|
For Long Lasting Concrete Repairs Determine the cause(s) of the problem. Is the area subject to chemicals, moisture, heavy traffic, freeze/thaw cycles, abrasions, or heavy impact? Evaluate the extent of the damage. Do you need to repair just a small section or a large area? Look for hairline cracks and other small signs of damage beyond the main area. Plan how you will make the repairs before you start. Will the area require a lot of preparation before the repair is made? How much time do you have to complete the work? Chose repair materials that solve the problem and meet your requirements. Purchase only the amount of repair material needed. Carefully read and follow the instructions. Use the repair mix for its intended purpose. Prepare the surface properly. Preparing the surface is the most important step. Ninety (90) per cent of all repair failures are caused by incomplete or improper preparation. Follow recommended application procedures.
HOW TO MAKE A PROFESSIONAL LOOKING REPAIR Remove all loose debris to include dirt, grease and other contaminants. If the area is exposed to heavy motor traffic, an epoxy repair will give maximum weight support and wear resistance. For areas with foot or light vehicle traffic, use a multipurpose repair product. If the concrete is chipped or spalled, a good resurfacer will fill and level minor imperfections caused by weather, chemicals or hard wear. As a general rule, resurfacers should be applied in layers no thicker than 1/2 inch. For deeper areas, choose a combination resurfacer/patch repair product. Before using, be sure to mix the repair material completely. Apply the concrete repair according to the instructions and allow it to dry completely before using. Painting Concrete Surfaces Paint is an affordable and useful way to improve the appearance of concrete. As with any other task, preparation is critical. For the paint to adhere, the surface should be thoroughly washed with a solution of consisting of 1 cup of powdered laundry detergent and 1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of hot water. For maximum results, exterior areas should be power-washed or steam-cleaned. To further improve adhesion, the concrete should be lightly etched with a 10 per cent solution of muriatic acid. Use caution when using acid by carefully following the manufacturer's instructions and thoroughly ventilating the work area. While latex paints are the most widely used, oil-base and epoxy paints are more abrasion-resistant and last longer. CreteWeld® is a cold, pourable, concrete crack filler and sealer that stops further water intrusion on concrete surfaces. CreteGuard® is a
concrete seal coat that can be used on interior or exterior concrete
surfaces.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
