Concrete Patch Repair
Patches in bad condition are one of the most common defects in concrete floors. However, they are very usual due to wear mainly caused to industrial floors by the use of all types of machinery.
If deteriorated patches do not receive immediate attention, the problems that can be generated will affect the whole concrete floor, threatening running business activities. Especially in storage activities, the risk of accidents is very high.
The repair of patches in bad condition should always be carried out with non-retracting mortars that, once dry, offer an extreme rigidity.
Deterioration of patches
The repair of a cracked hole in the floor is usually solved by applying a mortar patch. It is the most common repair measure in an industrial building to recover the part of the affected surface. But, like any other element, patches are susceptible to degrade again after a short period of time.
Patches on floors represent areas or spaces where the original material was damaged. A mortar is generally used to repair the damage, which is often not suitable for a durable solution.
Technically, the deterioration of patches is determined by the magnitude of the damage, for example:
- Low: the patch is in good condition (relatively), presenting a surface suitable for transit.
- Medium: in this state, the severity of the damage is mostly manifested in edge deficiencies.
- High: this severity indicates that the patch has reached the highest point of degradation, which greatly harms traffic in the area, leading to the formation of adjacent defects.
The deterioration of patches is closely linked to the lifespan of the floor.
In the industrial context, where concrete slabs are designed for specific conditions and uses, patches receive different attention. It is characterized by an a posteriori action-reaction attitude, when the damage has reached a concerning condition. Evidently, in these cases it is clear that floor maintenance is poor or even non-existent.
Causes of bad condition
Patches in bad condition are the result of a pathology that is originated by a combination of multiple factors. These, generally, are manifested in the following causes:
- Poor construction procedures
- Progressive evolution of initial damages, not corrected by the patch applied. The diagnosis of the problem was insufficient and ineffective to solve the initial damage in a long lasting way.
- Inadequate or incorrect joint planning
- Spread of damage to adjacent areas
Dust problems associated with a deteriorated patch
A patch in poor condition is an ideal area for producing and accumulating dust particles. The dust problems in patches affect the aesthetics of the surface and make the cleaning of the floor considerably more difficult.
However, the damage caused by dust problems in patches is even greater by the pollution they cause in the floor. It also increases the difficulty of patch repairs, as well as any other maintenance work.
Patch Repair
The repair of patches in bad condition varies according to the severity of the damage and the methodology applied.
Regardless of the severity of the damage, repair of deteriorated patches will consist of the removal of the affected material to its inner layer. The affected area must then be filled and sealed with a non-retractable mortar.
Repairing deteriorating patches is usually done manually. There are different types of sealing materials.
Repairing patches is very different from the construction process. It requires the removal of the deteriorated material. In addition, the space must be clean and the surface must have adequate adhesion.
For more information on this topic visit our posts: Repair of concrete pavements and Maintenance of concrete pavement. For more information on this topic visit our posts: Repair of concrete pavements and Maintenance of concrete pavement: Reparación de pavimentos de hormigón y Mantenimiento pavimento de hormigón.
