Know the Difference between Concrete Patching and Repair

13 April 2023

Many building and construction projects nowadays rely on concrete as it features tons of benefits that other materials cannot provide.

One of the benefits of concrete elements is they tend to last for numerous years or even decades. Concrete is a material comprised of aggregates and paste. These materials allow concrete elements to be resistant to damage and abrasion that may be caused by rain, high humidity, and other weather elements. Concrete can also resist fire. These qualities make concrete the best material for numerous building projects.

Another benefit of concrete structures is they can be inspected and maintained optimally. By checking and servicing them at the right intervals, property owners can expect these elements to last for a long time. Now, two types of servicing can be done to concrete. These types are concrete patching and repair. Here are some differences between the two.

Concrete Patching

Concrete patching is a type of concrete maintenance work that can be effective for damaged concrete surfaces. The compounds used for concrete patching maximise materials and additives that can fill in the cracks of concrete structures. They can then generate strong bonds to smoothen their surfaces.

When carrying out concrete patching, property owners need to clean the concrete surfaces first. It can be done by removing any debris with a wire brush. Once cleaning the surfaces is done, they can proceed by choosing the right concrete bonding option. A vinyl concrete mixture is often the preferred bonding agent for surfaces and structures as it can generate a waterproof barrier, deterring any possibilities of cracking in the future.

The mixture can then take the form of either a premixed compound or a dry mix. A premixed compound can be utilised for smaller cracks, while a dry mix is utilised for patching large areas of a concrete surface. Once applied, a trowel should be used to smoothen the surface. Shaping the concrete is also vital to avoid blocking an expansion joint. The curing times of small cracks can take a few minutes, while the larger ones can take up to around one to two hours.

Concrete Repair

Concrete repair is another concrete servicing that can be effective on surfaces that have already cracked or chipped significantly. This type of servicing requires more effort since property owners have to break the loose concrete first with a cold chisel. As for narrow cracks, they must be filled with a masonry crack filler and apply it with a caulking gun.

Another thing that should be done during concrete repair is removing large pieces of concrete. Afterwards, a bed for the concrete slab should be created to initiate larger repairs. To keep the concrete mix in place, property owners or professionals should put wooden forms along their edges. The concrete must be poured initially in a corner and continue towards the middle. The same thing should be done in the opposite corner.

Each side of the forms must then be tapped to settle the concrete. Like concrete patching, the surfaces must be smoothened with a wooden trowel. The concrete needs to be set first before removing any of the forms for optimal results. Ultimately, the concrete must be left to cure for a few days to guarantee appearance, durability, and other notable qualities.

If you need help with concrete servicing, you can reach us at Capital Industry Group.

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