Concrete slabs serve many functions, but options can be constrained when giving a permanent or long-term alternative for cracks. Due to the lack of permanent solutions. Concrete slabs can crack or damage for many reasons, based on how they are used and built.
The crack slab repair contractor, HydroHelp911, frequently repairs the cracks in slabs by using epoxy injection or filling the exterior of the crack. While this may seem to address the problem, these cracked slab repairs frequently fail, resulting in customer complaints or additional issues. Carbon fiber solutions for cracked slab repair by HydroHelp911, on the other hand, provide a more workable alternative because the material is used to repair, reinforce, and strengthen the damage and crack and the affected area, arising in a fail-proof solution.
Concrete Slab Crack Repair Techniques
EPOXY INJECTIONS FOR CONCRETE CRACK REPAIR
Epoxy Injection can be used to bond cracks with small openings. However, this technique is unsuitable if the crack has multiple cracks or if the water leakage has been observed. The cracks on exposure concrete surfaces are sealed using this technique of concrete crack repair by injecting epoxy under the concrete crack.
However, before injecting the epoxy into the cracks, it is essential to identify and address the root cause of the cracks. Otherwise, the cracks will reappear.
The epoxy injection method of cracked slab repair needs a lot of professionalism and proficient execution, so make sure the person doing the repairs knows what he’s doing.
Epoxy resin loses resilience when exposed to extreme heat or maintained elevated temperatures, so fireproofing safety is required for such structural repairs.
ROUTING AND WATERPROOFING CRACK REPAIR TECHNIQUE
Routing and waterproofing cracks are a much more common and more straightforward cracked slab repair option recommended by experts.
However, it should only be used when minor crack repairs are required and no structural repairs are needed.
Concrete crack routing and waterproofing or sealing can be used for non-active cracks that do not require tensile strength restoration.
The crack is augmented along its exposed face using this method, and the small V-shaped hole is created to a nominal thickness of 6 mm and a depth of 6 to 25 mm.
A suitable material is used to replace and seal this V-shaped groove. This is a well-known cracked concrete slab repair method. The width to depth aspect ratio should be considered sufficient room to maneuver when wrapping the joint. Pouring hot tar inside cracks in road surface sidewalks is a small and straightforward repair method.
When using hot joint sealants, exercise caution to ensure they connect with the concrete and not dissolve and flow under operational conditions.
Any material that can maintain cyclic expansion and contraction and does not become fragile over time, such as epoxies, urethanes, silicones, polysulfides, asphaltic materials, or polymer mortars, can be used as the sealant. Cement grouts should not be used because of the possibility of future cracking.
DRILLING AND PLUGGING
This is a suitable method for repairing a vertical crack in the concrete that runs in straight lines because it is cost-effective and takes less time. In this method, holes are drilled vertically into the cracks, and a key is formed by passing a grout down the crack. The grout key drilled into concrete aids in the avoidance of leaks.
Gravity filling, dry packing, overlay and surface treatments, and other methods can repair a concrete crack. The method of cracked slab repair chosen by the waterproofing team is determined by the nature of the cracks or if the crack demands restorative or structural repair.
Cracked Slab Repair Techniques for Settling Foundations
If you notice cracks in your slab foundation, they are almost certainly the result of a settling or shifting foundation. This means you can repair them with one of the waterproofing foundation repair methods offered by HydroHelp911. Some of the slab crack repair options we provide include:
- Helical piers: Can be used to support and lift foundations that have begun to settle and sink, causing cracks in the slab.
- Steel Push Piers: Steel piers are another option for cracked foundations because they raise foundations and provide stability required to prevent future crack formation.
- Plate Anchors: If your foundation cracks result from a shifting foundation, they can be repaired with plate anchors installed in the ground and pull foundation walls back into place.
- Helical tiebacks work similarly to helical piers turned on their sides to pull basement walls into place and close foundation cracks.
If you notice cracks in the concrete slab or cracks on the wall surfaces and footings, this is far more serious because the structural integrity of your home may be compromised. Also, many factors contribute to more severe cracks caused by poor construction methods.
These include poor concrete quality, foundation settlement, foundation shifting, poor soil preparation, and increased soil movement because of too much soil expansion or expansion-contraction. If the cracks in the slab are 1/4″ or larger, you should have them inspected by a professional foundation and cracked slab repair expert. Also, an inspection is strongly recommended for safety and stability if the crack has an altitude difference.
See what is Hydrostatic Pressure. Watch this video!
HOW CAN NARROW CONCRETE CRACKS BE REPAIRED?
Narrow concrete cracks can be filled with a masonry crack elastomeric filler and a caulking gun. On the other hand, many products come in bottles with an applicator tip. Hairline cracks, for example, can be repaired with a vinyl concrete patching compound applied over the break and smoothed with a putty knife or trowel. However, using repair caulk or crack filler over hairline cracks is ineffective, as the caulk tends to peel off the surface over time.
Narrow cracks can be pretty deep, often extending the entire thickness of the concrete slab. As a result, it’s good to begin the repair by inserting a foam backer rod into the crack to create a foundation for the repair material. The backer rod is available in various sizes; choose a rod diameter that is slightly larger than the crack width. With a screwdriver, insert the backer rod to a depth of 1/4 inch into the crack. Fill the crack with the repair material, as directed by the manufacturer.
WHAT CAUSES THE CONCRETE TO CRACK?
There is too much water in the mix.
To achieve maximum strength, concrete does not require a lot of water. However, most concrete used in residential construction has far too much water added to it on the job site. This water is added to make the installation of the concrete easier. This excess water also significantly reduces the concrete’s strength.
Shrinkage is the most common reason for cracking. Concrete shrinks as it hardens and dries. The evaporation of excess mixing water is to blame for this: the more significant the shrinkage, the wetter or soupier the concrete mix. Concrete slabs can shrink by up to half an inch per 100 feet. As a result of the shrinkage, forces in the concrete pull the slab apart. The result of these forces is cracking.
The conclusion is that a low water to cement ratio is the most critical factor influencing concrete quality, and excess water reduces this ratio.
The concrete dries too quickly.
Furthermore, rapid drying of the slab increases the possibility of cracking significantly. Water is required for the chemical reaction that converts concrete from a liquid or plastic to a solid-state. The chemical reaction, known as hydration, continues for days or weeks after pouring the concrete.
You can ensure the required water for this reaction by adequately curing the slab.
WHY IS IT NEEDED TO FIX THE CRACKS IN CONCRETE?
Few cracks in concrete are expected, and not all cracks must be repaired. Cracks should be kept to a minimum if the concrete was poured on a well-prepared site, in the proper thickness, and the appropriate spacing of control joints. This, however, is not always the case. Concrete usually cracks when the support beneath it has eroded due to water erosion, ants, or gravity. Whatever the cause, the cracks must be filled to protect against further concrete undermining. We can perform a quick, no-cost assessment of your concrete to determine if any cracks require immediate attention.
WHAT ARE THE ISSUES WITH THE CONCRETE SLAB?
Cracks can appear due to a lack of steel, a poor concrete mix, insufficient thickness, settlement, hydrostatic pressure, or ground movement, depending on how the concrete slabs were built. Cracks and movement in slabs are a problem in structures, especially when covered with finished surfaces. Soil gasses migrate through these cracks in a basement environment, and excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew problems. This causes health issues for residents or damage to any organic materials.
