depth, removing from it before embedding all the crumbs.
Epoxy resin is most effective for small cracks (from 3 to 5 mm) in monolithic concrete. The surface of the crack should be dry. If the surface is wet or water splashes through the crack, first it should be drained, which can be done with a hair dryer to dry hair. When the surface appears dry, wait another 30 minutes to see if it becomes wet again. If it remains dry, then repair the cracks.
Epoxy resin for these purposes can be purchased at a hardware store in the form of a kit containing a two-part epoxy paste, nozzles and a liquid resin packed in a tube suitable for working with a standard seam sealant. Wear gloves and goggles.
Clean the crack and the surface around it with a wire brush. Make sure that there are not any crumbs left in it. Blow the crack with compressed air. Dry the crack surface with a hair dryer.
2. Glue the nozzles by inserting them into the crack, starting from 30 cm above the floor and then after every 30 cm.
3. Using a spatula mix the epoxy resin with the hardener on a piece of cardboard, apply this resin on the bottom surface of each nozzle and glue it over the crack. Work in rubber gloves. Allow the resin to harden.
4. Mix the other portion of the two-component paste and cover the surface of the crack. Press the paste into the crack, create a 3-millimeter coating, rubbing the paste around the crack. Leave this coating overnight to allow the paste to set.
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5. Now inject the liquid epoxy resin into the cracks according to the manufacturer's instructions. Inject the resin from the lowest nozzle. After completing the injection through the nozzle, cover the opening with a cap and proceed to squirt into the next nozzle above. Continue until you fill the crack completely. If you fill a crack with a liquid resin, the width of which is more than 3 mm, you will need several tubes for each nozzle.
Allow the liquid resin to harden for five days, then cut off the nozzles, if desired.
Cracks in the concrete can be sealed and with the help of other materials. One of them is presented in the form of tubes, from which a cleaned crack is filled. Then the surface is cleaned with a trowel. Excess of this substance can be cleaned off the surface with a wet cloth before the filler clamps.
Often the occurrence of cracks in the foundation of the house is an inevitable event. But do not panic. You should carefully understand what caused this process, and quickly solve this problem. About how to repair a crack in the foundation, and will be discussed in this article.
The causes of the appearance of cracks and their main types
The most common reasons for the appearance of cracks are:
- poor-quality ground preparation for the foundation;
- savings on the purchase of materials for construction;
- natural soil changes;
- non-compliance with the technology of erecting a house;
- construction of a new facility nearby.
There are two main types of cracks on the surface of the basement:
- horizontal;
- vertical.
Horizontal cracks do not pose such a danger. They can arise for various reasons. The main ones are:
- exposure to low temperatures (drying of concrete occurs);
- increased pressure from the moist soil.
Long cracks and horizontal fractures with protuberances, present on the outer wall of the house, indicate a possible displacement of the foundation or of the pressure exerted on the bearing walls. To determine the specifics of the faults, you should use the level. If there is a convexity of more than 1 cm or the formation of a ridge at the edge of the wall, a serious repair of the basement is necessary.
What to do when the crack in the foundation is vertical? Such rifts in the walls do not promise anything good. If there is only one crack at the bottom of the building, you need to determine its parameters. If there is a fault with even edges and a small thickness (approximately in the hair), repairing the crack in the foundation will not be difficult.
More complex work is needed when the vertical edges of the fault are uneven, and the gap widens in any direction. It should also be noted that the crack can also be located under the ground. In this case, it is necessary to excavate the entire site near it.
Technology of rooting faults in the foundation
Depending on the complexity of the work to seal the cracks in the foundation will require different materials. When the faults are small, they are sealed with a normal repair mortar or sealant. More complex areas are treated with special materials. These include epoxy resin and fast-setting cement.
In most cases, remediation of faults in the foundation provides for the choice of one of two options:
- pouring a concrete solution into it;
- cracks treatment with epoxy resin.
