Introduction

Cross-stitching concrete crack repair with staples this creep is eliminated and improves the long term performance of the repair material. When Carbon Fiber Countersunk Staples are applied across the face of the concrete crack, the load is distributed away from the glue line to the portion of the substrate that is not cracked. This prevents fatigue and re-cracking of the injection glue line. With the Carbon Fiber Countersunk Staples installed you can be confident the concrete crack will not reoccur at the injection site and the repair will last the life of your home.

Application:

Stabilization Systems Countersunk Staples are the first commercially available concrete crack control stitching system designed to transfer load away from repair materials. The Staples are comprised of high tensile strength and modulus carbon fiber. The fibers are encapsulated in a thermal set resin and cured under pressure during manufacturing process. A peel-ply fabric is adhered to the strap; when removed, it leaves a prepared bonding surface for adhesion to a prepared substrate. The typical staple is 10" long by .38" wide with 1" legs.

Advantages:

• Installs in 5 minutes
• Can be installed at time of repair or injection
• Adds little cost to entire crack repair
• Staples can be used with various crack repair materials
• Elongation of System creates less creep and faster transfer of load stress than steel

Repairing Minor Concrete Cracks and Holes

Here are some tips and suggestions on how to patch and repair minor concrete flaws that are not structural. You should not attempt to make a repair on any wall that may be structural as you could further hinder the structural integrity of the wall. Additionally, if a concrete crack reappears after repair, then there exist an underlying condition and the repair should be done professionally and with reinforcement.

Hairline Cracks and Concrete Repair

You can repair hairline cracks in concrete with grout made of cement and water, much in the same way as repairing a crack in drywall. Add enough water to the cement to form a thick paste. Thoroughly clean around and in the crack as much as possible and remove all dust. After the crack has been cleaned, moisten the concrete along the hairline crack with water for several hours. Moistening the concrete prevents it from drawing the water from the grout, which may dry out the grout mixture. Although the concrete should be damp, there should be no standing water on the surface when the grout is applied. After the hairline crack has been cleaned and moistened, apply the grout with a putty knife or pointing trowel, forcing the grout into the crack as much as possible. Smooth the hairline crack area off so it is level with the original concrete. Allow the repaired area to dry about two hours and then cover the area with a piece of plastic sheeting or a board. Keep the area covered for about five days, lifting the covering each day to keep the area moist (sprinkle the area with a little water). If the hairline crack reappears, then the crack will require reinforcement or the hairline crack will continue to expand.

Repairing larger Cracks and holes in Concrete

Larger cracks are generally structural, starting out as hairline cracks and increasingly getting larger. Such cracks should not be repaired as described below as you may further compromise the structural integrity. However, if you have a larger crack that is not structural, it may be repaired as described below: Cracks larger than hairline cracks must generally be enlarged before they can be satisfactorily repaired. Enlarge the crack along its entire length with a cold chisel and hammer. Make the crack wider at the bottom than at the top (known as undercutting) that helps to bond the new concrete with the older concrete. The width and depth of the undercutting depends on the size and length of the crack. Undercut the crack to a minimum depth of 1".

After the crack has been widened and thoroughly undercut, remove all loose material and brush the area with a wire brush to completely clean the area. Do not over-clean as the rough surface created by the chiseling provides a good bond for the new concrete. The concrete patch will generally hold better if a concrete adhesive is used first. There are many types of concrete adhesives available in most hardware stores. Acrylic resin is one common type. Brush the adhesive into the undercut area and allow it to dry until it becomes tacky. If you do not use a cement adhesive, thoroughly moisten the area to be patched. Moistening the area prevents the old concrete from absorbing all the moisture in the concrete patch. Although it should be moist, no water should be standing on the area where the patch is to be applied. You can also prime the area with a thin, creamy mixture of Portland cement and water. For small patching jobs, use a pre-mixed concrete patch. If you use ready-mix concrete patch, all you need to add is water. To mix your own concrete patch, use one part cement to two-and-a-half parts of fine, clean sand. Force the mixture into the cutaway area with a pointing trowel. Be sure to use enough pressure to force the patch mix into all the cutaway areas in the crack. Keep the area covered for about five days. Lift the cover once each day to wet down the repaired area, permitting the new concrete to cure correctly.

Foundation Repair and Reinforcement

Foundation settlement and movement resulting in the need for foundation repair can be caused by building on expansive clay, compressible or improperly compacted fill soils, or improper maintenance around foundations Whatever the cause, settlement can destroy the value of structures and your home and even make them unsafe. If you think that there is a problem with your foundation, call a professional foundation repair contractor for an assessment of your property. They will be able to assess any damage that has occurred and determine the best plan for your situation. The foundation of your home needs to be routinely checked. Small cracks can end up causing big problems in the future. The need for foundation repair can come about from a variety of reasons but are most commonly caused by movement of the foundation.

The most common signs of foundation problems include:

Diagonal cracks in interior wall finishes at the corners of doors and windows. Cracks at the intersection of walls and ceilings, and at the intersection of wall surfaces. Doors that bind or do not open or close properly. Windows bind or do not open or close properly. Up-level floors. Cracks in exterior brick, concrete, or masonry. Cracks in the concrete perimeter beam. Separations of wood trim at the exterior corners of your home