Buildings and structures like car parks cost a lot of money to replace, as well as causing disruption to the public during the process. Therefore, it is essential that as much damage is fixed as possible, without needing more extensive work.
Concrete repair specialists in the UK are well-equipped to keep structures lasting a long time, knowing there will be financial and practical repercussions if they do not.
One thing they can do to protect or repair buildings is to use crack injections. This involves inserting low viscosity materials into gaps into the concrete, masonry and brickwork.
They can be injected into cracks as narrow as 0.2mm wide, so long as the crevice is clean and dry.
For wider gaps, thixotropic resins or cementitious materials can be used, as these are effective at filling the space and preventing the cracks from widening further.
Crack injections are even possible in the case when it is not easy to access the gap by using controlled pressure methods. This enables materials to flood voids within the building, as they will travel through the gaps present.
Pressure grouting, as it is known, helps to provide structural integrity to bridges, car parks, basements, tunnels, sewers, buildings, and other types of structures. Therefore, it is a very valuable method that concrete repair experts are able to use.
It also helps to stop movement from occurring in the future, as they fill the cracks and make the structure more rigid and secure.
Otherwise, if a crack was left alone, it could become filled with dust and debris, which could cause it to widen even more.
It might also fill with water, and when the temperature drops during the winter, this could turn to ice and expand within the space.
Eventually, this will force the crevice to enlarge, making room for the ice, which when thawed, will simply leave a bigger gap in its place.With temperatures dropping to as low as -18.9C last year, it is essential to prepare for freezing conditions and the risk of ice forming in voids.