ForConstructionPros.com

Article

For Construction Pros

A Cygnus Business Media Website

eNewsletters

Columns

Home » Concrete Contractor » January 2007

Bookmark Page Most Read Stories Today

Decorative Concrete: Cracks The Overlay Iinstaller's Worst Nightmare

The first step in crack repair involves cutting a crack as deep as possible, usually about 1 in.

crack chaser blade used to widen the curf

After cutting a crack down about 1 in., use a crack chaser blade to widen the curf, which allows for better adhesion of the fill material.

In extreme cases of crack repair, injecting epoxy is a very effective way of making a structural repair.

Read More Columns

Stay on Top of Product Knowledge

A Concrete Insulation Sandwich

Nothing Beats 'Shoe Leather' Marketing

By Bob Harris
Contributing Editor

On one extreme project I encountered a concrete substrate that was in extremely poor condition. The cracks and holes were very unstable and the concrete was not a good candidate for a topping. I adhered an anti-fractured membrane to the substrate and then in addition to that pneumatically applied expanded metal lathe attached to the concrete surface with an air-driven nail gun. Once this was complete I used a self-leveling compound to encapsulate the reinforcing wire. And once this was dry, I came back over that surface with our decorative overlayment. After going back to evaluate this job one year after the installation, my crew and I were surprised to see a crack-free surface. Despite all of the repairs made, we did inform the client before proceeding that they could possibly see some hairline cracks reappear.

Take the time to make the appropriate repairs prior to your topping installation. Remember, your overlayment is only as good as the substrate to which it is applied.

Good luck.

More decorative concrete articles are available at www.ForConstructionPros.com under the Concrete tab.

previous 1 2