Probably, now there will be practically no buildings, during the construction of which concrete would not be used. However, over time, it loses its quality characteristics, and the design itself may break. To prevent this from happening, you need to use repair mixes for concrete. And you need to use them already when you notice a little damage. Naturally, it is worthwhile to understand the properties and features of the use of this substance.
What is a product and what is it for?
Repair mixtures for concrete are specialized tools that include sand, cement, various additives, fillers. Thanks to them, the substance has a certain set of characteristics necessary for high-quality restoration of the structure.
Such compositions are used to eliminate defects, damage in the walls and ceilings of structures, floors of houses. In principle, you can use the tool wherever there are concrete structures. Naturally, such a product has certain properties.
Material properties
Repair mixtures for concrete have the following features:
1. They are resistant to temperature changes, and also do not crack in the cold. That is why they can be used not only inside, but also outside the room.
2. Due to the fact that the substance has good vapor permeability, condensate will not collect in the repaired room.
3. The structures repaired using such a solution will last a long time.
4. Quality material has a high degree of strength.
5. Thanks to various additives, repair mixes for concrete have good adhesion, so working with them is quite easy.
6. Antiseptic impurities protect the restored buildings from the appearance of fungi and mold.
As you can see, the repair mixture for concrete, the instructions for use will be presented to you a little later, it has a large number of advantages over other means.
Product Selection Features
Each damage requires a special approach, so you need to know which composition is suitable in your case. It should be selected according to the following criteria:
- The severity of the damage, its nature.
- Conditions of use of the facility (e.g. high humidity).
- The strength of the impact of negative factors on the design.
- Technical characteristics of the material, as well as its properties.
- The temperature regime in which the use of the purchased substance is permitted.
- Time to gain strength.
- The need for other tools for surface treatment (primers).
- The need for dilution of the ingredients (it is better to purchase finished material).
- The consumption of the substance per square meter of area.
- Shrinkage.
- The cost of the product.
Since it is quite difficult to choose repair mortars for concrete in the current variety of materials, the tips outlined above will help you quickly decide on a purchase.
Product Varieties
Now you need to properly classify these materials. So, if you need mixtures for concrete repair, their varieties may be as follows:
1. By scope of application:
- Restoration of concrete structures. Moreover, such means are used to eliminate deficiencies in conventional as well as supporting structures.
- Repair of roads, floors. Such materials are characterized by increased resistance to frost, additional water-repellent properties.
- Protection against corrosion. They also prevent the occurrence of mold as well as fungal diseases.
2. At the place of use:
- For vertical surfaces. They are thicker, have strong adhesion.
- For horizontal surfaces. Such substances are more durable, can withstand heavy loads.
In addition, it is possible to divide such materials into shrink and non-shrink repair mixtures for concrete and brick. The latter option is the most preferable, as it provides acceleration of the restoration work, is very convenient to use. And you also have the opportunity to quickly calculate the amount of powder needed and the thickness of the layer.
Repair sequence
So, the whole procedure consists of several stages:
1. A thorough inspection of the damaged structure and determination of the severity of the destruction.
2. Determining the causes and factors that contributed to the appearance of irregularities, potholes or cracks.
3. The choice of tools and the necessary composition.
4. Carrying out all the necessary manipulations.
5. Checking the quality of work performed.
Types of Activities
So, repair mixtures can be used for the following types of work:
- Restoration of the structure. For this, substances that can dry quickly are most often used. Moreover, they can be applied not only to horizontal, but also to vertical surfaces.
- Leveling the surface. In this case, dry powders or injection molded products may be used. However, if the site requires special attention, it is better to use reinforced fiber.
- Elimination of cracks and potholes. Injectable epoxies are best used for this purpose . This is especially necessary if the crack is in the ceiling or wall. If the floor is damaged, then you can use a special liquid composition. No pressure is required.
- Strengthening concrete and strengthening its strength. In this case, deep penetration primers are excellent.
You can use CN 83 to repair the damage. Ceresit concrete repair mortar is very popular because it has high strength, good adhesion and other technical characteristics.
Repair Preparation
Before you restore a damaged wall or floor, it is imperative to collect all the necessary tools and materials. You may need: a bucket for combining substances (if you have not purchased a ready-made version), a trowel, a hard metal brush and, in fact, a repair mixture. Of course, you need to wear work clothes, since during the implementation of the manipulations, spray and dust are possible.
In addition, it is necessary to prepare the surface itself. The damaged area is cleaned of dust, loose pieces and polished. It will also be necessary to process the metal parts of the structure, especially if they are rusty. For this, special chemicals are useful. In addition, for better adhesion of the repair mixture, the treated surface should be coated with a deep-action primer.
Useful Tips
For easier operation and maximum effect, use the following tips:
- If the damage is too strong, then the substance will have to be applied in several layers.
- If the shrinkage of the composition still occurred, then it is necessary to lay out the solution again.
- In order for the old surface not to absorb liquid from the mixture, it is necessary to prime it well and allow time to stand.
- A hard brush can be used to apply the solution. It will make the bond with the surface as strong as possible.
- Each new coat of mortar should be applied only after the old one has dried well. This may take several hours.
- After the work is completed, try to spray the fixative on the treated surface. This technique will help protect the repaired area from new damage for a long time.
That's all. Good luck