Knowing and understanding concrete cancer
Concrete and structural damages can occur in buildings when they aren't properly waterproofed and maintained. One particular issue associated with this type of damage is known as concrete cancer. Concrete cancer (professionally known as concrete spalling) is hazardous and, if not properly treated, can cause further structural damage and require costly repair and replacement fees. This can occur in residential, commercial, civil and industrial applications--no building is immune. The causes of concrete cancer are varied and include poor workmanship during construction, low concrete cover to reinforcement, carbon dioxide causing corrosion or water damage, for example, when a poorly sealed steel framework starts to rust, then the concrete surrounding it begins to be displaced. As more water is allowed into the structure, the deterioration gets worse causing greater safety risk and damage.
The first step in determining if your building has concrete cancer is a thorough and professional evaluation to determine the cause and work out the best solution for the issue. Identifying what has caused the problem will directly determine the best product and manageable solution. There are two main solutions used to rectify this problem; low concrete cover and carbonation requires a polymer modified repair system, while a chloride contamination (common for buildings in coastal areas) of the concrete requires a more complex solution and may demand the use of electrochemical treatment (i.e cathodic protection).
Once the damage and the cause of the damage has been established, the solution can begin. Using the correct processes, products and industry solutions concrete cancer repair specialists will be able to stop spalling from getting any worse. If treated early enough, concrete repair solutions can save thousands of dollars in future repairs to your buildings.
Initial damage and future damage can be avoided through the proper waterproofing process. Waterproofing membranes are available in many different forms and are useful for all sorts of waterproofing from the very foundations of a building to keep out the weather through to keeping a building safe from concrete cancer and structural damage.
Waterproofing membranes are available for both inside and outside and work to keep moisture out of the building. By creating a seal around the building, the waterproofing membrane effectively protects the building from water, mold and concrete damage. With an extremely high tear and puncture resistance, PVC waterproofing products are made to last and withstand time whilst also stopping water seepage fast and effectively throughout the structures.