Concrete Crazing
Crazing
Diagnosis: Random fine cracking on the surface resembling cracked mud on a dried up pond, but in a smaller pattern.
Prevention: Any concrete or masonry surface can be subject to crazing. It can result from tension developed at the surface of the concrete formed during curing that is greater than that developed below the surface. Contributing factors can be rapid evaporation, direct sun raising the temperature of the plastic surface, variation in the water/cement ratio between the surface and sub-surface of the concrete and possibly surface carbonation.
Possible concrete repair: Although the appearance of a crazed surface gives the impression of structurally compromised concrete, crazing usually does not negatively effect strength or durability to a great degree. The cracking is very shallow and as long as moisture intrusion is not allowed to generate freeze-thaw issues then really it is only the aesthetics to be concerned with. The application of the epoxy and silica sand will restore most of the monolithic appearance to the slab but will darken it and change the appearance. To restore the surface to brand new concrete look, Brock White has several high performance re-surfacing products that can be applied with a trowel or broom as thin as 2mm or 1/8” and can be colored.
0 comments