Nothing makes you question the structural integrity of your foundation more than seeing cracks in its walls or floors. Whether you’re a home or business owner, these cracks can not only be unsightly but also potentially dangerous. While there are indeed plenty of options you can choose for structural repair, one method we highly recommend is epoxy crack injection. This process involves injecting a specially formulated epoxy into the crack, which fills and seals it from within.

In this article, we will cover all you need to know about epoxy injections, including the benefits of this method, how it works, what happens during the process, and so much more.

What Is Epoxy Crack Injection and How Does It Work?

Epoxy crack injection, which is also called epoxy injection is a very effective and efficient method of repairing cracks in concrete structures. It can be used to fix basement leaks, cracked foundations, and concrete slabs.

When used in the right conditions and applied properly, the epoxy crack injection can create a strong and long-lasting bond within the cracks in concrete. This structural repair method involves injecting a liquid epoxy into the crack, which then hardens and seals the crack from water or other substances.

The reason why this method is extremely effective is due to the product itself. Epoxy resin is a very strong and durable material that’s made up of various chemical compounds (monomeric resin, an accelerator, a hardener, and a plasticizer). These components work together to create a highly adhesive material that can withstand pressure and resist cracking.

What Cracks Can Epoxy Concrete Crack Injection Be Used On?

If you notice a crack in your concrete floors or walls, you might be wondering what could have caused it. In most cases, cracks in concrete structures are often due to pressure or stress that the structure wasn’t able to withstand.

These can include:

Changes in the soil or foundation, excessive weight on the structure, temperature fluctuations, and even natural disasters such as earthquakes.

It’s important to be able to pinpoint the cause of the crack, as it can help determine the best course of action for repair.

With that being said, the epoxy crack injection can be used on a variety of cracks in concrete structures, including

• Hairline cracks
• Overhead and vertical cracks
• L-shaped step cracks
• Active (continuously leaking water or exhibiting movement)
• Inaccessible (cracks located behind surfaces like tile or carpet)

In general, epoxy concrete crack injection is utilized to fix cracks in concrete structures ranging in width from 002″ to 3/8″. However, it’s always best to consult with our experts for an accurate assessment of the crack and the most suitable repair method.

The Benefits of Using Epoxy Injection for Structural Crack Repair

You’d be surprised to know the benefits of using epoxy for repairing concrete cracks. Wet or aggressive environments that constantly deal with water and moisture can often result in concrete corrosion and cracks, but with epoxy injection, these can be effectively sealed to prevent further damage.

Some other benefits of using epoxy for crack repair include

Quick and Efficient Repair Process

No one wants to waste time and money on a long, drawn-out repair process for cracks in their concrete structures. But with epoxy crack injection, the process is relatively quick and efficient as it only requires one visit from our team to complete the job.

With just a single application, the epoxy will harden and effectively seal the crack, creating a strong bond with the concrete.

Cost-Effective Solution

If saving money is important to you, epoxy crack injection is the way to go. This method is often more cost-effective compared to other concrete repair options, as it requires minimal disruption and labor costs.

You won’t have to purchase expensive equipment or hire a large team of workers, making it an affordable and budget-friendly solution for fixing cracks in concrete.

Durable and Long-Lasting Results

Not only is epoxy crack injection a cost-effective solution, but it also provides durable and long-lasting results. Even with very thick-walled structures, epoxy can penetrate and seal cracks effectively without the need for additional repairs in the future (given that it was properly applied)

Fine cracks requiring pressures upwards of 50 psi can also be repaired with injection epoxy, ensuring that your concrete structure will be able to withstand various external factors and pressure.

Minimal Disruption

The application won’t be noisy, dusty, or messy, making it an ideal solution for repairing concrete cracks in residential and commercial buildings without causing disruption to daily life. Peace of mind and convenience are important factors to consider when selecting a repair method, and epoxy crack injection offers just that.

Prepping Concrete Surface Before Repairs

Before you can begin the epoxy crack injection process, it’s important to properly prepare the concrete surface. This includes removing any dirt, debris, and moisture from the area before proceeding with the repair.

