Concrete starting to deteriorate? Don’t panic right away! Concrete is a mainstay of the construction world because of its strength, but that doesn’t mean it can’t get damaged. Factors such as extreme weather, vibration, overloading, or building age can make concrete start to show signs of fatigue. It may seem trivial at first, but it can become a headache if not addressed immediately.
Well, the good news is that concrete can be repaired with the right methods and the results can be as strong as before, or even more so. What are the effective concrete repair methods for concrete repair, so that the building remains sturdy and durable? Let’s discuss from the most basic to the most advanced!
Concrete Repair Methods
There are many methods that can be applied to repair damaged concrete. You can’t just patch it up! Different types of damage have different ways of dealing with it. So, here are some methods that can be a solution for you!
1. Epoxy Injection
If the cracks in the concrete are still small and not severe, the epoxy injection method can be the right choice. Epoxy has super strong adhesion and can close the gap tightly. Not only that, this material is also water and chemical resistant, so it makes concrete structures more resilient in the long run. Estop’s flagship epoxy injection product is Estorex EP10.
2. Grouting
Got a big gap or cavity in your concrete? Relax, there is a grouting method! This technique uses a mixture of cement and additional materials to fill the gaps. It is usually used to repair foundations, retaining walls, or heavy building structures. As a result, the concrete is sturdier and more stable. Estop’s flagship grouting products are Estogrout MP70 and Estogrout MP70 Premix.
3. Overlay
Concrete surfaces looking damaged or worn? Try the overlay method. This involves adding a new layer of concrete over the old surface. This concrete repair method is suitable for building floors, sidewalks, or roads that are often exposed to friction. In addition to making the surface smooth again, the life of the concrete can also be longer. Estop’s flagship overlay product is Estopatch FSR.
4. Patch Repair
If your concrete is starting to pothole or erode in some parts, patch repair can be a quick solution. This technique uses a special mortar that is directly applied to the damaged area. The process is not complicated, the results are durable, and suitable for small to medium scale repairs. Estop’s flagship patching product is Estopatch MP.
5. Shotcrete
This one is suitable for concrete areas with irregular shapes, such as retaining walls or tunnels. Shotcrete is done by spraying concrete mixture onto the surface using high pressure. The result? Stronger, maximum adhesion, and a neater appearance! Estop’s flagship shotcrete product is Estogrout CG Admix.
Now that you know the various methods of concrete repair, you might be wondering, how do you determine the most suitable one for your project?
Factors to Consider in Concrete Repair
Before starting repairs, consider a few important things first. You can’t just choose a method, concrete repair must be adjusted to the real conditions on the ground. Let’s check out the factors that you must consider!
1. Level of Damage
First, see how severe the damage is. For minor damage like fine cracks, epoxy injection or grouting can be a practical solution. But, if it’s a large crack or disrupts the structure, you need stronger methods such as shotcrete or carbon fiber wrapping.
2. Environmental Conditions
The environment where the concrete is located also needs to be considered. For example, areas that are damp, extreme heat, or often exposed to chemicals, need repair methods that are resistant to these conditions. The goal is that the repair results are durable and not easily damaged again.
3. Cost and Time
Each method has a different cost and duration. Methods such as grouting or patching are usually more cost-effective and faster. But, for stronger and longer-lasting results, the shotcrete method can be an option, although the cost is higher. Just adjust to the project needs and budget.
The point is, repairing concrete cannot be done carelessly. It needs to be adjusted to the type of damage, environmental conditions, and of course the budget. By choosing the right concrete repair method, the building structure can return to strength and even be more durable than before.
Well, for quality concrete repair products, PT Hissan Trading Indonesia provides a variety of reliable solutions. Starting from Estobond AR for old and new concrete bonding agents in concrete repair systems, to Estowrap 300 which is used to strengthen columns and beams of load-bearing structures. These products are designed to meet the needs of concrete repair with optimal results.
So, if the concrete in your home or project is starting to show signs of damage, don’t wait for it to get worse. Immediately determine the most suitable method and use the right product from PT Hissan Trading Indonesia!
