Concrete Restoration consists of repairing deteriorated concrete and rusted reinforcing steel to bring the structure back to its original specifications and condition.
In this article we will cover:
- What is concrete restoration?
- The process of restoring concrete
- Concrete restoration services
- Concrete restoration Miami
What is concrete restoration?
Concrete restoration is a repair process used as an alternative to demolishing and reinstalling a concrete surface or structure. Unlike steel, the strength of concrete is not uniform, so it is susceptible to damage from pressure, weather, changes in temperature, and damage from corrosive substances (like pool chlorine). Some concrete damage is superficial, but unsound concrete should be restored before further damage can occur. There are several visual symptoms that reveal unsound concrete damage requiring restoration: discoloration, visible cracks, blistering, scaling, spalling, unevenness, and delamination. When any of these occur, the restoration process can be completed using a multi-step process described below. Restoration is cost-effective, extends the lifespan of the concrete, improves appearance and safety, and reduces the environmental impact and waste of complete demolition.
The process of restoring concrete
A multi-step process is required to restore concrete: First, a thorough assessment and surface preparation is completed, followed by specific repair techniques and reinforcements with appropriate materials for the damage. The last step is applying finishing techniques to improve the look and durability of the surface.
Starting with the assessment, a contractor will inspect the potential damage, sometimes obtaining samples, in order to determine the actual problem. It is important to diagnose the underlying cause of deterioration, so that structural damages can be repaired, and environmental factors and material defects can be mitigated. Without diagnosing the underlying cause of damage, the concrete restoration process will simply need to be repeated in the future.
Once any underlying damage is repaired, the concrete surface is prepared. Typically the damaged concrete will be removed, and then the surface must be grinded down to ensure the new surface will bond to the existing foundation. After this, a thorough cleaning should be completed to remove any debris, dirt, or grease which could hinder the application or integrity of the repair materials. The location of the concrete and type of surface will determine the best cleaning methods, whether pressure washing, sandblasting, or chemical cleaning.
The exact repair techniques depend on the specific restoration job. For cracks or leaks, like in concrete pool decks, chemical grouting may be used, which uses a specialized epoxy or polyurethane resin to chemically bond with water and seal cracks. For small holes, repair mortar may be used as a patch, like repairing a hole in a pair of denim jeans. In the case of scaling or spalling, a cementitious overlay may be required, which involves applying a new layer of modified concrete to the existing surface.
As part of the repair process, an experienced contractor will also assess and reinforce the underlying support for the concrete, whether that means treating steel reinforcing bars (rebar) to prevent corrosion from environmental contaminants or adding additional fibers into the concrete substrate to provide greater tensile strength.
After the repair is complete, the concrete can be polished, smoothed, stained, or colored to achieve the desired aesthetic effect. Finally, to finish the process, a sealant or coating must be applied to protect the newly-restored surface from the factors that caused the damage initially. Sealants protect from physical abrasion, moisture, chemicals and much more, and are an essential step in concrete restoration and maintenance.
Concrete restoration services
Concrete restoration services vary widely. With the right contractor, you can repair patios, driveways, walkways, pool decks, other amenity decks, building foundations, bridges, roadways, and almost any other concrete structure or surface you can imagine. Concrete restoration can be used in both commercial and residential settings, and it is particularly useful in areas of overexposure, like pool decks. For an outdoor pool deck, the concrete erodes over time from constant exposure to water, sunlight, and harsh pool chemicals. Indoor pool decks may receive less UV exposure, but the additional humidity can exacerbate problems by causing expansion and contraction in the concrete. Cracks, marks, and structural changes can be an eyesore and a safety hazard.
The specific concrete restoration service required for a project depends on the area and type of damage. The right contractor will be able to work with concrete patches, cementitious overlays, fiber reinforcement, resurfacing, repair mortars, chemical grouts, epoxy resins, expansion joints, and even excavation and demolition if necessary.
Ultimately, the proper concrete restoration service can not only prevent structural damage to an underlying surface or building, but also prevent slipping or tripping for any people or vehicles moving over the surface.
Concrete restoration Miami
Taking the time to inspect and restore concrete is particularly important in Florida, due to the unique environmental challenges of sunshine, ocean weather, and storms. In areas like Miami with a strong tourism industry, concrete restoration is important for both safety and aesthetics, to impress and protect visitors during their vacation, which encourages them to return again.
For commercial pool deck concrete restoration in the Miami area, Bengoa construction can help ensure you are maintaining your pool deck to proper codes and standards, while preventing accidents and injuries caused by structural failures, debris, or uneven surfaces. We can help you maintain the property value of your building by uplifting the aesthetic appeal of your amenity deck, and restoring longevity to an aging pool deck infrastructure. Contact Bengoa Construction for a quote today!
