Epoxy Injection For
Concrete Crack Repair
When it comes to concrete, there is one major problem that no one can seem to fix, cracks. Cracks are a major plague in concrete and when they appear, it can leave you running to the concrete contractors for a replacement of your concrete slab. But, we have advice for you that can keep money in your pocket and dust out of your home or business. This process is known as an epoxy injection for concrete crack repair and it can restore integrity to your slab. While this process sounds complex, we are here to tell you everything you need to know to gauge whether or not this service is right for you. So, let’s get started!
Eliminating The Source
Before you even think about replacing your concrete or even repairing it, cracks don’t show up without a reason so the first step of any process is to find out exactly why they appeared. If your cracks were created via user error from something like an impact, feel free to disregard this section. Even though the age of the concrete slab plays a major role in most cracks, there can be some factors outside of age that can play a major role so down below we have outlined the most common causes of cracks:
- Incorrectly placed or lack of expansion joints
- Settling or disappearance of supporting soils
- Grade of the concrete that was installed
- Thermal contraction and expansion from weather
- Overbearing weight onto your concrete slab
- Constant exposure to moisture
Is Epoxy Injection Worth It?
After hours of digging, we have found that not many people know why they should have their concrete repaired and we are here to show you exactly why repairing your concrete should happen as quickly as possible. When your concrete is cracked, not only are you allowing it to become aesthetically unpleasing, you are allowing for exterior forces to speed up the process of wear and tear to your concrete. But that’s not all, there are a variety of reasons why you should repair your concrete, preferably when it first becomes damaged. So down below, we have outlined the pros of repairing your concrete and the cons of not repairing your concrete:
- Expanded service life; reaching 5-10 years
- Maintain a waterproof and weather-resistant finish
- Provide a more attractive appearance
- Greatly decrease the lifespan of your concrete slab
process - A decrease in the value of your home or appeal of your business
- Water removing supporting materials from under the concrete
Preparing For The Repair
While you may think that the actual injection of the epoxy is the most nerve-racking step in epoxy injection, it is the preparation. This is because no epoxy can be injected before the crack has been properly prepared or you stand to potentially ruin your repair. Don’t worry, we have outlined how you can prepare the crack, down below:
- Make the crack wider by one inch on every side
- Widening the crack should be done in a V-shaped cut
- Use a wire brush to clean out the crack
- A pressure washer can also be used to clean the crack
- Allow the area to dry; heat or air guns can be used to dry faster
- Don’t let the crack sit for days, have the epoxy ready to go
Tips And Tricks For Repairs
Finally, it has come to the point where its time to get your concrete back into tip-top shape with epoxy injection. While having a contractor do the job is the path of least headache, don’t be intimidated to do it yourself. Down below, you will find a few tips and tricks to make sure your repair goes as smooth as possible:
- Begin with low pressure on the gun and steadily apply more pressure
- If you are experiencing backflow, your crack may still be obstructed
- The use of chisels, heat guns or a scrapper can be used to remove the epoxy paste
- Keep the repairs ports sealed for at least 48 hours to ensure proper cure and adhesion
- Check the description of the materials you are using to ensure it can be used on your crack
- Fill larger cracks in increments to ensure that epoxy is filling the crack
- Be sure to mark all leaks, smaller leaks can be marked with a crayon
- Outline the crack with a bead of caulk to minimalize wasted material
Now that you have all the information you need about epoxy injection for concrete crack repair, you are well on your way to assisting your concrete in lasting the decades that you paid for. If you don’t know if you can handle epoxy injection, don’t be afraid to call for the assistance of a professional crack repair contractor. While they may cost more upfront, the contractor will know exactly what materials to use and what methods of application are right for the job. They also offer warranties, higher-grade materials and the knowledge to get the job done right the first time around. But, whichever way you choose to go, we wish you luck!