Concrete Repair (D04)
Concrete damage doesn’t heal itself – it only gets worse without intervention.
This BidScope guides you through damage types and repair strategies: hairline cracks (typically cosmetic, seal to prevent moisture intrusion), structural cracks (indicate foundation movement or overload, require engineering assessment), spalling and scaling (surface deterioration from freeze-thaw cycles or deicing salts, requires surface repair or overlay), settlement and sinking (indicates soil issues below, may require mudjacking or polyurethane foam injection), and complete section replacement when repair isn’t economical.
Learn crack repair methods: epoxy injection for structural cracks that bonds concrete back together, polyurethane injection for active cracks that flex or leak water, routing and sealing for non-structural cracks, and stitching with staples for large crack stabilization.
Understand mudjacking (slabjacking) – pumping cement slurry under sunken concrete to lift it back to level, versus polyurethane foam injection that’s lighter weight, faster curing, and more expensive.
Navigate spalling repair with bonding agents, patching compounds, and surface overlays.
Know when resurfacing makes sense versus full replacement – typically resurface when more than 50% of surface is good.
Assess structural versus cosmetic damage – settlement, major cracking, and rebar exposure need engineering input.
Calculate repair costs versus replacement costs – sometimes replacement is more economical long-term.
Understand warranty limitations on repairs – repaired concrete rarely carries same warranty as new.
Plan preventive maintenance to extend concrete life – sealing, proper drainage, avoiding deicing salts.
This tool helps you make informed repair-versus-replace decisions and find qualified contractors for concrete restoration.
What’s Included:
- Concrete damage types (cracks, spalling, settlement, structural failure)
- Hairline cracks (under 1/8 inch, typically cosmetic)
- Structural cracks (indicate movement or overload)
- Crack width and depth assessment
- Active vs dormant cracks
- Spalling and scaling causes (freeze-thaw, deicing salts, poor concrete)
- Surface deterioration and delamination
- Settlement and sinking concrete slabs
- Causes of settlement (soil consolidation, erosion, poor compaction)
- Structural failure and collapse risk
- Crack repair methods (epoxy injection, polyurethane injection, routing and sealing, stitching)
- Epoxy injection for structural cracks (bonds concrete, high strength)
- Polyurethane injection for active/leaking cracks (flexible, waterproofing)
- Routing and sealing surface cracks
- Crack stitching with staples for stabilization
- Mudjacking/slabjacking process and materials
- Cement slurry composition for mudjacking
- Hole size and spacing for mudjacking
- Polyurethane foam lifting (PolyLevel, lightweight, fast cure)
- Foam injection advantages over mudjacking
- Cost comparison (foam 2-3x cost of mudjacking)
- Spalling repair procedures
- Surface preparation (clean, sound concrete edges)
- Bonding agents for patching
- Patching compound selection (polymer-modified, quick-set)
- Surface overlays and micro-toppings
- Resurfacing entire slabs (when 50%+ is damaged)
- Full section replacement considerations
- Remove and replace vs repair decision factors
- Structural engineering assessment when needed
- Rebar exposure and corrosion
- Reinforcement repair and protection
- Cost comparison (repair vs replace)
- Warranty limitations on repairs
- Temporary fixes vs permanent solutions
- Preventive maintenance (sealing, drainage, avoiding deicing salts)
- Extending concrete life
- Finding qualified repair contractors
- Specialized equipment and skills required