Failing to properly clean the surface can result in a weak bond and ineffective seal. The reason for this is that any contaminants can prevent the injection of epoxy from fully adhering to the concrete.

It’s also important to ensure that the surface is dry before beginning the repair process. Moisture trapped under the epoxy can result in a weak bond and potential future cracking or strength issues

To clean and dry the surface, use a wire brush or power grinder to remove any loose debris. Then, thoroughly clean the area with a degreaser and let dry completely before proceeding with the epoxy injection.

Epoxy Crack Injection Process

To give you a better understanding of how the application of epoxy injection works, here is a brief overview of the steps involved in the process. The steps should be performed once you’re done prepping the surface.

Step 1: Install Injection Ports

Surface injection ports are short, temporary, plastic tubes that are inserted into the crack at intervals to allow for the even application and distribution of epoxy within the crack. This eliminates the need to drill holes into the concrete and helps ensure that the crack is filled entirely and evenly.

They are installed by inserting them into the crack and securing them with a hammer or tapping block, then removing any excess material that may be blocking the ports. The injection ports should be spaced an inch apart for every inch of wall thickness.

Step 2: Pressure Test

Before the epoxy can be injected, it’s important to pressure test the crack to ensure that it’s ready for repair. This helps to determine the level of pressure needed for effective crack sealing and identify any potential problems with the crack or concrete structure.

Low-pressure injection is recommended for fine cracks, while high-pressure injection is necessary for cracks in very thick wall structures. Once the appropriate pressure is determined, it’s time to inject the epoxy.

Step 3: Inject Epoxy

Using a specialized injection pump, the epoxy resin is slowly and evenly injected into the crack through the ports. The epoxy should be filled until it starts to ooze out of the ports, indicating that the crack is filled completely.

Step 4: Remove Ports

Once the epoxy has fully cured, the ports can be easily removed by using a chisel or screwdriver to break them off flush with the concrete surface. 24-48 hours is the ideal waiting time before removing the ports, as the epoxy needs enough time to properly cure and harden.

Step 5: Final Inspection

To ensure that the crack has been repaired effectively, a final inspection should be done. This involves checking for any excess epoxy on the surface of the concrete and examining the cracks to see if they have been properly sealed.

Why Is Low-Pressure Injection Recommended By Experts?

The key to effective crack injection is to apply the adhesive into the crack gradually at low pressures (20 to 40 psi) While low-pressure crack injection requires a lot of patience, it ensures that the adhesive can seep deep into the crack, filling it completely and bonding with the concrete to create a strong seal.

High-pressure injection (greater than 80 psi) can force too much epoxy into the crack at once, causing it to overflow and not fully adhere to the cracked concrete walls. This may result in future cracking and weakening of the repair.

Dual component injection electric pumps can even be used to apply low pressure at a slow and steady rate, making the structural crack repair process even more efficient and effective

Conclusion

This article has provided a brief overview of the epoxy injection process for concrete structures. Proper preparation and pressure testing are crucial steps to ensure successful repair, with low-pressure epoxy injection being recommended for achieving optimum results.

With the right tools and techniques, you can effectively seal cracks and prevent future cracking or strength issues. For better long-term results, call our professionals for specialized reliable crack injection services. We can provide a thorough inspection and recommendation for the best solution for your concrete structure!

The appearance of cracks on concrete or other floor systems has become a regular sight to behold in most buildings and surfaces aged 10 years and above. The cost of replacing cracked floors is quite expensive. In this article, you will learn about a few benefits of commercial epoxy crack injections.

Cracked concrete is an expenditure most home or commercial space owners would love to avoid. This is where epoxy injections come in as a form of affordable and effective concrete repair.

We will discuss epoxy injections, their benefits, the process of usage, and frequently asked questions as well as make recommendations on where to get epoxy injections for your concrete repair services.

What is Epoxy crack injection?

Epoxy injections are an economical method of repairing non-moving cracks in concrete walls, columns, and slabs. Epoxy crack injection is capable of restoring the concrete to its pre-cracked condition and strength.

