Blog Layout

How to Repair Cracked Concrete with Epoxy | Xtreme Polishing Systems

K. G. • Dec 20, 2021

One of the most significant issues surrounding the use of Concrete is the formation of cracks. However, there are multiple ways to address this, with Epoxy being the most reliable and viable.

Several factors at play can result in concrete cracks, such as shrinkage, heat, incorrect joint placements, excessive stress and loading conditions, and movements produced by external sources. There are also different techniques and approaches to fix them.

Epoxy injections administered directly to the crack get used in some of these repairs or restorations. The method differs based on the fracture location and whether the concrete cracks are horizontal or vertical.

Some concrete cracks may require additional processes, but this article will primarily focus on using epoxy to repair concrete cracks.

Recommended Applications

When cracks run through a concrete surface, and you can inject the epoxy from both ends. Depending on the application, it may be necessary to make the epoxy more flow-able or use a different method to inject it into the concrete.

The installer may also want to inject the epoxy closer together than usual to ensure that it reaches the deepest area of the concrete crack. Before determining whether or not to utilize the epoxy repair, make sure the cause of the crack has gotten identified and that no more movement is permitted. You should not use the epoxy injection procedure if the concrete is still prone to extra movement.

For starters, structural cracks or cracks that are large enough should not get treated with this procedure; instead, consult the building’s engineer to see if some chipping and demolition is required.

Furthermore, if water has entered the crack and you cannot dry it out, use a water-repellent epoxy product. You should not fix concrete cracks caused by rusted steel with epoxy since the steel will continue to corrode, resulting in new cracks. Concrete crack repair kits are available for cracks up to 1/4 inch wide.

In sum,

  • You should only use epoxy on cracks that you can entirely repair, not on structures that will be subjected to constant movement and crack creation.
  • You should not use epoxy to repair structural cracks or cracks of greater depth. Engineers must monitor such fissures on a case-by-case basis.
  • You cannot use epoxy to repair corroded steel flaws because the metal will continue to corrode even after the epoxy has gotten applied.

Steps for Repairing Concrete Cracks with Epoxy

Repairing concrete cracks with epoxy generally undertakes three simple steps, such as the following:

Prepare the Concrete Surface

Start by cleaning the crack zone, which should extend up to half an inch on either side of the crack. This step is required to ensure that the existing concrete crack gets properly bonded. You should clean the region with wire brushes or a high-pressure water jet, but the area is allowed to dry before proceeding.

Air dryers might help you get the moisture and water out of the crack faster if you are short on time. You should not use mechanical tools since they may cause more debris to fall into the fissure.

The optimal crack restoration method may entail enlarging the crack into a “V” form until it is no longer visible. “V” shaped cracks will also result in a more durable finish.

Install the Ports

The epoxy is injected through the ports, obviating the requirement for drilling.

The ports must get spaced appropriately to allow the epoxy to get injected in the correct spots. Moreover, the ports should be eight inches apart along the concrete crack. After the ports have gotten placed, you must seal the top of the crack. Cover the concrete crack with an epoxy paste that may be applied with a putty knife down the length of the crack and will dry in about 30 minutes. During the pressure injection operation, this paste must hold up.

Keep in mind that the seal and adherence of the epoxy paste over the concrete fissure may be affected by changes in concrete temperature.

Inject the Epoxy Crack

Begin injecting at the lowest port and work your way up until the epoxy runs out of the next port or the epoxy stops flowing.

When injecting epoxy into horizontal cracks, begin at the broadest part of the crack. You might wish to close the second port to make room for the epoxy beneath the concrete surface.

Remove the cartridge after repeating the operation until no more epoxy is flowing. Inject extra
epoxy into the next open port or the one that has epoxy flowing out of it.

Move one port forward and repeat the operation if the epoxy has cured. It is critical to maintain flow as you cannot dry it out. You should not fix concrete cracks caused by rusted steel. You should only use consistent epoxy pressure so that the epoxy may flow properly without creating voids beneath the surface. Remove the ports and top seal from the crack once the injection procedure finishes.

Tips for Repairing Concrete Cracks with Epoxy

Besides the three steps above, here are additional tips that may come in handy when repairing
concrete cracks with epoxy:

  • Begin the injection process with lesser pressure and gradually increase the pressure as needed.
  • For bigger cracks, a high epoxy injection pressure gets required.
  • Slowly fill large and wide cracks with epoxy to ensure that the gaps get filled thoroughly.
  • With a chisel or scraper, the outer epoxy seal can get removed after the entire injection procedure.
  • Back-flow of epoxy is a possibility in the case of discontinuous cracks. During the injection process, always check for such situations.
  • If the top seal is leaking, use a crayon to fill it. You should only use this for minor leaks.
  • The ports must be kept open for at least two days. This option will ensure that the concrete crack gets sealed completely.
  • An epoxy injection may not be effective if the crack is large. Always double-check this before starting the injection process.

