There is a repair solution for concrete

Wouldn't it be wonderful if everything we hoped to achieve in life went according to plan? If every car we bought lived-up to its showroom tag of being a ‘good, reliable, runner'; if every holiday destination was as idyllic and desirable as it appeared in the brochure; if every day at the office was as productive and rewarding as we convinced ourselves it would be when we arrived at 9am. The harsh reality is, however, no matter how diligently we prepare for the best possible outcome in any given situation, events, sometimes beyond our control, cause our best-laid plans to go awry.

Poured concrete installation, a vital process in the construction of new buildings, roads and other critical infrastructure, doesn't always run smoothly. From the presence of small pin-holes due to water damage, to low cover of concrete by insufficient material quantity; there are a number of defects that can be caused by on-site application error or environmental factors. When such issues occur, the availability of quick and easy-to-use products is key to addressing failings and returning a project to its correct course. In Sika, the construction industry has a manufacturer which can be relied upon to supply the right product for the right repair. 

Concrete issues

Before we consider the solutions, let's examine the problems that can arise during poured concrete installation. The aforementioned surface pin-holing or honeycombing can occur due to insufficient aggregate in the original pour, leading to a less-than smooth finish. Voids, or small chasms in concrete are another potential issue. Incorrect application of a release agent, water or air can lead to this issue, resulting in a surface that appears damaged or cracked.

Shutter removal in freshly-poured concrete can be damaging, as can rainwater landing on recently cast slag, leading to an uneven and imperfect slab. There is potential for cracking in concrete when there's excess water in the poured mix, or rapid drying takes place. In places of high traffic, damaged edges can occur, whilst incorrect placement of the formwork or damage to the original cover is a cause of low concrete cover. A lack of steel strengthening in the original build can also weaken a concrete installation over time.

In all the above instances repairs need to be quick, effective and make the poured concrete look as good as new. Sika has a wide range of proven concrete repair solutions for a wide range of issues.

These include:

• Surface pin-holing: Sika^® MonoTop^®-620
• Honeycombing: Sika^® MonoTop^®-615, Sika^® MonoTop^®-614F
• Shutter damage: Sika^® MonoTop^®-620
• Spalled -Small areas: Sika^® Monotop®-612, Sika^® Monotop^®-615, Sika^® Rapid Repair Mortar
• Spalled – Large areas: Sikacem^® 133S Gunite, Sikacem^® 133F Gunite
• Cracking: Sikadur^®-31, Sikadur^®-52 
• Damaged edges: Sikadur^®-41, Sika^® Rapid Repair Mortar
• Low Concrete Cover: Sika^® Ferrogard^®-903+, Sika^® MonoTop^®-610, Sika^® MonoTop^®-615, Sika^® MonoTop^®-612, Sika^® MonoTop^®-614F, Sika^® Rapid Repair Mortar
• Rain Damaged Slab: Sika^® Rapid Repair Mortar, Sika^® MonoTop^®-614F Sika^® Screed Hardtop- 60

Errors of judgement are a fact of life and some are more costly than others, particularly on-site. It's how we react to these indiscretions that count, and in the construction industry it often requires a response that is as rapid as it is effective to prevent seemingly minor issues creating obstacles to a building project's long-term stability. Make no mistake, whatever the issue; Sika has a proven, quality concrete repair solution.

By Charles Pierce, National Sales Manager – Technical Manager Refurbishment, Sika

Visit:  www.sika.co.uk