Use of concrete in the elimination of cracks
Elimination of a crack in the foundation begins with its preparation. Using a chisel, old concrete crumbs are removed from the fracture. If there is a small crack, it should be widened at the bottom. Using a construction trowel, the fault is filled with mortar. After that, the entire surface to be treated is smoothed and leveled.
This method is also used in the case when we face too much damage in concrete structures. Work begins with a chisel cleaning the surface of the crack in the foundation. After clearing the fault, it is thoroughly rinsed with water under pressure. While the gap dries, you should start making a solution.
The cement is sold ready-made. It should be simply diluted with water and mix the mixture until a paste is formed. Do not prepare a large amount of solution, because it quickly hardens. The preparation of the solution can also take place from ordinary portland cement with the addition of sand and water.
Filling of faults in the foundation is carried out in such a way that the concrete mixture protrudes above the surface. When the concrete begins to grasp, with the help of a trowel, it is thoroughly smoothed. After the crack is poured into the foundation, the whole surface is covered with a dense cloth and left for a few days. And it is necessary to maintain the wet condition of the finished site. To do this, lightly wet the fabric.
Elimination of defects by epoxy resin
The second way of sealing cracks in the foundation of the house involves the use of epoxy resin. The maximum efficiency of its application is achieved for sealing small crevices (up to 5 mm) in monolithic concrete.
The process of embedding itself consists of such basic stages:
- removal of old concrete crumb;
- drying the surface;
- application of epoxy resin.
With the help of a metal brush, the whole area with defects and the surface near it is peeled off. For a complete cleaning of the concrete crumb crack is blown. The internal part of the fault is dried with a construction hair dryer.
The components of the epoxy resin construction are a nozzle and a liquid resin, which is placed in a tube. Installation of attachments in the fault occurs at an interval of 30 cm. The first nozzle is inserted 30 cm from the ground. Epoxy resin is mixed with hardener. The prepared solution is applied to the bottom of all the nozzles. They are glued to the base of the slot. The resin should harden.
After this, epoxy resin is embedded in the entire damaged area. The mixture is rubbed and around the fracture. After setting the solution, liquid resin is injected into all the nozzles, starting from the bottom. In the presence of a crack with a width of more than 3 mm, each nozzle is equipped with several tubes. After 5 days, when the epoxy resin is fully seized, the nozzles can be cut.
Reduce the likelihood of cracks in the foundation can be through the implementation of preventive measures. As is known, the main problem for the foundation is the excess moisture. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly ensure that near the house there is no accumulation of water.
Video on the cracks in the foundation:
- Elimination of cracks in the foundation with cement mortar
- Fixing cracks on the foundation with epoxy resin
- Features of work with resin
- Elimination of defects of an improperly executed base
- Substrate plastering technology
Under the foundation is understood the main part of any structure. This is an important and main constructive element. On how it is executed, the strength, reliability and durability of structures or buildings will depend. Over time, it can form cracks. Fixing cracks in the foundation - it's not a difficult thing, you just need to know some of the features and choose the right building materials.
On how the foundation was built, the durability of the building depends.
Experts argue that cracks can often occur if the shrinkage of the building was uneven.
It happens that everything is fixed, but they appear again. This indicates that the sludge is still going on and you need to use special concrete in this case. Such work can be done independently. To eliminate cracks, either polymeric or cement materials will be required.
Elimination of cracks in the foundation with cement mortar
Today in many stores you can buy a ready-made cement mix. To use, you only need to add water and mix well. Such mixtures consist of fast-hardening cements. Since the solution freezes very quickly, the cracks on the foundation must be made at a rate. Do not prepare a large amount of solution immediately. It is better then to stir once again an additional portion.
- First you need to prepare a faulty basis for work. Use a chisel to remove all the remaining crumbs. If the foundation has cracked heavily, then the hollow should be widened to the bottom, and then it will be necessary to fill up everything with a "lock".
