Concrete Repair

Concrete repair refers to the process of fixing physical damage and restoring the structural integrity of concrete surfaces or structures. This can involve addressing cracks, spalling, erosion, or other forms of deterioration that may occur over time due to environmental exposure, load stress, chemical reactions, or improper installation. The repair techniques vary widely, depending on the extent of the damage, the specific conditions of the concrete structure, and the intended use after repair.

Methods can range from simple patching with concrete fillers to more complex procedures like epoxy injection for cracks, applying protective coatings to guard against further damage, or even replacing entire sections of concrete. The primary goal of concrete repair is not only to restore the appearance but also to ensure the safety, durability, and functionality of the structure for the future. This maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of concrete infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, roads, and dams, thereby safeguarding public safety and investment in construction.

What Is Concrete Delamination?

Concrete delamination is the process which occurs when the top layer of a concrete slab separates from the rest of the slab’s body. This is a problem which occurs with trowelled concrete and often takes place during either early spring or late fall given that delamination is driven by rising daytime temperatures. Concrete delamination is likewise common on concrete which has been placed on cool subgrades. Although it’s likely to occur due to daytime temperatures, it may nonetheless happen at other times and due to other reasons too. The characteristics of a slab of concrete and the finishes which were applied to it are further reasons which may cause delamination.

What Causes The Problem?

Delamination of concrete can be caused by many factors, but the most common cause of delamination is the corrosion of reinforcing steel. When the steel corrodes, it expands and exerts pressure on the concrete, causing it to crack and flake off. Another common cause is improper curing. When concrete is poured, the water in it starts to evaporate.

This evaporation causes the concrete to shrink. If the concrete is not properly cured, it will shrink too much and delaminate. Improper curing is often the result of not enough water being used in the mix, or not enough curing time being allowed. Other causes of delamination can be poor-quality aggregate or freezing and thawing cycles if the concrete is not protected from the elements.

One common cause of delamination is the use of de-icing salts on concrete walkways and driveways. The salts penetrate the concrete and break down the bonds between the concrete and the aggregate. This can cause the surface of the concrete to flake off. Delamination can also occur if the surface of the concrete is not smooth. If there are voids or honeycombs on the surface, the delamination will start at those points. Once delamination starts, it can spread quickly across the surface of the concrete. If left unchecked, it can cause the concrete to crumble and fail.

Is it easy to repair?

If you have a concrete delamination problem, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the concrete. There are a few different methods that can be used to repair delamination. The best method will depend on the severity of the delamination and the cause of the problem. The most common method of repair is removing the delaminated section, undergoing and extensive clean and patching the concrete.

If the delamination of the concrete is comprehensive, the grinding and overlaying of an entirely new surface may be necessary. If delamination has occurred due to steel rebar corrosion, sandblasting will be necessary in order to remove rust from the steel. Epoxy injection is another repair method for delamination. This involves injecting epoxy into the cracks and voids in the concrete to bond the surface back to the rest of the concrete. Carbon fiber reinforcement is another repair method that can be used. This involves attaching carbon fiber strips to the concrete to provide additional support. Having a professional concrete contractor assess the situation is the best way to determine the best repair method.

Precision Concrete Repair

For small repair areas we use 110v cutters & breaker tools to remove the concrete. The concrete reinstatement can be hand applied mortars, The concrete surface finishing often needs to match the colour and texture of the parent which might be a shutter board finish or exposed aggregate finish. Our skilled workforce are able to achieve a high quality finish to match the parent concrete.

For small repair areas, we use 110v cutters & breaker tools to remove the concrete. The concrete reinstatement can be hand applied mortars, The concrete surface finishing often needs to match the colour and texture of the parent which might be a shutter board finish or exposed aggregate finish. Our skilled workforce are able to achieve a high-quality finish to match the parent concrete. After repairing the concrete a protective coating can be applied to all the exposed concrete surfaces to enhance the durability and for aesthetic reasons as well. These coatings protect against further carbonation of the concrete and chloride ingress, thus slowing down the corrosion process.

Case Study

The EBM team carried out a concrete repair system to a bay window in Cardiff.

Repointing & Concrete Repair

ebm Structural & Damp Defects can repair of concrete buildings and structures requires quality materials but more importantly experienced and skilled tradesmen to ensure that the repair is undertaken correctly. The removal of the defective areas of concrete, preparation of the exposed steel reinforcement and concrete reinstatement has to be done correctly for the repair to be durable.

Repointing

ebm Structural & Damp Defects are domestic and commercial repointing contractors that are trading standards approved and all work guaranteed. We specialise in pointing for brickwork, stone and all aspects of masonry. We also provide specialist chemical cleaning services for brickwork and sandblasting for stonework. We have many trusted teams and offer our services throughout Wales. Some unscrupulous tradesmen and companies are attempting to trade off our good name. Please take care not to be deceived by companies providing inferior workmanship.

What Is Repointing?

The word “Pointing” is the visible outside face of mortar, these joints show between brickwork on the surface of the external wall. “Re-pointing” (also called Pointing Up) refers to the restoration of pointing. Repointing will be needed after it is lost because of age and weathering. Over time, weathering and general decay can cause damages in the joints between the masonry. These voids will allow water to enter, potentially causing serious damage and dangerous damp.

Benefits Of Brickwork Pointing

Brick pointing is the best value way of restoring the condition and appearance of a building structure, this also forms an essential part in overall and ongoing building maintenance. Advantages of Brick repointing include:

Strengthen the structural integrity of your building’s brickwork.
Weatherproofing the outer walls.
Improve the overall appearance of the building.
Raise the value of the building.

Maintaining the original look of old (listed) properties.
Defend against pollution damage, for city properties.
Improve properties saleability

Welsh Based Restoration Teams

ebm Structural & Damp Defects have a fully trained brickwork pointing and property renovation team for Wales. We supply brick wall repointing and other types of building restoration services for big business premises and residential houses in Wales. The types of properties differ, so the team use their genuine building understanding to choose the right materials and craftsmanship suitable for every specific building.

Business Repointing in Wales

We offer highly rated repointing services for commercial properties in and around Wales. We repoint all kinds of commercial properties like offices, small retail premises, shopfronts, car showrooms, government buildings, banks and a large variety of other commercially related properties. We use the latest mechanical repointing technology available. The commercial repointing service we offer is quicker, cleaner and includes a stronger pointing solution for commercial buildings in Wales.

Lime Mortar Repointing

A large majority old red brick properties and walls in Wales were constructed using lime mortar and the need to continue this building method is crucial to the strength of a aged house or construction. For example, a many Victorian homes may likely have been constructed from lime mortar, not cement. It is crucial that cement isn’t used in repairs. When cement is used, the movement common in old Victorian buildings can cause damage to bricks (this is also an important aspect of church and cathedral restoration)

When Does A Home Or Property Require Repointing?

It is important that you know how to determine when it is time to repoint. The process is extremely simple. When checking the brick, a good guide to go by is to measure the depth of the mortar against the height of the mortar gap. When the depth is bigger than the height of the mortar gap, you’ll need repointing. You can also use your finger to test the pointing, try digging your finger into the joints in the bricks and seeing if any mortar breaks away. Try this in different areas of both the back and front of the home.

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