Although a concrete foundation is a solid construction, cracks can develop over time. Some occur due to exposure to extreme weather conditions, while others may occur due to natural soil movement or mechanical overload.
Whatever the reason behind their presence, it is imperative to repair them to avoid any water infiltration or the appearance of mold. For this purpose, several sealants exist to correct the openings of concrete constructions. But do you know the different resins on the market and their special properties?
One Concrete Structure, Two Resin Choices
Two resin products are typically used to correct fault problems: polyurethane foam and epoxy. Both are two-component formulations. Which product is better depends on the type of crack or seal and the conditions present at the time of repair.
Polyurethane foam to the rescue of the foundation
To repair the furrows in your concrete foundation, you can first choose polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is a flexible product that adapts well to crack movement and moisture. This type of resin expands during injection, reducing the amount required to perform the repair if the opening is wide. Wet or receding cracks respond very well to the application of this foam.
Concrete advantages
There are many advantages to using polyurethane foam to repair cracks in concrete constructions. First of all, it is more economical than epoxy, which we will see below. In addition to being easy to use, the foam treats the crack quickly. Since foam swells when applied, it corrects structural problems in depth.
Gummy drawbacks
Despite its many advantages, polyurethane foam is not flexible. Thus, under high tension, it may tear. You will therefore need to repair the crevasse again. However, to prevent the crack from enlarging, carbon fiber reinforcement staples can be installed.
Epoxy is on the spot
Epoxy is another effective solution for repairing breaches in concrete foundations. This low-viscous resin is well used to repair thin structural cracks. Unlike polyurethane foam, epoxy remains liquid at the time of application, allowing it to enter any gaps. Most epoxy products cure completely in three to four hours.
Advantages that don’t give in
The epoxy provides a strong bond that welds cracks together and restores the strength of the structure. Also, most of the time, a crack corrected with epoxy will not give way. In addition, an epoxy-filled concrete flaw will not move due to temperature variations and wet and dry seasonal cycles.
Drawbacks that break the house
As mentioned above, epoxy costs more than urethane. Also, it is less effective than it if the slit is not dry. In addition, if the adhesion is not sufficient or if it fails, it will be impossible to reuse this resin in the break, as the epoxy will not be able to fill the entire length of the crack due to obstructions. New equipment will therefore be required.
Which resin to choose for a concrete foundation?
So, to repair a crack in a concrete foundation: polyurethane foam or epoxy? The characteristics of the crack should dictate the product and method. Of course, not everyone can make this crucial diagnosis. To properly fix a flaw in a concrete base, contact us today!
Need a Crack Repair Expert?
If you notice cracks on your foundation, it is important to act quickly. Fissure Expert offers professional foundation crack injection services throughout Quebec. Call a certified foundation crack contractor for a free estimate. We serve Laval, Chicoutimi, Sherbrooke and many other cities.