- When everything is ready, start filling the solution. For this we need to take a trowel. It is more convenient for it to fill the free space. Then the surface must be carefully smoothened. Cement mixtures are also good for fixing large damages on any reinforced concrete structures. Any similar work begins with stripping the damaged area.
At work it is necessary to observe safety precautions and it is obligatory to work in gloves and, preferably, in goggles. Before applying the mixture into the cavities and cracks, it is necessary to rinse with water from the hose. Continue to work when the surface is dry.
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Fixing cracks on the foundation with epoxy resin
Removing the appearance of depressions can be done using epoxy resin. It is particularly suitable for small and minor cracks (approximately 3-5 mm) if the concrete was monolithic.
- It is necessary to thoroughly clean the surface. It is desirable that it was dry. If there is moisture or water leaks, it must be dried beforehand. For this work, a normal hairdryer is suitable. If after that the surface appears dry, you still have to wait another 30 minutes to be sure that moisture does not appear again. When everything is dry, you can begin to seal the creases.
- Epoxy resin is sold in many hardware stores. Often this is a kit that contains 2 parts: a nozzle and a liquid resin. Everything is sealed in a tube, and a joint filling device must be included.
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Features of work with resin
Before you get started, you should carefully study the instructions.
- The crack on the foundation must be carefully cleaned: it is better to use this with a wire brush. It is necessary to make sure that not a single crumb remains. Then it must be purged with compressed air. Everything is dried with a hair dryer.
- Then glue the nozzles, lead to the crack and insert. Proceed from 30 cm above the floor and then continue at a distance of 30 cm.
- Mix the epoxy resin with a spatula, while adding a hardener: it is better to use a piece of cardboard for this purpose. The resin is applied from the bottom to the surface of the nozzle and is glued over the hollow or crack. Then you have to wait until everything is dry.
- Mix the second portion of the paste from the 2 components and cover the surface further. The paste is pressed into the cracks, thus a coating thickness of about 3 mm is created. Remains of the paste thoroughly rubbed around. All should be left for a while, that is, until the paste is completely hardened.
- Then we inject a liquid resin mixture, which must be prepared strictly according to the instructions. You need to start the work with the nozzle, which is located below. Such an operation must be done with each nozzle, until the entire crack is completely filled. In order for the liquid resin mixture to fill the cavity with a width of more than 3 mm, not one tube will be needed.
- Liquid resin should harden after 5 days, and only then you can remove the nozzles, if there is such a desire.
It often happens that simple sealing with solutions and resin does not give a positive result. Then we need to clarify the cause of the formation of the crack. It is possible that the foundation was originally designed and calculated incorrectly. Or the technology of its manufacturing was broken. If the reason is this, then it will be necessary to perform several other work.
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Elimination of defects of an improperly executed base
The cause of the appearance of cracks on the foundation can be a small depth of its bookmark, and the incorrectly calculated load. Specialists recommend in such cases to conduct a small test. After the very small crack has been removed, it is necessary to paste a sheet of paper where the date of work will be indicated. If, within 20 days or a month, the paper does not break, then the problem can be solved with cement mortar. If it breaks, then it will be necessary to remove part of the brickwork and thoroughly. Repair of the foundation after unforeseen destruction. You have to get ready for work, carefully prepared. It is better to consult with professionals. If you decide that you need a major recovery, it is better not to delay with repairs.
- In a place where cracks increase, it will be necessary to remove several rows of masonry. The walls should be strengthened for a while with a prop.
- Further, the damaged part of the foundation will have to be removed, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned of debris. If possible, lay the valve.
- Pour all the cement mixture and align. When the solution seizes, the surface is leveled. Brick masonry will have to be done with reinforcement. This will add extra strength and stability.
The ideal option to eliminate the appearance of any problems, including the appearance of cracks, is timely preventive work. A good tool in such a case will be performing a blind area with a good bias. Those places where cracks are planned, it is necessary to plaster carefully with a good cement mortar.
