Concrete Repairs

Concrete floor after Magnasite removal showing cracks along lines of reinforcement

What is Concrete Cancer?

Concrete cancer can be identified by the expanding reinforcing in concrete resulting in rust stains, flaking concrete (spalling) or dangerous chunks that have broken away and possibly fallen to the ground. The cancer is caused by corrosion to the steel reinforcing within, these steel bars can more than double in size when they rust, which in turn will split or explode the concrete away.

Concrete cancer can start in many different ways and listed below are just a few:

Concrete and reinforcing was so weakened that the floor needed removing to make proper repairs

Fractures or cracks in the concrete structure allowing water to penetrate and rust the steel.
Reinforcing being placed too close to the surface of the concrete which allows for water to seep through and react with the steel.
Being exposed to high carbonation and substantial chloride levels.
Reactions with incompatible metals.
Poor quality concrete offering little protection to water ingress.

It is important to begin cancer treatment as soon as you can see the first visible signs, as concrete cancer is a safety hazard and will weaken the building structure.

New steel reinforcement and future protection installed prior to re-pouring concrete floor

Look out for rust stains, cracked concrete and pieces of spalled concrete on the ground. This can occur to concrete walls, beam edges, soffits, concrete slabs, and also on the top of floor slabs in car parks, and under Magnasite on floors, inside rooms.

Concrete spalling is unsightly and without the correct treatment will inevitably get worse. Taylors remedial builders use long established methods of breakout, steel and concrete treatment, using special mortars to build out the repair. A membrane over coating is often advisable to protect the concrete from further moisture and contaminates.

Slab edge with spalled concrete removed

Once our tradesmen have finished repairing the distressed area, it will look as if it has never been affected.