Cracks: Flexible epoxy or polyurethane injection
To repair a crack in the walls or foundation of your home, there are two very commonly used products: flexible polyurethane and epoxy. During a repair, the technician either injects flexible polyurethane or injects epoxy into the crack to ensure that the foundation is watertight and in good condition.
What are the characteristics of epoxy and polyurethane?
Polyurethane
The use of polyurethane meets very specific needs in the field of waterproofing concrete cracks , due to its characteristics:
- Very high flexibility of movement;
- 100% effective despite the presence of water.
The epoxy
The use of epoxy offers exceptional and significantly superior strength to concrete in the sealing of structural cracks. It is mainly used in large-scale structures such as bridges, viaducts, multi-storey buildings, tunnels, dams, etc.
The presence of cracks in such structures could weaken the concrete structure to the point of collapse. Epoxy was the first sealing product to be put on the market for this type of repair.
Should polyurethane or epoxy be used?
These are two very different products due to their different physical properties in terms of elongation capacity and flexibility.
For example, polyurethane-based injection fluids have an elongation capacity of 10% to 400%, while epoxy has a capacity of only 0% to 1%.
In the residential sector, cracks have very little influence on the structural integrity of buildings. As a result, manufacturers systematically recommend the use of polyurethane for its elongation and flexibility properties in the case of active cracks or cracks with the possibility of movement.
Polyurethane offers an effective solution for waterproofing cracks in concrete. It therefore effectively prevents water infiltration. As for epoxy, it offers a much higher resistance, but will be used mainly for large structures (bridges, tunnels or dams, etc.). For the façade of a house, the Fissure Expert Foundation Group therefore recommends using polyurethane foam – both insulating and very adherent – for crack repair.
Our expertise at your service
You will be able to benefit from all the expertise of Groupe Fissure Expert and see all the difference in quality existing on our repairs!
For any question or repair on the cracks in your home, contact one of our experienced technicians at Groupe Fissure Expert inc.
Use of epoxy and polyurethane, the steps to follow
First and foremost, during a repair, our experienced technicians must clean the crack in order to remove all debris and loose parts.
Once this task has been completed, the technician will proceed to set up the tools allowing the application of polyurethane or epoxy. Once this has been done, the product will be introduced to seal the crack in the structure.
Subsequently, the technician will install reinforcement in the crack to prevent it from reappearing on the façade.
The work will be completed after the usual drying time as well as the application of a new coating allowing the cladding and the impeccable finish of the façade.
At Groupe Fissure Expert Fondation, we consider it necessary to inspect your cracks to ensure that they do not harm the integrity of the building and to proceed with repairs if necessary. Our experts will know which product to choose to best seal your cracks according to the circumstances. Do not hesitate to visit our contact page to contact an experienced technician and benefit from our expertise.
