The term 'concrete cancer' may sound serious, but it is possible to fix this type of damage in some cases. Before you start, it's important to understand what concrete cancer is, what can be done about it, the importance of getting expert help, and how to prevent it from happening again. If the damage caused by concrete cancer is moderate, you may be able to remove the affected concrete, clean and replace any exposed steel, and fill in any cracks. If left untreated, not only will it look unsightly, but pieces of concrete can come off and fall from the building, posing a risk of injury to passersby and damage to other properties. It's likely that the problem is much more extensive than what is visible on the concrete surface.
The cancer will have spread along the reinforcement in each direction. It's impossible to know the extent until the concrete is chiseled. A membrane system should be installed for all penetrations and joints. This system should be backed by a manufacturer's warranty for 10 years and can be extended for another 10 years with a maintenance application.
Waterstop Solutions has a wealth of experience in this field and is committed to providing a high level of service. Once the underlying steel and concrete have been repaired, they must be properly cured with specialized coatings. This solution involves removing the concrete around the reinforcing bars and cleaning the steel before applying both a steel primer and a polymer-modified material. Just like cancer in the body, concrete cancer can spread quickly and cause other elements to weaken and erode if left untreated. Concrete cancer can occur at any time, so it's important to watch out for signs that your building may be affected. Common signs include cracking, crumbling or flaking of concrete, rust spots or bubbles on concrete or cement plaster, and leaks in ceilings and walls.
There are several methods of repairing cracks in concrete, such as epoxy injection, routing and sealing, grouting, stitching, drilling and plugging, or gravity filling of cracks in concrete. If you have noticed signs of concrete cancer in your building, consult a professional for advice on the type of repair work that needs to be done. Other causes during the construction phase include design errors, poor concrete production or execution process. Concrete cancer can be a serious and costly problem if left untreated, misdiagnosed or given an irreparable remedy. BRS has many years of experience in structural and cosmetic concrete cancer repairs, allowing them to refine the best method for each project.
When it comes to building repair, we've found that there are few problems that can't be corrected - including concrete cancer.
