Concrete Crack Repair - Important For Your Concrete Structure

 

Concrete has always been a popular material for construction purposes. It is durable and cheap to make, so there are numerous projects that utilize it. Even so, it is important to take care of your concrete structure if you want it to last for many years. A cracked or broken concrete structure can compromise its integrity and cause other problems such as leakage or structural weakness. The good thing is that repairing concrete cracks isn’t too difficult and can be done by anyone with just a few basic tools and skills. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that will help you determine whether cracking in your concrete Structural repairs of industrial buildings.

Always Check For Old Cracks Before Repairs Begin

It is always important to check for any cracks in the concrete before you get started on repairs. You will be able to identify the extent of the damage and where exactly the crack is located. If the crack is a little one, you can try filling it with a sealant first before deciding on any major repairs. When you discover a large crack, you will want to notify the authorities and get a structural engineer to inspect it. This is because a cracked concrete foundation can pose some serious risks to the structure and occupants. You will want to make sure that the crack isn’t getting wider or that there is any threat of the concrete collapsing in on itself. A structural engineer can come up with a plan to either reinforce the foundation or completely replace it with new material. However, if the crack is less than six inches, it can be easily repaired and the structure should not be at risk of collapse.

Determine If The Crack Is An Emergency Or Repairable

You will want to determine if the crack in your concrete foundation is an emergency or repairable. It is important to note that any cracking in a concrete foundation that is getting bigger or is starting to affect the structure needs to be repaired immediately. There are a few signs that will help you determine if the cracking is an emergency or repairable. If the concrete cracks are in important places such as the walls or below the floors, the cracking can pose an immediate threat to the structural integrity of the building. If the concrete cracks are in places that are not that critical to the structural integrity of the building, then you can attempt to repair them first. It is important to remember that you should only attempt to repair a concrete crack that is less than six inches in length. Any other type of cracking needs to be addressed as an emergency. It is also important to note that if the concrete cracks are in the sidewalk or driveway, you should make sure to contact the authorities to get it fixed before continuing with the repairs. Cracks in these areas pose a serious risk of falling or are just unsightly so they need to be fixed quickly.

Determine The Cause Of The Crack

Once you have discovered the extent of the damage and the type of crack, you will want to determine the cause. There are several causes of concrete cracks in a foundation. These include poor workmanship, water damage, poor quality concrete, and poor condition of the concrete itself. Poor workmanship includes a lack of knowledge about the importance of sealing cracks. Water damage can be caused by a burst water pipe under the concrete. Poor condition of the concrete can include a variety of reasons ranging from a weak structure to damage caused by vehicles on the concrete surface. It is important to determine the cause of the damage so that you can address it appropriately.

Repair With Reinforcing Steel Bars Or Concrete Patch

If the crack is in the concrete foundation and is less than six inches in length, you can try to repair it with concrete patching services. Concrete patching services are relatively inexpensive and easy to do. You can get a mixture of cement and sand and apply it on the crack. Make sure to apply a thin but even coat. Let the mixture dry for 24 hours and then seal the crack with a concrete sealant. It is important to note that patching a concrete crack will only be effective for a short period of time. It is best used to patch small cracks that are less than six inches in length. While there are advantages to patching a concrete crack, it is not ideal for long-term use. Concrete patching is not meant to be a long-term repair solution.

Replace With New Concrete Or Asphalt Paving

If the crack is in the concrete foundation and is more than six inches in length, you will need to address it as a major repair. You will want to get a structural engineer to inspect it and determine if the damage is severe enough to warrant replacing the concrete or repairing it with new concrete. If the damage is severe enough, the engineer will let you know what you will need to do. You can either get a new batch of concrete and lay the slab again or go for a new asphalt paving. It is important to note that you should never try to patch a concrete crack or crack in the concrete with a sealant. This will only cause the damage to get worse. The best course of action is to get the foundation repaired professionally and then pave over the area to hide the repairs.

Conclusion

Cracks in concrete foundations can be repaired if they are less than six inches in length. If they are more than six inches in length, they must be addressed as an emergency. It is best to get a professional engineer to inspect the crack and determine if they are severe enough to warrant replacement or repair. If the crack is in the sidewalk or driveway, you will want to make sure to contact the authorities and get the situation resolved before continuing with the repairs. It is also important to note that if there are any other structural issues present in the foundation, the cracks may be indicative of a larger problem. It is best to have a foundation repair expert inspect your structure. They will be able to identify any other issues that need immediate attention and get them repaired before they cause any damage.

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