Like other materials, concrete will break down because of exposure to harsh elements, in addition to its prolonged use. Unlike other materials, thankfully, it can be repaired to look like new. Newbie property owners may think this simply means mixing some concrete and water and heaping it onto the damaged section.
This is a mistake, and will not only leave you with a compromised part on your surface but will also negatively impact the integrity and look of your entire property.
The best concrete repair products are only half your equation for an optimal concrete repair task. You also need the right machines for your repairs. It would be impractical for a small-time contractor or DIYer to buy these machines for a one-time repair job. However, this does not mean that you have to settle for crude tools for your DIY projects. You can rent the appropriate machines to guarantee you handle the task at hand the right way. Concrete repair starts with surface preparation. Here are the techniques used for this.
Diamond Grinding
This technique was quite popular before the advent of diamond grinders. Stone grinding uses a heavy floor grinder with stone tools fastened along its bottom. While it works exceptionally well for the surface preparation of soft concrete, it might not be the best for epoxy and hard concrete surfaces.
Shot Blasting
This method will profile your concrete slab for the application of self-levelling concrete, concrete screed, epoxy paint, and membrane parking. Furthermore, the technique removes the laitance found on concrete surfaces and allows the thorough cleaning of your prepared surface. The shot blasting machine you hire or buy for your venture can also be used for the cleaning of concrete surfaces after the repair, to leave it shining and looking uniform.
Scarification
This is a mechanical alternative meant for a highly aggressive concrete surface. The technique will remove the bumps on your surface and create insertions while allowing the removal of a thick layer. In scarification, a steel or carbide star-shaped cutter is mounted in several rows along a rotating drum. However, compared to other techniques, the aggressive profile left by scarifiers requires a larger volume of resurfacing product to restore a smooth and uniform surface texture.
Sanding
This is your lightest choice for surface preparation. Sanding is handled with a light floor sander or an angle grinder. Different grits can be attached to the discs of these machines for sanding. This surface preparation technique is, however, only suited for re-coating jobs and light paint jobs.
The above surface preparation techniques will make all the difference in the outcome of your repairs. It is thus vital to get the best company to rent or buy the machines you will use to handle your project. While this might mean a bit more expense compared to getting them from just about any company, the quality of work the machines guarantee is worth it.
