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Concrete cancer repair is not a DIY job and there is no “one size fits all” solution. The concrete spalling repairs should be completed by an experienced professional who can determine the best repair solution based upon the building materials and the extent of the damage.
Should I buy a house with concrete cancer?
Why is concrete cancer so important in the buying decision? As we have previously noted, deferring the maintenance of concrete cancer will only increase the cost of rectification long term as the work required then to remove the rusted reinforcing is a lot more intensive.
How serious is concrete cancer?
Concrete cancer can be a serious and expensive issue if left untreated, misdiagnosed or if given a slapdash remedy. There are a number of options to fix the issue, but the first step will be a full diagnostic to determine the exact cause and full extent of the problem.
Is concrete cancer real?
Concrete cancer is caused when the steel reinforcing within a concrete slab begins to rust. As the steel rusts, it expands and displaces the surrounding concrete; causing it to become brittle and crack which exacerbates the issue. Signs of concrete cancer include: Delaminated and cracking concrete (concrete spalling).
Why is concrete cancer bad?
Once corrosion starts, the steel expands, causing the surrounding concrete to crack, known as spalling. Spalling can set off a vicious cycle by further exposing the steel to the elements and accelerating the level of corrosion. The impact on the building leads to a tragic compromise of structural integrity.
Does insurance cover concrete cancer?
Answer: Concrete cancer is classed as a building defect and therefore needs to be disclosed to insurers as part of the owners corporations Duty of Disclosure. Concrete cancer is classed as a building defect and therefore needs to be disclosed to insurers as part of the owners corporations Duty of Disclosure.
How much does it cost to repair concrete cancer?
Unfortunately, repairing spalling – especially in structurally critical areas – can be complicated and costly in certain situations. For example, a severely damaged balcony can cost anything from $8,000 to $30,000 to fix or replace.
How do you fix concrete cancer?
The typical method of concrete cancer repair follows a process of: Break out unsound concrete and expose reinforcing steel until sound concrete and clean non-corroded steel reinforcing are found. Saw cut repair zone perimeter to eliminate feather edges. The concrete around the reinforcing steel is chiselled away.
Can concrete cause cancer?
Some epidemiological studies have indicated that cement and concrete dust might be carcinogenic. A case-control study in Denmark found that people working in concrete and cement manufacturing had an increased risk of laryngeal cancer.
Can concrete cancer spread?
Be aware that the problem is very likely to be much more extensive that what is apparent on the concrete surface. The cancer will have spread along the reinforcing in each direction. It is impossible to know the extent until the concrete is chiseled away.
What causes concrete cancer?
Understanding concrete cancer They originate when the reinforcing steel framework within concrete is exposed to air or water. With exposure comes corrosion. The steel expands or begins to degrade, cracking the concrete around it, providing more space for water to enter… and worsening the condition.
How is concrete cancer prevented?
Waterproofing is the best preventative measure to take against concrete cancer. High quality Wolfin or Cosmofin waterproofing membranes will keep water leakage to a minimum as they are extremely resistant to tears and punctures as well as having exceptional elongation properties to move with the structure.
What is the cause of concrete spalling?
Spalling occurs on exterior slabs when water that is trapped in the concrete goes through multiple freezes and thaws. When water freezes it expands by about 9%, which creates tremendous pressure inside the slab. Eventually, microcracks start to form and the surface begins to separate from the body of the slab.
How is brick cancer treated?
Evaporation of surface water draws out salt from porous products like bricks which settles on the brick surface. Firmly brushing the powder off the brickwork is the best solution, but in difficult situations extremely diluted hydrochloric acid can be used to eradicate the efflorescence.
Is concrete spalling bad?
More seriously, if the structure is in an area accessed by the public, or by workers, then spalling can be hazardous in terms of falling debris or trip hazards. If left unchecked then spalling will tend to accelerate and spread so that, eventually, the structure could become unstable.
Does strata building insurance cover internal walls?
Building insurance typically covers the domestic residence and permanent structures like garages and granny flats. Strata insurance usually includes cover for common areas such as gardens, lifts, walls, windows, pools, ceiling and floors.
How much does it cost to repair concrete spalling?
According to HDB-approved contractor A & R Construction and Engineering’s Managing Director, Ravits Goh, the cost of repairing spalling concrete ranges from around $300 for an area as small as a smartphone to $1,200 for the entire ceiling of an HDB toilet.
What is concrete made from?
To make concrete a mixture of portland cement (10-15%) and water (15-20%) make a paste. This paste is then mixed with aggregates (65-75%) such as sand and gravel, or crushed stone. As the cement and water mix, they harden and bind the aggregates into an impenetrable rock-like mass.
What is concrete efflorescence?
Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit of salts that can form when water is present in or on brick, concrete, stone, stucco or other building surfaces. It has a white or greyish tint and consists of salt deposits left behind when water evaporates.
What is concrete carbonation?
Concrete carbonation is the result of an electrochemical reaction between carbon dioxide, moisture and calcium hydroxide that is present in cement, producing calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate lowers the alkalinity of concrete from pH12 – 13 to around pH9.
Are concrete floors bad for your health?
According to experts, concrete floor systems can cause everything from bunions and ingrown toenails to shin splints, lumbar strain, and achilles tendonitis. It can also lead to lower back pain, stress fractures, knee pain, and worsening of arthritis symptoms.
Are concrete homes good?
Concrete house construction provides homeowners with many benefits, including energy-efficiency, durability, and low-maintenance. Also, concrete homes create a safe, comfortable, and healthy environment, along with contributing positively to the environment.
