Concrete damage is a latent threat that affects the safety and lifespan of your building or structure. If left untreated, it causes serious problems. Think of leakage, weakening of the structure, and even collapse. On this page, you will discover everything about concrete damage and what you can do about it.
Concrete Damage
What is concrete damage?
Concrete damage is a collective term for all types of damage that occur to concrete structures. It occurs both on the outside and inside of the concrete. These are the different forms of concrete damage:
- Cracks: these are the most common signs of concrete damage. Cracks can be small and superficial, but also deep and large.
- Spalling: this is the chipping of small pieces of concrete from the surface.
- Delamination: this is the separation of a layer of concrete from the underlying layer.
- Surface discoloration: this is caused by various factors, such as moisture, chemicals, or algae.
Invisible Concrete Damage
Did you know that concrete damage is often invisible to the naked eye? This makes it especially important to be alert to the signs of concrete damage, which do not always manifest as visible defects. Pay particular attention to the internal causes of concrete damage that we will mention below.
How does concrete damage occur?
Concrete damage is caused by external and/or internal factors. These can affect the concrete and lead to various forms of damage. Below are the main causes of concrete damage.
External Causes
- Prolonged exposure to moisture: water can penetrate the pores of the concrete, making it more porous and weaker. This makes the concrete more susceptible to frost damage and chemical attack.
- Chemical attack: certain chemicals, such as salts (think of de-icing salts in winter) and acids, can attack and weaken concrete. This leads to
concrete rot andcorrosion of reinforcement steel . This in turn leads to spalling and loss of strength. - Heavy loading: if a concrete structure, such as an industrial concrete floor, is overloaded, it will crack or fail. This is especially a risk with older structures not designed for current loads.
- Vibrations: prolonged or severe vibrations, caused by traffic or machinery, for example, can cause cracks in the concrete.
Internal Causes
- Rust formation of the reinforcement: the metal reinforcement in the concrete rusts when it comes into contact with water and oxygen. This leads to cracking and weakening of the concrete, which eventually leads to the collapse of the structure.
- Drying out of the concrete: during the curing process of concrete, it loses water. If this happens too quickly, the concrete will shrink and crack.
- Carbonation of concrete: CO₂ from the air reacts with the lime in the concrete, making it more porous and weaker, also known as carbonation of concrete. This process accelerates in humid environments with high CO₂ levels.
The consequences of concrete damage
Concrete damage leads to a range of unpleasant and even dangerous consequences. This damage lurks in your building or structure and eventually causes serious problems.
Weakening of the Structure
Cracks, fractures, and other forms of concrete damage significantly reduce the strength of a structure. In extreme cases, it leads to collapse, with all the consequences that entails.
Leakage and Moisture Problems
Cracks and fractures in the concrete cause leakage of water or other liquids. This results in moisture problems in your building, leading to mold growth, unpleasant odors, and health issues for the occupants.
Less Attractive Appearance
Concrete damage not only disrupts the solidity of a building but also affects its appearance. This results in devaluation and an unkempt appearance.
High Repair Costs
Repairing concrete damage can involve high repair costs. The costs depend on the severity of the damage, the extent of the problem, and the techniques used for concrete repair. Therefore, it is especially wise to address it early.
Repairing concrete damage
Concrete damage can be inevitable, despite all preventive measures. In that case, it is important to repair the damage as quickly and professionally as possible. This prevents further problems, extends the lifespan of your structure, and ensures the safety of yourself and your surroundings.
Concrete Injection
By injecting special products into the concrete, cracks are repaired and the concrete is made watertight. Concrete injection prevents further damage from moisture infiltration and enhances the structural integrity of the concrete.
Strengthening Concrete
Techniques such as carbon fiber reinforcement are used to strengthen the concrete and improve overall structural stability. This reduces the likelihood of cracking and spalling, thereby preventing concrete damage.
Protecting concrete
By applying concrete coatings, the concrete is protected against wear, chemical damage, and carbonation. These coatings form a protective layer over the concrete surface, extending its lifespan and making it less susceptible to damage.
Cathodic protection
In cases where the reinforcement is severely affected by rust, cathodic protection is applied to prevent further corrosion. This process slows down the rusting process and protects the concrete from structural damage.
SealteQ: the specialist in concrete damage
SealteQ has been a leading company in concrete renovation for over 30 years. We specialize in repairing concrete damage and offer a wide range of solutions for your concrete structure.
We use the latest techniques and high-quality materials to sustainably repair your concrete structure and significantly extend its lifespan. Our achieved certificates demonstrate our commitment to quality and safety.
Feel free to contact us for a free inspection of your structure. View our previous projects below to get an impression of our expertise and successful results.
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