A Complete Complete Crack Repairing and Curing Solution by Sturdflex Waterproofing Solution

How Sturdflex can help engineers and contractors with crack issues in concrete

In our last published blog, we discussed why concrete cracks and the different types of cracks usually seen in concrete. Before we dive into the solution that Sturdflex provides with concrete crack issues, let’s recap why concrete cracks and the different types of crack engineers and contractors regularly come across. 

Why Concrete Crack?

Concrete is a widely used construction material due to its strength, durability, and versatility. However, even the strongest concrete can crack due to various factors such as shrinkage, thermal expansion, overloading, and subgrade settlement. Now that we know, how concrete cracks, let’s walk you through the different types of cracks generally seen in the case of concrete.

Types of Concrete Cracks

  • Horizontal Concrete Crack
  • Diagonal Concrete Crack
  • Corossion Concrete Crack
  • Splitting Concrete Crack
  • Plastic Concrete Crack
  • Expansion Concrete Crack
  • Heaving Concrete Crack
  • Settling Concrete Crack
  • Overloading Concrete Crack
  • Premature Concrete Crack

Now that we know why concrete cracks and the types of concrete cracks that are generally seen let’s walk you through the preventative measures such as proper mix design, reinforcement, and curing methods with Sturdflex, which can help reduce the likelihood of concrete cracking.

At Sturdflex how we understand Concrete Crack

From time to time, we have received calls from different contractors, engineers, and other construction companies regarding issues of concrete cracks. At Sturdflex, we have identified in almost all cases of concrete cracks they belong to one of the above types of cracks mentioned earlier. Hence, with the practically defined knowledge, we have subdivided concrete cracks into two different groups. These are static concrete cracks and dynamic concrete cracks. Let’s walk you through what each type of crack represents and how we identify them at Sturdflex!

What is Static Concrete Crack?

Static concrete cracks are fractures on the concrete surface that have occurred without the possibility of any further extension. These cracks are more popularly known as dead cracks that have stopped increasing/growing after appearing on the surface of the concrete. Hence, these cracks carry very little or no risk of impacting the overall integrity of a concrete structure in the long run. 

What is Dynamic Concrete Crack? 

Dynamic concrete cracks are fractures on the concrete surface with the possibility to further extend in the long run. These cracks are more popularly known as growing cracks that will continue to increase after appearing on the surface of the concrete if left unattended without repair. Hence, these cracks carry a very high risk of impacting the overall integrity of a concrete structure in the long run. 

Based on the list of common concrete cracks identified earlier, all the previously mentioned cracks can be subdivided into either dynamic or static cracks. That is why, at Sturdflex when we visit a site with complaints of concrete cracks, we run down a time-tested experiment to check whether the cracks are static or dynamic in nature. Let’s walk you through how at Sturdflex we identify whether a crack is static or dynamic.

Experiment conducted by Sturdflex’s waterproofing experts to check whether a crack is static or dynamic

At Sturdflex, when our waterproofing experts get’s call for concrete cracks, they visit the site to first check the type or category of crack. Once that has been identified by our technical experts, they move forward with their experiment to identify whether the crack is static or dynamic in nature. The experiment performed is carried out as follows:

  • Rubbing the head or tail end of a crack with granite to smoothen it
  • Then take a microscopic glass slide or blood smear glass slide and add latex to it
  • This latex-added glass slide is then pasted over the edge of the crack on the smoothened region
  • The placement is made in a manner where the crack is visible in the center of the slide
  • The slide once pasted using latex dries off within 3-4 hours and is left over the crack for the next 3-4 days
  • On the 5th day of visit by our technical expert will visit the site to check the condition of the glass slide

If the glass slide is still in place and is intact, the crack is identified to be static in nature. However, on the other hand, if the glass slide has broken off, the crack identified is judged to be dynamic in nature. Based on the slide results the course of action is performed by our technical expert to fill up the crack. 

Let’s walk you through the Sturdflex chemicals that is used to fix different types of cracks and chemicals that can be used to prevent cracks from at all appearing on a concrete surface.  

Sturdflex Chemicals that help is repairing both Dynamic and Static Cracks in Concrete 

At Sturdflex, we have two different chemicals namely, Latex Pro and Acrylic Pro that can be used to repair both dynamic and static cracks. Let’s walk you through what they are and how to use them to repair concrete cracks.

Acrylic Pro

This is a milky white, water-based emulsion. It has a very high concentration of acrylic polymers creating a flexible cement slurry. STURDFLEX ACRYLIC PRO has very high resistance to ultraviolet degradation and chemical corrosion, providing an all-weather waterproof coating for your walls. 

