The term concrete is often associated with durability. Still, concrete floors develop cracks.
With time, even the best-poured concrete can develop cracks. This not only results in unsightly appearance but an impacted structural integrity of your property, too.
Hence, the query arises, “what causes these cracks?” And most importantly “how do you tackle these cracks using concrete crack injection?”
Take a dive into this blog to unveil answers to all your concerns about concrete cracks.
[1] Common causes of the cracks –
[a] Shrinkage
Concrete contains a lot of water when it is being poured. As this water evaporates, the concrete shrinks. But, when this shrinkage happens quickly, cracks are formed.
This phenomenon is quite common in hot weather when the evaporation rate is higher.
[b] Temperature changes
Concrete tends to expand in the heat and contract in the cold. These temperature changes can result in cracks to be formed on the concrete. This is very true if there isn’t enough space for concrete to expand or contract. This is why including expansion joints in large concrete pours is vital.
[c] Overloading
Although concrete is strong, it does have limits. If too much weight is placed on it, it will crack.
Cracks are very common in driveways. It is because of parked heavy vehicles.
[d] Poor construction practices
Not all concrete is created equal. Poor practices can lead to weak concrete that is prone to cracking. These include insufficient curing and reinforcement.
Hence, it is crucial to mix, pour and cure concrete properly. Only then you can expect crack-free and lasting results.
[2] The role of concrete crack injection
[a] What is it?
Concrete crack injection is an approach used to repair cracks on concrete surfaces. This process involved injecting a specialized resin into the cracks. This resin fills and bonds the concrete crack, resulting in stronger, more durable repair.
[b] Types of resins used
Typically, two main types of resins are used –
– Epoxy is used for structural repairs, given it creates a very strong bond.
– Polyurethane is a more flexible choice used for sealing cracks that are subject to movement.
[c] Benefits of concrete crack injection
There are several benefits of this process. Such as –
– Concrete crack injection is cost-effective compared to replacing the entire concrete structure.
– It stores structural integrity, preventing further damage.
– The process is comparatively quick and minimally invasive. This means less disruption is caused to your property.
[d] The process
To begin the procedure, an expert will first clean the crack to get rid of debris. Then, small injection ports are installed along the crack. Through these ports, the resin is injected within the crack, filling it up to the brim.
Once the resin is cured, the ports are removed. The experts then smooth the surface for a polished look.
In conclusion
Well, we are hopeful that our blog gave you an in-depth idea of what concrete crack is, what causes it, and how concrete crack injection proves useful!
