Prompt Attention to Concrete Problems Saves Time, Money and Aggravation

Concrete cracks, chips and flaking can quickly lead to further deterioration, resulting in a costly replacement project if not treated promptly. In many cases, when addressed early, concrete can be repaired rather than replaced entirely.

Avoid unnecessary expenditures by paying attention to the condition of both poured and precast concrete structures and surfaces, including parkades, foundations, retaining walls and precast exterior cladding.

To help you identify possible issues, here are a few typical concrete problems and their causes:

• Freeze-thaw disintegration
  Concrete is porous, so if water gets in and freezes it breaks off in small flakes from the surface. De-icing chemicals commonly used on Alberta roads make it worse. Spalling can occur during the first winter and get worse over time. When severe, it can lead to complete destruction of the concrete. 

• Corrosion of reinforcing steel
  Steel rebar is protected inside concrete because the concrete is very alkaline which prevents rust. Chloride from de-icing chemicals destroys the “passivating layer” of alkalinity around the steel, allowing it to rust. Rust has greater volume than steel and the expansion presses against the concrete causing it to crack and pop off. Chlorides get into the concrete through cracks or by seeping through the concrete’s pore structure.

• Cracks from structural loads
  Cracks in concrete floors, walls, beams or columns may signal major structural problems. A crack can be very narrow, even invisible, and until the concrete cracks the steel doesn’t start getting pulled to hold the concrete together. If there is no steel, inadequate steel, or the loads are too heavy, cracks can become wider allowing moisture to penetrate the surface, causing significant damage.

• Blisters and delamination
  Concrete surfaces may develop blisters caused by prematurely finishing and sealing the concrete surface, sealing in air and bleeding water. Delamination can occur over time as the surface is subjected to wear and exposure to the elements.

• Shrinkage, shifting and settling
  Concrete has moisture in it when placed and as that water evaporates, the concrete shrinks. The amount of shrinkage depends on how wet the concrete starts out. If you held a slab up in the air while it shrank, it probably wouldn’t crack, but since it is on the ground it drags on the subgrade restraining shrinkage, causing cracks to form. Joints in concrete help control shrinkage and settling but cannot prevent cracking completely.

Determining the Right Repair Solution

The type and location of concrete damage requires different restoration methods and materials. For example, small foundation cracks may only require a simple epoxy concrete repair, while repairing concrete beams or supports may demand the use of engineered hydraulic or carbon fiber reinforced compounds.

How Does AllVert Help?

AllVert solves all types of concrete problems, from simple crack repairs, to slab replacements, to full structural rehabilitation. Our team works closely with property owners and managers to complete an evaluation and repair recommendation, as well as a budget estimate, to meet long- or short-term needs.

Get the AllVert Team Working for You

Our trained technicians are equipped with the latest tools and materials to do concrete repairs safely and efficiently, for apartment, condo and commercial buildings, as well as structures such as bridges, overpasses and retaining walls. If you notice cracks, spalling or damage to coatings, contact AllVert on the double and get a FREE estimate.