Benefits of Acrylic Pro include:

  • Reduces cracking through increased concrete flexibility and tensile strength
  • Increases wear resistance
  • Improves bond strengths to hardened concrete
  • Increases durability during freeze/thaw cycles

 

Latex Pro

SturdFlex Latex Pro is a flexible SBR additive (Synthetic Rubber Additive for Waterproofing & Repairs) designed for use with cementitious systems like cement slurry, cement bond coats, and grouts, mortars, and concrete. It enhances the life of a home by boosting the flexibility of any concrete or mortar. It also boosts water and chemical resistance ensuring complete damp proof and waterproof walls at your home.

Benefits of Latex Pro include:

  • Creates a waterproof, long-lasting foundation when used in the damp proof course (DPC)
  • Protection of interiors and electrical systems from damage from damp formation
  • Waterproofs concrete and plaster by blocking the pores within concrete/mortar
  • Increases rust resistance for TMT used in the structure
  • Increases strength of structure through its water-reducing property
  • Reduces costs by minimizing cement wastage during plastering
  • Improves the durability of the structure
  • Excellent for crack repairs and other general repairs
  • Provides a smooth, high quality and durable surface finish on any indoor cement-based flooring

By using these chemicals all and any kind of concrete cracks can be repaired. The best method is to first use them in mortar “ as directed by technical expert visiting the site” to fill up the cracks. The process is to be followed by layers of slurry coat to cover the crack opening for a smooth finishing repair. This overall process, in turn, will increase the longevity of the concrete and protect it from further cracks in the future.

Other than these repair processes Sturdflex also provides complete chemical solution for concrete manufacturing, which can protect the developed concretes from cracks in the long run.

Sturdflex Chemical that can help in manufacturing of Crack Resistant Concrete 

At Sturdflex, we understand the majority of concrete cracks occur mainly due to the fast evaporation of water or the presence of excess water during the concrete manufacturing process, resulting in an imbalance within the concrete structure. As a result, a little amount of shrinkage, thermal expansion, overloading, and subgrade settlement can give rise to different types of cracks identified earlier. Hence, at Sturdflex we have developed two particular chemicals namely; CemMix and CemMix Gold that can protect the integrity of concrete internal structure during manufacturing. Let’s walk you through what they are:

CemMix

This is an integral Waterproofing Liquid Admixture for Concrete and Plaster -with Water Reducing & Corrosion inhibitors Properties. The product is to be mixed at a ratio of 200ml for a 50kg bag of cement for all concreting and plastering work when constructing your wall. 

Benefits that CemMix provides include:

  • Waterproofs concrete and plaster by blocking the pores within concrete/mortar
  • Increases rust resistance for TMT used in the structure
  • Increases strength of structure through its water-reducing property
  • Reduces costs by minimizing cement wastage during plastering
  • Improves the durability of the structure

CemMix Gold

This is a multi polymer ultra High Water Resistant & Crack Resistant Integral Waterproofing Admixture with Rust Protection properties. CemMix Gold  provides extreme resistance to water ingress and crack formation in concrete and mortar. It also acts as an excellent corrosion inhibitor, preventing the rusting of the TMT in the structure. It’s water reducing properties further enhances the structure’s life. The product is to be mixed at a ratio of 200ml for a 50kg bag of cement for all concreting and plastering work when constructing your wall. 

Benefits that CemMix Gold provides include:

  • Best-in-class water resistance by blocking pores and capillaries
  • High crack resistance by reducing heat of hydration
  • Blocks infiltration of water and harmful gases
  • Gives a perfect, smooth finish
  • Gives excellent workability and reduces rebound loss
  • Greatly improves the durability of the structure
  • Compatible with putty, primers and paints

The application of these two admixture chemicals in the concrete mix during the process of concrete manufacturing can help in the prevention of Excess water in the mix and Rapid drying of the concrete. As a result, protecting concrete from cracking due to shrinkage, thermal expansion, overloading, and subgrade settlements.

An introspection across concrete cracks and how Sturdflex can help indicate; how two individual Sturdflex chemicals can help with concrete repair and how two Sturdflex admixtures can help with concrete manufacturing. Thus, reflecting complete solutions for concrete crack problems, faced by contractors, engineers, and construction companies.

So if you are an individual, construction company, engineer, or contractor looking for a solution to concrete cracking problems, then get in touch with us at Sturdflex waterproofing solutions. To know more about concrete cracking problems for your residential, commercial, or industrial place, get in touch with us at:

  • Toll-free– 1800 123 1003 
  • Whatsapp– 8100 55 66 77 
  • Email– help@sturdflex.com