Concrete - the most popular building material, characterized by high durability and strength, wide application, absolute incombustibility and low cost. However, violations of the technology of its preparation and laying lead to a rapid wear of products and structures. Accelerated destruction of concrete is also facilitated by operation in corrosive environments and increased mechanical stress. As a result, the material loses its calculated strength, is covered by cracks and shells.
For the restoration, a traditional mortar is not used, but a specially designed repair mortar for concrete with suitable technical characteristics. Such compounds are produced and packaged in the form of a dry powder, which is diluted with water in a certain proportion. To give them special properties (frost resistance, moisture resistance, curing speed), various ingredients (plasticizers, modifying additives, fractional aggregates) are added.
Ready-made formulations for repairing concrete are conventionally divided into groups.
By field of application:
- For the restoration of structures and products experiencing increased mechanical stress (beams, columns, slabs, bearing walls).
- To strengthen reinforced concrete elements that are susceptible to corrosion.
- For the repair of road surfaces and floors.
By complexity of composition:
- Single-component (cement with large and small fractions).
- Two-component (epoxy with different degrees of fluidity).
- Multicomponent (liquid polyurethane).
There are also repair compositions for concrete with special application conditions:
- Thixotropic - for vertical surfaces.
- Casting - for horizontal planes.
- Fast-hardening - for urgent repair and liquidation of leaks.
- Frost-resistant - for use at low temperatures.
- Industrial and household purposes.
Filling mixtures are used with a thickness of the working layer not more than 100 mm, and hardening, which gain the necessary strength after 6 hours, - up to 40 mm.
Selection Methodology
Correctly selected repair mortar for concrete and precise compliance with the technology of its use will ensure the strength and durability of the product or structure. When buying a composition, you should take into account the nature of the damage, the size of the affected area and the conditions of use of concrete. The repair mortar should not shrink and separate after solidification. It is extremely important that it is compatible with the surface to be restored and the required level of adhesion to it. Almost every manufacturer of repair compounds additionally offers branded deep penetration primers that bind concrete and provide high adhesion to the solution.
When choosing the type of mixture, it is necessary to take into account the extent of damage to the surfaces. Significant potholes, cracks and differences in floor levels are eliminated by solutions with large fractions. To repair small shells and cracks, it is enough to buy a fine-grained mixture for repairing concrete with increased plasticity. If the product or structure is operated under extreme conditions, additional ingredients must be present in the restorative composition, giving it special qualities, for example frost and water resistance.
Technology of use
Floor Repair
To eliminate large damages on horizontal surfaces and drops of concrete floor, inexpensive dry cement-sand mixtures are usually used. Before applying the finished solution, you should clean the work area of debris, dust, degrease, and then treat the manufacturer's recommended deep penetration primer. After assessing the extent of damage, the required amount of repair mortar for concrete is determined. The recommended thickness of cement-sand screed does not exceed 40 mm. Control beacons are exposed and a solution is extracted, which will gain strength for 2 weeks. All this time, the surface of the screed covered with polyethylene film should be periodically moistened with water so that it does not crack. To eliminate small defects in the floor, it is advisable to use self-leveling finely divided liquid formulations with increased plasticity.
Repair of cracks
Before using the solution, the slits on the concrete surface usually expand. For this purpose, a groove with a depth of up to 50 mm is cut around the diamond circle or a bulge around them, and then the destroyed material is chosen by the perforator or chisel. The working area is cleaned with compressed air from debris and dust, treated with impregnation, and then a repair solution is applied. Cracks on horizontal and inclined surfaces are eliminated by saturation without excess pressure. For the filling of vertical slots, inexpensive and practical repair mixtures mbr 300 and mbp 500 for concrete are often used, which differ in strength characteristics and speed of solidification. In some cases, the injection method is used to fill internal cavities and deep cracks with a special device - a packer. Pressed on the surface of the repair composition is removed with a rod, and after solidification is ground.