Concrete crack repair is necessary for safe, efficient and durable functioning of a concrete structure. Repairing cracks in the concrete helps to cover imperfections through use of various crack repair chemicals and materials.

If you want to be a consultant or contractor of concrete crack repair, you will need to understand various technical terms relating to the process. In this guide, we will cover some key terms related to concrete crack repair such as the compressive strength, tensile strength, epoxy, surface preparation and curing.

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Compressive strength

Compressive strength is the ability of a material to withstand stress and load that tends to crush it. As a consultant in the field of concrete crack repair, you must be aware of the compressive strength of different materials.

I recommend: You can read through detailed information about compressive strength at MatWeb, a division of Automation Creations.

Tensile strength

Tensile strength (also known as ultimate strength) is the ability of a material to withstand longitudinal stress before breaking. Different standardization organizations publish information about tensile strengths of standard materials and standard testing methods.

I recommend: For the definition of this term, read through the glossary of roofing terms at RoofHelp.com. For detailed information about tensile strength of concrete surfaces and its testing standards, visit ASTM International.

Surface preparation

Surface preparation is an important step in the process of repairing a concrete crack. Proper surface preparation ensures adhesion of the epoxy to the cracks that are to be repaired.

I recommend: You can get detailed information about concrete surface preparation at The Concrete Network, an information resource for the concrete industry.

Curing

Curing is the process of setting and hardening of cement or epoxy material. Proper curing is necessary for durable concrete surface and repair work.

I recommend: To learn more about curing, visit Master Bond Inc..

Caulking compounds

Caulking compounds are useful for repairing the cracks and joints in concrete surfaces. These compounds are available with different adhesive properties (as per application requirements) and are either water-based or solvent-based. Caulking guns are required for the application of caulking compounds.

I recommend: For more information about caulking compounds, their types and applications, read through the description at HealthGoods.

Epoxy

Epoxy is a polymer material that has a high strength. An epoxy consists of a resin and a hardener, which react and harden upon mixing.

I recommend: You can get information about epoxy and liquid concrete repair at Polygem. For more information about the term epoxy, you can read through a description at EpoxyandEpoxyFlooring.com.

Concrete crack repair should be a skill every concrete specialist on your crew has. This will create a proactive environment getting the cracks repaired quickly and correctly.

Before you have the need, make a concrete crack repair list so that you will know how many kits or chemical quantities you need to handle the repairs. Round up for materials so that you have extras on-site for future repairs. To find a concrete crack repair provider with the concrete repair materials you need, you should:

1. Use concrete crack repair chemicals to seal cracks in concrete platforms and other concrete surfaces.

2. Buy concrete crack repair kits for an all-inclusive concrete crack repair system.

3. Find concrete crack repair tools to keep on-site for quick repairs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find concrete crack repair chemicals from reputable concrete crack repair providers

Use concrete crack repair chemicals to fill and seal the crack to prevent corrosion and further shifting of the concrete. Some of these chemicals may include radon, epoxy, urethane and crackweld.

I recommend: Radon Seal is an industry leader in concrete crack repair and manufactures supply materials for do-it-yourself concrete crack repairs of all sizes and concrete types. Super Krete, located in CA, manufactures concrete crack and wood deck repair chemicals. They also carry a supply of concrete repair tools, sealers and surface prep chemicals.

Purchase concrete crack repair kits to be prepared for most any type of concrete crack

You should purchase concrete crack repair kits for an easy way to have everything you need on-site for quick, controlled concrete crack repair. Most kits will repair a crack up to eight feet long.

I recommend: Crack Seal offers a do-it-yourself concrete crack repair kit that includes the Crack Seal chemical and most tools. All you will need are a standard caulking gun, wire brush and handheld spray bottle to complete the job. POLYGEM manufacturers a liquid concrete crack repair kit using a liquid welding epoxy.

Stock your site with concrete crack repair tools for quick, quality repairs

Stocking your site with concrete crack repair tools will enable the repairs to be done quickly and correctly without stopping to run to a hardware or other store for the tools you need to complete the job. Many of the basic concrete crack repair tools are low-cost and easy-to-find, including standard-size caulking guns, wire brushes, handheld spray bottles and patches.

I recommend: Superior Industries manufactures and sells a variety of concrete repair products, including patches, fillers and tools. Webac offers a variety of tubes and injectors for easy application of epoxy and fillers. They also carry pumps for large repair jobs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Read the concrete crack repair information carefully to ensure you are using the product as directed, and follow the procedure correctly to avoid additional damage.