Restoring Deteriorating or Cracked ConcreteConcrete has been called the backbone of modern construction – economical, durable and readily available. However, concrete is not indestructible. Time, water and weather take their toll on concrete and diminish its strength. Protecting concrete from the elements – and restoring it properly when damage does occur – is critical to preserve the functionality of buildings, balconies and plaza decks.GL Capasso Restoration has performed numerous concrete restoration projects throughout the years. A concrete rehabilitation project that is currently being performed by GL Capasso Restoration is the Harry A Conte School, which is located in New Haven’s Historical Wooster Square. Age and exposure to New Haven’s harsh climatic conditions has caused extensive exterior deterioration to the concrete surface. Many years of water infiltration had caused moisture to seep into the cracks of the concrete and cause corrosion to the rebar and structural steel. The corrosion of the steel has caused the concrete surface to spaul and fall onto the surfaces below. The scope of work involved for the Conte School Project involved demolition the deteriorated and delaminated concrete to a sound surface and then patching the areas with concrete patching materials. The entire building was cleaned with detergent as preparation for the application of a corrosion inhibitor. Moreover, the building was coated with a masonry coating for both structural and aesthetic purposes. All control joints were re-caulked and hairline cracks were injected with epoxy. Concrete is like a hard, porous sponge. Moisture, chloride ions, pollutants and other harsh chemicals can penetrate the concrete surface if left unprotected and unsealed. Once moisture penetrates the concrete surface the stage is set for more serious damage to follow. Causes of existing problems must be determined accurately before corrective steps can be taken. GL Capasso performs numerous Concrete Restoration Services, such as:
|