However, prior to using the injection, it is necessary to first determine the cause of the crack. Internal and external reinforcement could be needed because if the source of the crack is not determined and remedied, the concrete may crack again after the crack injection.

Common Uses of Commercial Epoxy injection

1-It is used in combination with internal and external reinforcement for structural strengthening and restoration purposes.

2- It may also be used to repair concrete cracks measuring 0.13mm in width and actively leaking cracks. Generally cracks with less width may be repaired using epoxy resin.

3-It is also used to repair concrete slabs and restore concrete structures or concrete surfaces that may be damaged by overload, earthquakes, vehicle impact, and other external forces.

Basics of the Epoxy Injection Process

The epoxy injection process is a little technical but easy to follow. In this section, we will work you through the basics of the process for this repair method.

1- The first step is to attach the fittings to the first port on the concrete until it clicks into place while making sure the heads of all the ports are pushed into an open position. In vertical applications, it is advisable to begin the injections at the lowest parts and work your way. While in horizontal applications, you can start from one end of the crack and work your way to the other end.

2- Next inject the epoxy into the next port until it no longer flows into the crack. If the epoxy is showing at the next surface port, and the first port is still accepting concrete material, you can close the second port and other ports until the first port stops accepting epoxy. At this point, the base of the port is braced and pulled out gently. Note that pulling too hard may dislodge the port from the surface of the concrete, thereby causing a leak.

3- Finally, return to the last surface port where epoxy appeared while you were injecting the first port, open it, and continue injecting. If the epoxy has been set up and the bond is closed, you can move to the next clean port and repeat the process until every portion of the crack has refused epoxy.

While the above-explained process may appear to leave some ports uninjected, it however provides maximum pressure to force the epoxy into smaller areas of the crack as moving to the next port immediately after the epoxy appears will allow the epoxy to travel along the wider parts of the crack rather than force it into the crack.

Benefits of Commercial Epoxy Crack Injections

It is Non-Evasive

One of the benefits of epoxy is that the application procedure is simple. Contractors won’t damage your foundation because they won’t need to excavate to make this repair. In fact, they can use epoxy from inside your basement to patch fractures.

It is quick to apply and cure

For us at ExtremeExpoxyCoatings, the total repair normally takes an hour and a half. The cracks are cleaned out first, this is to ensure an effective repair to avoid future larger cracks, and then epoxy is injected into them. After we patch the fractures, they quickly harden and cure before you say jack, we are done with your repair process.

It is strong and reliable

Epoxy resins are dependable, so you may rely on these injections as a long-lasting fix. Epoxy can be applied to both horizontal and vertical cracks of any kind. Epoxy can connect broken concrete back together, unlike polyurethane sealer, which strengthens the walls of your foundation.

The epoxy practically restores the wall to new condition by blocking out chemicals, debris, insects, water, and more in addition to creating a waterproof seal.

It is more Economical

Epoxy injections are undoubtedly a cost-effective solution for homeowners who are struggling to pay for foundation or floor and wall crack repairs. You can avoid a complete replacement by taking this path.

Additionally, if you let a professional handle the injections, you won’t have to spend a fortune on numerous DIY (Do it yourself) repair kits because a professional will fix it once using durable materials. It is advisable that a group of reliable experts address the cracks in your foundation as soon as they appear. Otherwise, they’ll spread and become a bigger problem.

At ExtremeEpoxyCoatings, our team of professional technicians offers professional repairs in California and other surrounding cities. You may trust our services because our skilled crew has many years of industry experience to deliver the best epoxy repair jobs for you. Our team will permanently restore structural strength to your foundation cracks without creating any additional structural problems.

Wide range of application

Stress fractures, impact damage, and any other kind of crack can be repaired with epoxy resin. Epoxy is suitable for practically any application since it can be applied successfully on cracks that are overhead, vertical, and in all three of those directions. Epoxy is frequently used by foundation repair professionals on everything from deteriorated support columns to fractured basement walls.

Frequently asked questions about epoxy injections?

Conclusion in Commercial Epoxy Crack Injections Benefits

Cracks on floors do not only spoil the aesthetic appearance of a surface but also pose a major safety challenge as any contact between the feet and a cracked part of the floor may result in serious injuries.

