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Concrete Repair Examples
Cleaning and preparation of recently cast concrete
Once formwork has been struck, fresh concrete requires a certain amount of cleaning and, in some cases, light hand-polishing to remove small blemises and arris any edges.
Large scale concrete frame construction : immediate remedials to concrete defects, the light application of sealing / curing agents and thorough protection of surfaces can significantly reduce the need for further repair, stain removal or sealant application in the construction timetable. his is particularly important when scheduling trades on ste or seeking client approval for the initial concrete works.
Patch repairs - concrete walls, columns, arrises, floors, soffits, staircases
High quality aesthetic repairs can be carried out on all elements of cast in situ or pre-cast concrete. If concrete is to be 'fair-faced', any imperfections or deformities that come to light once the formwork is struck such as grout loss, blow holes, sands runs etc., can be immediately remedied and colour matched so as not to detract from the overall aesthetic.
Once concrete has been struck it can be susceptible to damage from ingoing construction and activity on site. Because the concrete frame of the building is the first stage of the build, if the concrete surfaces are left exposed, it is inevitable that some damage will occur during the build. In this event, patch repairs can be carried out to restore the concerete to its original state.
Repairs or remodeling can be carried out on concrete framed buildings where junctures between walls and floors are misaligned. When constructing formwork, details such as this are less important if the concrete frame is to be clad or hidden, whereas if the concerete is to be exposed, these details can be unsightly.
Restoration of existing concrete
Concete walls, beams, floors, staircases, upstand or terrazzo work can be carefully reinstatd or sympathetically restored using matche daggregates, natural sealants and appropropriate choice of repair material. When restoring original work, it is extremely important to make selective repairs and understand that the new additions should exist as harmoniously with the original as possible.
Individual polishing of concrete staircase treads and risers
Staircase treads and risers can be individually polished to a high quality, low maintenance finish. This can include the application of hardeners for additional surface strength and reduced porosity. Polishing can be achieved to a specific grade that can create a balance between aesthetic finish and slip resistance.
Replacement toppings to concrete floors, landings and upstands
If defects such as surface flatness, quality of finish and surface hardness arise, it may be cost-effective to replace th existing concrete with a bonded topping. The existing surface can be lightly scrabbled away if a thin modified repir topping is to be used, or removed to a greater extent if the srface is to be replaced with polished concrete.
In either case, thin toppings can be colour matched to the original material or thicker bonded concrete topping can accurately reproduce the mix design used on any project. This is a more favourable and cost-effective option to removing and replacing an entire floor. Any formwork required for additional toppings, such as upstand or stair treads, can be fixed accurately in place and successfully reinstated.
Complete replacement of concrete staircase treads and risers
Much of the work white+reid undertake stems from pouring and finishing in-situ staircases because they are often attempted in the quickest time possible, making it a risky undertaking. Riser tolerances demand high levels of accuracy and can, on occasion, lead to rejection. If problems arise that result in uneven treads and irregular risers where the most cost-effective solution is replacement, these can be bonded to the original stringer and soffit construction.
Effective concrete stain removal / reduction
white+reid has a very high success rate in removing stains from concrete. Gentle treatment of the stained surface with the correct methodology and appropriate products is essential. Scrubbing the surface using inappropriate methods can lead to irreparable damage, far worse that the original stain itself.
Due to the porous nature of concrete, it is not always possible to remove stains completely. However, using a blushing or pointillism technique that white+reid has developed, we are highly accomplished at removing stains from view. We have successfully removed stains caused by oil, diesel, wax, wet timber, rust, oil-based paints, spray paints, water, efflorescence, rubber mark, ingrained dirt, coffee, tea, marker pens.... etc.
Application of appropriate concrete sealants
Upon completion of a project, the surface may require sealants to be applied. Usually, we would expect that any sealing would already have been completed upon initial striking of the formwork. However, once a concrete surface has ben restoed to its original or intended state, an addtional sealant can be applied that will not effect the final finishing work or others on site.
Sealants are chosen for their ease of application, quick drying time and low odour. We use proprietary sealants that preserve the natural look, feel and characteristics of cast or trowelled concrete that can be easily re-applied during the maintenance contract of the building.
For further information on our concrete repair services and methodology, click here to download our concrete repair information pack. Alternatively, please contact us regarding your specific requirements.