Epoxy Injections are a specialized repair method involving injecting a two-part epoxy resin into cracks, voids, and other damaged areas in concrete structures.
In this article we will cover:
- What is an epoxy injection?
- Epoxy injections for crack repairs
- Hydraulic cement or epoxy injection?
- Epoxy injection crack repair cost
- Epoxy injection companies
What is an epoxy injection?
Epoxy is a specific type of synthetic polymer resin that is water insoluble with high adhesive properties with many customizable uses in both commercial and residential settings. Epoxy injection is a specific application process in which specialized equipment pressurizes the epoxy before it is injected into cracks or voids in concrete or other materials. The pressurization allows the epoxy to penetrate the crack completely and fill all angles and crevices, whether visible or invisible. When applied and cured properly, the resulting bond between epoxy and the host material is often stronger than the original material itself. The pressure of the injection method ensures expansive, three-dimensional coverage, as opposed to applying epoxy to the surface via painting or brushing.
Epoxy injection for crack repairs
When cracks, voids, and damaged areas occur in concrete, the structural strength and integrity of the material can be reduced by 40% or more. Repairing cracks in concrete is necessary for both aesthetics and safety, and understanding the nature and size of the cavity ensures that the correct type of epoxy can be applied. For example, cracks that are still active or moving require a more flexible epoxy solution than cracks that have settled and become dormant. Hiring a professional contracting company that specializes in concrete assessment and damage repair is essential, because they can utilize the correct type and application method for the circumstances.
Injecting epoxy is one of the most effective repair methods for cracks in concrete. The adhesive and expansive nature of the pressurized epoxy creates a new bond between itself and the surfaces to which it is applied. This restores the strength of the concrete while sealing and protecting the material against moisture and corrosive contaminants that might damage internal structures of reinforcing bars (rebar). The low viscosity option of epoxy also creates a wide spectrum of for its applicability. From one end of the damage scale to the other, epoxy can be injected into hairline cracks to prevent future deterioration or it can be utilized to repair structural damage caused by pressure on load-bearing components.
Hydraulic cement or epoxy injection?
Hydraulic cement is a specific type of cement, typically a mix of calcium, silica, alumina, and iron oxide. It differs from regular cement in that dry, powdered mixture produces a chemical reaction when mixed with water which creates new chemical bonds between the materials. Hydraulic cement is cheap, easy to use, and it sets and hardens within 10 to 15 minutes, making it an ideal tool for fast repairs or emergency use. Because water is the catalyst for the hardening process, hydraulic cement has the unique ability to repair active leaks or even fill cracks that are completely submerged underwater. Once hydraulic cement cures, it is completely impenetrable to water, so professionals will often use it to seal leaks; however care must be taken to maintain the proper temperature and moisture level to complete the chemical reaction over approximately 30 days.
Although hydraulic cement and epoxy injection have some overlapping functions in their ability to repair cracks in concrete, there are some key differences. Epoxy injections typically require a dry surface, so hydraulic cement is the better choice for repairs where liquid is present. If the repair will impact the structural integrity of a project, epoxy injections provide the necessary strength, because the bond between the epoxy and concrete is much higher than the bond between hydraulic cement and concrete. Hydraulic cement has a faster setting time, which can be useful in projects where speed is critical; but greater attention to detail is needed to apply the cement correctly before it sets. The slower speed of the pressurized, injected epoxy means the epoxy expands into all available space, creating a molecular bond that covers every nook and cranny of a void.
Epoxy injection crack repair cost
The cost to repair cracks in concrete using epoxy injection varies depending on a variety of factors. The scope of the needed repairs is the largest factor in determining costs for repair: the greater the damage, the more materials and labor necessary to complete the repairs. Similarly, small, simple cracks will be cheaper to repair than spiderweb cracks or large voids. The location also influences repair cost, as easier-to–access locations are generally cheaper than a project that is difficult or dangerous to complete. Finally, there are many types of epoxy resin, and different types and qualities of epoxy materials will have different associated costs.
A concrete repair project will generally start with a quote, but additional engineering structural assessments may be required to determine the precise size and nature of the damage, which will increase the overall cost of the repair project. A loose general estimate is that concrete repair materials costs range on average from $75-$150 per linear foot, with labor costs ranging from an additional $45-$85 per hour depending on the economic demographics of the project location.
Epoxy injection company
Cracks in concrete can expand rapidly due to the porous nature of the material. Even cracking that appears minor may intensify into structural problems if moisture or corrosive substances enter the cavity. Because of this, homeowners and commercial property managers would do well to have an experienced, trustworthy, knowledgeable contractor in their contact book to call at the first sign of problems.
For commercial properties in the Miami Dade area with amenity deck questions and repairs, Bengoa Construction offers reliable epoxy injection services to fix cracks in concrete surfaces, such as above- or in-ground pools. We help you save time and money through an efficient assessment and repair process, which allows you to continue to offer revenue-building spa services to residents and guests in your establishment.
For residential repairs or commercial concrete repairs outside of South Florida, one of the best resources to find an epoxy injection contractor or company is through professional associations, such as the local chapter of the American Concrete institute (ACI) or the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI). If you obtain a referral or recommendation via word of mouth or an internet search, double-check that the contractor is licensed, insured, and experienced with concrete repair. Regardless of the contractor chosen, the important first step of trustworthiness in the partnership is a complete project plan, which outlines the scope of work, labor costs, and timelines to project completion.
