we do about it? First off, we carefully remove the concrete around the affected area. This exposes the corroded steel and allows our team to treat the steel if possible or replace it if necessary. Once that is done, we are able to then apply high-quality repair mortar and re-apply the cement.
This concrete repair method effectively removes the cause of corrosion, stopping it from spreading and causing deterioration, and restoring structural integrity.
2. Epoxy Injection
If your concrete has deep cracks in it – even if they began as small cracks and lengthened, deepended or widened over time – it could be a sign of significant structural instability.
Not all concrete surface restoration techniques require significant ‘surgery’. In some instances, we can simply inject epoxy resin into the crack. This injection takes place with significant pressure so that the epoxy fills the cracks and seals it up tight. The concrete is then bonded together for enhanced strength and structural integrity.
Some alternative injection techniques can include using polyurethane or hydrophilic grout. These substances are injected directly into the cracks, which then expand, fill and seal it in preventing further water ingress.
3. Concrete Resurfacing
Significantly damaged concrete surfaces might simply need replacing. In some instances, the internal steel rods and structural integrity may not be compromised and it may be simply the concrete surface that is worn or damaged.
In such cases, we can simply remove the top layer of concrete and replace it with a thin layer of specialised concrete over the existing surface. This achieves the desired fresh look and feel without having to become costly or significant remedial work.
4. Concrete Grinding
As with concrete surface repair method number three, concrete grinding allows for relatively low-level repairs to compromised concrete surfaces. If your slabs are uneven or curled, we can use diamond-tipped (for maximum hardiness) grinding tools to even out and level the surface.
This is a cost-effective way of ensuring a smooth and even surface, eliminating trip hazards and improving the overall aesthetic of the concrete.
5. Membrane Application
Water infiltration into concrete is a common cause of deterioration. Caught early and before significant damage is done to the concrete and its underlying structures, a waterproof membrane can be applied to the concrete surface.
This restoration technique prevents further water penetration, protects the concrete and repels moisture, extending the functionality and integrity of your concrete.
6. Concrete Scaling Repair
This particular concrete surface repair method is particularly used in instances of the surface flaking or chipping.
In summary, the concrete surface is first cleaned and primed before it is then resurfaced with a specialised and enhanced concrete mix. The aggregate is designed to both improve the surface integrity and also enhance the visual appearance of the concrete itself.
7. Concrete Spalling Repair
Spalling repair works may be necessary in instances of significant damage and degradation. For example, if you notice that larger chunks of concrete are breaking away or crumbling from the surface of your concrete, you may be in need of concrete spalling repair.
With spalling repair, the exposed steel rebar is treated as well and repair mortar applied; then the concrete’s top layer is resurfaced to ensure restored structural integrity, functionality and appearance.
8. Cathodic Protection
Cathodic protection refers to the application of an electrical system inside the concrete to prevent the electrochemical process of corrosion.
This unique and extensive process is used in instances of ongoing corrosion of reinforcing steel and degraded concrete structures. While it provides long-term protection against reinforcement corrosion and effectively extends the lifespan of the concrete, is it not always necessary or applicable in all instances of concrete repair.
9. Concrete Render Leak Repair
Not dissimilar to membrane applications, concrete render leak repair methods involve the waterproofing of concrete but at an underlying surface layer.
The affected render – featuring the bubbling or bulging typical of a water leak in the concrete – is removed and the waterproof layer, followed by a new render, is applied. This concrete repair method also effectively eliminates further water infiltration and ensures that the rendered surface of the concrete is smooth, aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Contact us today for a free concrete surface repair quote
Whether you’re facing significant concrete surface issues or are not sure what sort of surface restoration you may need, don’t wait: Contact our team here at BiM Remedial today.
We can provide a free, tailored quote to ensure the right concrete repair method for your particular application and needs. The BiM Remedial team are experts in all things concrete surface restoration and with our range of high quality, cost effective repair techniques, we will make sure your concrete is as strong, as beautiful and as long-lasting as ever.
