Concrete is a tough material, but even the best quality products can be damaged. Repairing concrete is a time-consuming, difficult job that needs to be done right to ensure long term success. Whether the damage is caused by weathering, corrosion, or incorrect installation, proper repair of damaged concrete will save money, reduce maintenance costs, and keep people safe from injury.

Generally speaking, two types of repair methods are available: surface repairs and structural repairs. Surface repairs are used for cracks, spalling, and surface wear, while structural repairs must address concerns about the load-carrying capacity of a concrete structure or its safety. Before deciding on the appropriate type of repair, it’s important to identify the cause of cracking and determine if the cracks are structurally significant.

Essential Guide to Repairing Concrete: Techniques and Tools

Prior to applying the concrete repair materials, it is important to prepare the existing concrete surface. This includes saw cutting the perimeter of the damaged concrete to a suitable shape, removal of loose concrete, cleaning and coating of reinforcement steel with a bonding agent, and application of the concrete repair material. It’s also a good idea to determine the compressive strength of the existing concrete, so that a repair material can be selected with an adequate amount of compressive strength.

The final step in repairing concrete is testing the hardness of the repaired area. Many plant laboratories have cylindrical impact hammers that can be used to evaluate the hardness of a new or repaired concrete section. A hardness test is essential for determining the quality of concrete that has been repaired and whether or not it is ready to be placed in service.

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