This is why it is important to fix your crack with epoxy injections as soon as possible. The benefits of using epoxy injections cannot be over-emphasized especially when it is done by professionals like ExtremeEpoxyCoatings.

We have the best-skilled professionals to seal leaks, fix cracks and return their structural integrity. We are the best resource for all epoxy-related works in California and its surroundings. Why not call us today?

Walls and ceilings are the most humdrum parts of a commercail & residential building and hence the most neglected. But it is these structures that provide security and defense from inclement weather and external elements, so they need to be strong and durable. In this post, you’ll find out about how commercial wall and ceiling coatings are a factor in the integrity of your commercial property.

How will surface coatings protect a building?

Aside from breathing new life into a structure, surface coatings serve many purposes. They provide an extra layer of protection for maintaining the structural integrity of a building. Furthermore, surface coatings ensure optimum health for building residents.

The choice of surface coatings is important since it’s a vital component that determines if the wall or ceiling is preserved or not. There are many types of surface coatings. You just need to select the right one for your purpose.

What benefits do surface coatings offer?

Commercial establishments invest in wall and ceiling coatings for many reasons. The list of applications for commercial coatings is endless and varies from one building owner to another. Even so, below are benefits that building owners enjoy when they use the best surface coatings.

• Protection – Providing protection is a primary reason for the application of surface coatings.
• Preservation – Surface coatings are used to preserve the material being coated on and to prolong its lifespan.
• Prevent corrosion – Concrete, and steel need to be protected from corrosion so they are applied with the appropriate coating.
• Avoid hazards – Walls and ceilings have to be safe from hazards like fire so they have to be applied with a surface coating to make them less susceptible.

What kind of commercial surface coatings are available?

There are different types of coatings for walls and ceilings. The following are the most common:

Paint

This is the most common type of surface coating often applied on wood and metal. The easiest way to get a new look for your property is to simply apply a fresh coat of paint. This solution, however, is temporary since you’d only be painting over the surface, not checking the condition of the interior surfaces.

Polyurea

Polyurea coatings protect against water and corrosion. A fast-setting type of coating, it’s a combination of resin and an isocyanate component. It’s known to provide structural enhancement and resist abrasion. It can be used on metal, steel, wood, concrete, or any other substrate.

Methyl methacrylate (MMA)

This surface coating solution is known for its high-flex and crack-bridging characteristics. It can mitigate risks pertaining to cracks or holes in the walls. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is highly valued in commercial establishments due to its antimicrobial and anti-slip properties.

Fluoropolymer

This type of coating is widely used for its in-demand qualities. It has non-stick properties and can also resist corrosion, reduce friction, withstand extreme temperatures, and is a great insulator. Fluoropolymer is used as a highly durable protective coating for exterior applications such as roofs.

How do you apply protective coatings for commercial walls and ceilings?

Commercial wall and ceiling coatings should only be applied by trained professionals. They employ techniques in applying a coating to walls and ceilings that help strengthen the integrity of the structures. They also have support systems that work together to ensure customer satisfaction.

In addition, the application of wall and ceiling coatings requires utmost efficiency. The objective is to install this layer of protection to maintain the soundness of your commercial establishment. With a proven expert, the task is completed accurately in a short span of time.

How do you choose the best company to apply commercial wall and ceiling coatings?

In choosing a company to apply protective coatings for your walls and ceilings, check their certifications. Applying protective coatings requires knowledge and skill during every step of the process. A company should be able to present certifications that prove its expertise and competence.

The service provider should also have years of experience behind it. Longevity is one great indication of a good service provider. This means that it has stood the test of time and has remained reliable and effective in terms of providing services.

Conclusion

Ensuring the integrity of a building has never been more critical today. Make sure that the surface coatings contribute toward the safety and defense of a commercial property. Be sure to get the best in the business.

If you want professionals to handle the nitty gritty, contact us at Extreme Industrial Coatings. We have been in the business of applying commercial wall and ceiling coatings for many years now. Help protect your property today and call us now for a free quote.