For any Concrete Repair venture, consider Xtreme Polishing Systems. Xtreme Polishing Systems offers a wide choice of decorative concrete, surface preparation, and concrete polishing materials and supplies, meeting all of your requirements for all residential and commercial flooring needs. Get in touch with Xtreme Polishing Systems today!

Concrete Resources, Expert Guidance, and Customer Support

Our complete  Concrete Floor Guide and Epoxy Blog  each exhibit helpful industry knowledge and resourceful product expertise for contractors, do-it-yourself individuals, businesses, and property owners seeking instant direction support.

XPS is committed to 100% customer satisfaction. We truly believe that your success is our success.

The professionals at  Xtreme Polishing Systems  understand that each individual concrete surface must be treated differently based on the slab’s current condition, and it’s very common for unforeseen complications to occur after hours while still on the job site. Our clients deserve immediate access to expert tips and customer support that may be useful for various reasons which may occur in this ever-changing industry.

Questions?  Our professionals are readily available to answer any questions or assist with your inquiries, so feel free to contact us at  (877) 958-5732  with your questions and inquiries. Shop our website shopxps.com today or call for  in-store/curbside pickup  services.

By K. G. 04 Jan, 2022
Epoxy is becoming increasingly popular due to its versatility and long-lasting results. Epoxy floor coatings provides everything you could desire in a floor coating, yet common mistakes made by beginners can weaken or destroy the epoxy resin. Remember, though; everyone has to start somewhere when learning something new; it is okay. When you get a better understanding of applying epoxy resin, you will see that …
By K. G. 28 Dec, 2021
Installing high-quality countertops is a great way to transform your kitchen or bathroom without spending a fortune. Fortunately, you have many options when it comes to kitchen countertops that will endure a long time. ­House shoppers have long recognized the granite countertops hidden meaning. It is not just a piece of stone; it is a sign of luxury and power. Is that true, though? Certainly, …
By K. G. 14 Dec, 2021
Nothing is more crucial than the flooring you choose when remodeling your entire home or upgrading key elements in a specific room. It influences the aesthetics of a room and affects the functionality and usability of your residence. Concrete floors are probably not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about stylish home designs. They are frequently considered to be drab and uninviting …
By K. G. 16 Nov, 2021
The end of the year is approaching us quickly! Most will take this magical time to celebrate the holidays, enjoy togetherness with loved ones, and of course eat some really good grub! In addition to all the holiday cheer, many of us will endure extremely frigid climate changes. In fact, each year about 33% of the Earth’s landmass endures seasonal snowfall and subzero temperatures. BRRR!! …
By K. G. 26 Oct, 2021
Concrete is a hard material by design, and changing its surface requires force. When you use industrial concrete flooring equipment to clean, repair, grind or polish a concrete slab, you’re doing damage to the surface, however, it is controlled damage so the concrete they leave behind is micro-fractured meaning the concrete cap has been opened. These methods are very aggressive and each one has only …
By K. G. 19 Oct, 2021
There has been a strong trend in modern design for house interiors to employ more sophisticated, contemporary, and low-maintenance materials. Undoubtedly, concrete has always been a material of choice in flooring projects due to its durability and style versatility. Today, this attractive material gets taken up a notch. As a long-term design option, people have begun incorporating various concrete floor surface finishes into their spaces. …
By K. G. 28 Sep, 2021
Surface preparation is by far the most important aspect of the installation process for both applications refinishing and resurfacing applications on concrete floors. In this article, we will discuss the different ingredients to achieving proper concrete surface preparation. A Beginners Guide to Concrete Surface Preparation The process of concrete surface preparation is the beginning step for properly achieving beautiful surface refinishing, whether it be polished …
By K. G. 07 Sep, 2021
Typically, an epoxy moisture vapor barrier is unnecessary. Properly constructed garages that are at or above grade will have a stone base under the concrete slab. So, moisture vapor emission rates (MVER) will be very low. Garages that are below grade or located in geography that has high water tables may have a high MVER, but often the issues can be mitigated by leaving the control joints …
By K. G. 31 Aug, 2021
Cementitious materials are used in concrete patching and crack filling applications to repair cosmetic surface flaws, defects, or hairline cracks in concrete substrates. Some of these repair materials are modified differently to enhance specific bonding properties, like polymers. Though, other options are designed with specialty cement-based materials for fast-setting purposes. Why is Concrete Repair Important? All in all, concrete surfaces are, unfortunately, naturally prone to …
By K. G. 23 Aug, 2021
Essentially, a surface finish that displays such immense beauty as that of a finished epoxy surface certainly helps describe just how extraordinary and unique epoxy applications are. Especially when compared to other floor covering options. Whether a personal DIY project or you simply hired a contractor, epoxy coating finishes are absolute one-of-a-kind masterpieces! In this article, we discuss the most effective procedures for routine epoxy …
More Posts
Share by: