What are the different methods of concrete crack repair?

There are several methods for repairing concrete floors and pathways such as routing and sealing, epoxy injection, stitching the cracks, etc. You can select from these methods of concrete repairs in Denver according to the evaluation of the damage in the structure and its causes. In the case of asphalt roads, some methods to repair cracks are similar to concrete repair methods, for example, autogenous healing. However, the main ingredient in concrete repair is a lot of hydration with the help of water whereas, in asphalt autogenous healing methods, steel fibers are used to fix cracks. 

Another main road construction material is Asphalt. It is one of the widely used materials to make roads and pavements that is present at the side of a road and is usually made for pedestrians. The quality of asphalt used and the binding material to construct roads or pavements matters because the poor quality of either of them can damage the road in just a matter of a few days or weeks. However, the easy and effective methods of Denver asphalt repair can extend the lifespan of these roads within the predetermined budget.

Here are some of the methods for concrete repairs in Denver:

Routing and Sealing

The routing and sealing method is ideal for situations in which remedial repairs of horizontal cracks like in floors or pavements are required instead of structural repairs. The rout and seal method involves enlarging the concrete cracks and then filling and sealing them with a joint sealant. With the help of this method, you can repair both fine pattern cracks as well as larger, isolated cracks.

Epoxy Injection

This repairing method is used to fix concrete cracks with a width of 0.05 mm. It helps in restoring the concrete’s strength and stiffness. The process of epoxy injection involves cleaning the surface to remove any contaminants such as oil, grease, dirt, or fine particles of concrete because their presence can prevent epoxy penetration and bonding which can ultimately remove the effectiveness of repairs. In the second step, after cleansing, a surface cap of non-sag epoxy is applied to restrict the crack’s expansion. In the third step, injection ports are installed into holes drilled at close intervals along horizontal, vertical, or overhead cracks. After this, epoxy is injected with some pressure. 

The epoxy injection method is used only for structural repairs. It does not improve the strength of the concrete but it does resolve issues related to load-carrying capacity and structural safety concerns. 

Polyurethane Injection

Another method for concrete repairs in Denver is using Polyurethane injections. It is used to seal wet and leaking cracks with a width of 0.002 inches. Polyurethane resins used in these injections are a type of reactive resins that are injected into cracks that help to stop any water leaks. The polyurethane penetrates the concrete pours and reaches out to the cracks inside the concrete where it takes its role as an expanding gel that fills out every crack or gap in the concrete pathways. This method permanently repairs the active or dormant concrete cracks effectively.

Autogenous Healing

Autogenous healing is a natural healing process of the concrete crack. It is a useful method to repair concrete cracks of maximum widths between 0.004 inches and 0.008 inches by exposing the under-hydrated cement particles to moisture. It can take several days or even several weeks in case of cracks of 0.008 inches. However, you need to make sure that during the healing process, cracks should not be subjected to fast-flowing water and movements. Similarly, self-healing of asphalt roads by adding steel fibers is also used as a method of asphalt repair in Denver to fix the cracks in the asphalt pathways or floors.

Stitching the Cracks

This method is one of the easiest and long-lasting methods for repairing concrete cracks. You need to use this method when there are major cracks on the concrete surface and its tensile strength must be re-established. In this method, holes are drilled on both sides of the cracks. U- shaped metal units with short staples are anchored in the holes on both sides of the crack with a non-shrink grout or an epoxy resin-based bonding system. This way you can stop the further movement of active cracks.