Epoxy is a quick-drying material that can be used to fill cracks in concrete and effectively seal it from any moisture. The best tips for epoxy concrete repair include preparing the concrete surface, using an epoxy gun to apply the epoxy and mixing only the amount of epoxy that will be used. Epoxy has a very strong odor, so the material should be mixed in a well-ventilated area, and prolonged exposure to its fumes should be avoided.
Concrete is a widely used material in the construction industry. Used to make foundations, driveways, sidewalks and even swimming pools, the material has a wide variety of uses. Concrete is a very strong material after it cures, but it is prone to cracking. Ground shifts, moisture or even tree roots can crack concrete, compromising its strength and integrity. An effective solution is for the cracks to be filled with an epoxy.
Preparing the epoxy material is a two-part process that requires a specific hardener. After it has been mixed with the hardener, the epoxy activates, and the material will dry and strengthen rapidly. As the epoxy dries, it will expand. This expansion creates a super tight bond in the repaired area.
Surface preparation is crucial to a successful epoxy concrete repair. The crack should be dry and free of any dirt and/or debris. An effective trick that professionals use when performing an epoxy concrete repair is chiseling the correct profile in the crack. Simply chiseling the crack into a V shape will allow the epoxy to expand and push itself out of the crack, but undercutting the crack by chiseling it to resemble an upside down V works well. This will keep the epoxy from pushing itself out and allow it to create a tight bond with the crack.
The best way for one to apply the epoxy is by using an epoxy gun. The gun automatically mixes the epoxy resin and hardener together in the correct amounts as it injects the material into the cracked concrete. This method eliminates waste, because only the exact amount of epoxy mixes with the hardener.
When mixing epoxy by hand to perform an epoxy concrete repair, one should mix only what can be used before it dries. A disposable plastic putty knife should be used to mix the material on a clean surface. Cardboard cut into small pieces works extremely well, and the pieces should be discarded after each mix. One should remember that the more hardener that is mixed with the epoxy, the faster it sets off. The manufacturer's mixing directions should be followed at first, and the mixture can be adjusted to increase or decrease the drying time, if necessary.