Concrete repairs start with preparing the existing surface for application of a patching material. This includes cleaning, flushing and pressure washing to ensure no loose material is left behind. Major structural cracking, floor or wall movement, and shear or bending stresses require professional assistance to assess and design the required repair solution.
The concrete structures of homes and commercial properties are exposed to constant weathering and other hazards, which can lead to structural damage. Getting these structures repaired early will prevent safety hazards and extend their lifespans. Using an experienced Concrete Contractor Greensboro NC to perform the repairs will ensure they are done correctly and efficiently.
A quality concrete repair will use the correct concrete patching and reinforcement materials to address the damaged areas. It will also prepare the surface to receive the new concrete by brushing away any loose material and flushing it with water to remove any contaminates that could interfere with the bonding process.
Cracking and spalling destroy the appearance of concrete surfaces, but they also indicate serious structural problems. They may indicate chemical overexposure, corrosion of steel reinforcement or inadequate concrete quality. They can also be caused by ground movement or a settling of the surrounding soil.
Concrete restoration services can help you repair and restore your concrete without the cost of tearing down and rebuilding. This can extend the life of your existing structure, improve its look and protect your people, property, customers, and employees.
Keeping your concrete structures in good condition is an important part of maintaining your home or business’s value and integrity. It can also save you money by reducing energy costs and preventing the need for costly replacements. In addition, it can reduce environmental damage from depletion of natural resources and inert waste disposal.
Concrete coatings are designed to protect concrete surfaces from abrasion, chemicals and weathering. These protective layers can extend the life of your concrete, increase its appearance and make it more resistant to environmental conditions. The coatings are available in a variety of colors, textures and thicknesses to meet your needs.
The experienced team at CMR understands the unique qualities of concrete, and they will recommend the best concrete coating product for your project. We will work closely with you and your engineers to select the right product and installation method to meet your specifications. Our crews have years of experience installing specialty and traffic coatings, and they can apply them quickly to minimize downtime.
Equipment
Concrete repair requires specific equipment to complete the task effectively. The type of equipment needed depends on the size and nature of the concrete surface that needs repair. Typically, a hand tool or a power tool will be used to open up the cracks and remove any debris that is present. Once the cracks are opened up, a cement filler or concrete repair product can be applied to the holes and the area should be smoothed. A urethane sealant can be used to create a waterproof seal on the surface.
In order to achieve a good quality of concrete repair, the concrete repair material must be compatible with the existing concrete. The interface is one of the weakest parts of a repair system and it must be able to withstand stresses that are caused by environmental or mechanical actions. Several factors influence the durability of concrete repairs, such as porosity of the interface, permeability of the host concrete, cement hydration and microstructure development at the interface.
To improve the durability of concrete, an admixture or polymeric additive can be added to the repair material. This can help to reduce the water content of the mix, thereby reducing the risk of hydration and the formation of deicing salts at the surface. It can also help to control the temperature of the concrete during curing, which is an important factor in reducing cracking and spalling.
Another way to improve the durability of concrete is by installing expansion joints in a structure. These allow for movement in the concrete and reduce stress on the structure. These types of joints are typically found in bridges, parking structures and commercial buildings. They can be installed by a qualified concrete restoration company, such as CMR.
There are two major issues with concrete repair and replacement: the structural integrity of the structure and the cost. Depending on the extent of damage, repairing the concrete may be more cost-effective than replacing it. Nevertheless, it is important to consult with a professional to determine the best option for your situation.
Insurance
Whether you’re a solo concrete contractor or part of a larger construction company, you’ll need to have the right insurance coverage for your business. For example, general liability insurance offers crucial protection in case a client is injured by your work or your equipment. Workers’ compensation insurance is a necessity in most states, and an excess umbrella policy can protect your business from claims that exceed the limits of other policies.
A concrete business requires expensive equipment, and it’s vital to safeguard those assets. Equipment and tools protection insurance helps pay to repair or replace your trowels, mixers, and other essentials if they’re stolen from a job site or damaged in a storm. This type of insurance typically includes transit and storage coverage so your gear is protected both while at work and between jobs.
You might also consider a commercial property insurance plan for your business. This type of insurance protects the physical structure where you operate your concrete company, as well as any machinery or equipment that’s stored at a location other than your headquarters. For instance, if a fire breaks out at the rented warehouse where you store your equipment, your commercial property insurance may help pay for the damage.
An additional type of insurance to consider is employment practices liability insurance, which shields you from lawsuits by current or former employees accusing your business of wrongful treatment like discrimination or harassment. Having this insurance can save you from costly legal fees, so it’s worth investing in.
In addition to the above types of insurance, you might also want to consider business interruption insurance. This type of coverage may compensate you for lost revenue if your business is forced to close down due to a covered loss. It’s important to keep detailed financial records so you can accurately estimate potential losses and recovery times.
While a concrete contractor is typically considered low risk, the nature of your work means there are always risks involved. As you win bids and take on projects, your insurance coverage needs to evolve with the size and complexity of your operations. Talk to an experienced agent about your options and to ensure you have the right business insurance in place.
Warranty
The pouring and setting of concrete can be viewed as more of an art than a precise science, guided by experience. Many natural elements can affect the outcome of your finished concrete project. Understanding what can occur during the pouring process and if those issues are covered by warranty is important.
As concrete dries and settles it is normal for subtle cracks to appear. Be cautious of contractors who promise to cover these minor flaws in their concrete warranties. They may be more interested in financial gain than ensuring your satisfaction. Your warranty should only include replacement of the concrete if it creates a drainage issue, tripping hazard or causes cracks that open wider than a dime.
It is also normal for the surface of the concrete to start to pop or flake. This is most likely due to harsh weather conditions and does not compromise the integrity of your concrete. Most contractors will only warranty flaking or popping concrete if 20% or more of the work area is affected.
Color variation can happen as a result of a number of factors that are outside the control of your contractor. This includes variations in slump, type of cement used, timing of operations, finishing treatments, weather conditions and humidity. These factors can and will produce distinct discoloration that is not covered by this limited workmanship warranty.
Other items that are out of the control of your contractor and could cause damage to your finished concrete are wear and tear from vehicles, equipment or chemicals, ground settlement, winter conditions or acts of nature. These types of damages are not covered by this limited warranty and must be handled on a case by case basis.
If you have an old, unfinished concrete project that needs to be raised, it is a good idea to find a company who offers a one year labor and material warranty. If a concrete contractor who has been raising concrete for 20 or 30 years only offers a one-year warranty, it is probably because they haven’t had enough satisfied customers to justify offering a longer warranty.