Concrete Restoration 101

Corrosion Leads to Concrete Damage

Concrete structures begin to show damage and wear as the reinforcing steel corrodes over time. As the steel corrodes, the concrete can deteriorate to the point where the damage is visible to the naked eye. Once the concrete shows this kind of wear, it is best to bring in a professional to assess the structure and begin remedying the deterioration.

Evaluation By a Structural Engineer

Before beginning a structural project, an engineer should evaluate the impact of concrete removal on structural capacity prior to beginning concrete removal. Special cautions should always be taken to locate and avoid damaging or severing embedded reinforcing bars, prestressing strands, post-tensioning tendons, or electrical conduits. Cutting these items can significantly affect structural integrity and can be life threatening.

Undercutting Concrete

After the concrete has been removed, any debris should be removed from the area to which the new concrete will adhere. Debris can be removed through oil-free abrasive blasting or high-pressure water blasting. This type of cleaning will also remove the bruised layer of concrete that sustained micro-fractures during the undercutting process. If a protective coating is to be applied to the reinforced steel, it is important to follow the manufacturer recommendations for steel surface preparation as well.

Preparing the Surface

After the concrete has been removed, any debris should be removed from the area to which the new concrete will adhere.  Debris can be removed through oil-free abrasive blasting or high-pressure water blasting.  This type of cleaning will also remove the bruised layer of concrete which sustained micro-fractures during the undercutting process.  If a protective coating is to be applied to the reinforced steel, it is important to follow the manufacturer recommendations for steel surface preparation as well.

New Concrete Installation

Following surface preparations, installation of the new concrete may begin. Installing new concrete into an existing structure requires attention to details, such as loading conditions, material shrinkage, and tensile stress. Experienced technicians are familiar with the balancing act that the removal and installation of concrete requires and are able to work together with structural engineers to maintain safety while completing repairs on vertical and horizontal surfaces, load bearing and non-load bearing structures, as well as decorative and ornamental design elements.

Dominion Property Restoration has the experience.

The assessment of concrete deterioration and the removal and repair of concrete can seem like an overwhelming task for property managers and owners. Dominion Property Restoration has decades of concrete repair experience and can ease the burden on property managers. Call us today at (800) 971-6995 or contact us to get a free quote on concrete restoration.