Mcon Rasayan

Concrete structures usually last for a very long time but they may start to develop cracks, paths, holes, and certain damages as the building begins to age. So, it is often necessary to keep an eye on the cracks as they can pose a problem in the future if the crack is deep and left untreated for a long time. So, you must frequently fix any small cracks or repairs in the concrete structure to maintain the durability of the structure and ensure your safety.

Cracking can happen for various reasons, it may be due to shifting of the ground, harsh weather conditions, or due to friction in the concrete, etc., but it is advisable to fill the cracks as and when you notice them. Therefore, preventing any further damage due to the cracks. There are several methods to fix the cracks, however, it depends on the type of surface and the severity of cracks. Nowadays, there are several crack repair materials available in the market like crack filler paste which is easy to apply and also effective.

Furthermore, let us understand the basic procedure of crack repair.

What are the main steps involved in crack repair?

Depending on the factors like width and depth of the crack, the type of wall (concrete, drywall, etc.,) you can determine the technique used in the crack repair.

Here are some of the common steps used to fix the cracks:

Cut the sides of the cracks in the inverted ‘V’ shape. This will help in easily filling the cracks with the patch material.

Widen the existing crack with the help of a chisel or a hammer to remove any loose materials from the old concrete.

Clean all the dust particles in the crack area using a wire brush or garden hose.

Ensure that the area is dry and don’t have any moisture content

Mix the concrete crack repair compound with the help of instructions provided by the manufacturer

Take the compound/crack filler paste using a trowel and fill the crack and the surrounding area.

Sand the surface to make it smooth and even

Prep the surface using a coat or a primer

Paint the surface after the primer or coat is completely dry

What are the Different Methods of Concrete Crack Repair?

There are various methods used in the crack repair. Some of the common methods are:

Epoxy Injection Procedure

Routing and sealing:

Stitching

Why Should You Do Crack Repair Frequently?

Prevents the structure from further cracking:

If you repair the cracks when they are small and harmless then your wall will be well-maintained and will be strong. If the cracks are left untreated for a long time, they can widen over time and can eventually weaken the structure. So, it is advisable to repair the cracks at the earliest to avoid any mishaps in the future.

You must have noticed a brown-colored formation on the metal surfaces or steel structures at your home or the machinery in your company. This formation is nothing but corrosion which normally occurs when the metal is exposed to the environment without a protective coating or paint.

In an industrial setup or construction site, the machinery and the construction materials like steel bars or iron bars, etc., must be maintained in a good condition as rusting can happen easily. The machine or construction materials which are specifically made of metals like iron, steel, aluminum, etc. are often exposed to corrosion. When the anti-corrosion coatings get worn off or if the surface doesn’t have a protective anti-corrosion paint, the machinery and the construction materials begin to deteriorate due to the corrosion or rust. If left untreated, it eventually affects them. Hence, anti-corrosion coating is quite important to maintain the metal surfaces in the home (construction items), buildings (construction), and machinery.

Whether it is at home, any building or in an industrial environment, if you happen to notice rusting on the metal surfaces, you must immediately get it repaired and a high-quality anti-corrosion paint or coatings must be immediately applied to your metal structures. It will not only stop the corrosion but also prolong the life of the metal surfaces or machinery.

What is Anti Corrosion Coating?

Anti-corrosion coating is a coating that is applied on reinforced steel structures, RCC, bridges, and so on. Along with that, anti-corrosion paint is also used to paint the surfaces and this paint contains anti-corrosion properties.

What Are The Types Of Anti Corrosion Coating?

There are different types of anti-corrosion coating. They are:

Barrier coatings:

Barrier coatings ensure that the base metal is protected from oxygen and water. This non-porous protective layer is usually applied to slow down the reaction caused by the surrounding environment. This coating is applied to the base metal to protect it from being exposed to the environment. The thickness of the coating will impact the lifespan of the metal base.

Inhibitive coatings:

These types of coatings will provide corrosion protection by forming a passive layer on the metal surface. Inhibitive coatings are usually used in the primers to protect the metal from degradation due to external factors like humidity.

Sacrificial coatings:

Sacrificial coatings are more like an additive in corrosion coatings. It ensures the protection of the film and it depends on the quantity of additive and type of paint binder which is used while using these coatings.

Additionally, there are various other types of anti-corrosion coatings used in various industries like Epoxy Coatings, Inorganic Zinc, and more to improve the corrosion resistance in the metal or steel structures or substrates.

Benefits of Anti-Corrosion Coatings

Anti-corrosive coatings will prevent the metal from oxidation (stop/slow down the chemical or electrochemical reactions)

It also prevents operative losses in the company as it protects the equipment from rusting. The corroded machinery or metal surfaces require a lot of time to be fixed or replaced. So, by applying anti-corrosion coatings these surfaces are maintained in good condition and prevent any revenue loss.

It also increases the bond strength of the steel with the concrete

Increases the durability of steel structures or industrial types of equipment

Mcon Magic Grout PU is a hydrophobic grout based on polyurethane Upon contact with water, Mcon Magic Grout PU reacts to closed cell rubber-like foam while expanding its volume up to 27 times. The cured material is of a constant volume. Since water is not a component of the foam structure, the cured material is essentially not affected by water or dryness. The reacted material does not shrink or swell. Depending on the pressure of injection. Mcon Magic Grout PU reacts to a very dense material or foam.

CRACK FILLER PASTE is an acrylic polymer based white crack filler made of acrylic emulsion polymer, properly selected graded fillers, light fast pigment & additives. It provides a strong bond with flexibility which accommodates the cracks in the plaster and provides a water resistant surface with aesthetic appearance.

Wide wall cracks in concrete surfaces can make the wall weaker and may end up breaking the wall if the crack is deeper or left without repairs for a longer period. Usually, wall cracks are covered with a concrete patching compound or a crack filler. Small cracks which are lower than 1/4 inch wide, can be filled with a concrete caulk or liquid filler.

Patching compounds or crack filler paste is blended with water and applied with a trowel. The texture of crack filler is similar to grout and can be smeared and textured covering the crack and the surrounding areas of the surface. However, the color will vary after the crack is patched with a new compound. So, it is important to paint the surface again to hide the patch and match it to a pre-existing color.

How to Repair Wall Cracks?

One of the common reasons for the appearance of wall cracks is the settling of the structure. You may see small cracks appearing on the walls after some years of construction. It is a common phenomenon that is often influenced by temperature and soil shifting. If the cracks are small, you can fill them by yourself using a wall crack filler. But, if you notice cracks that are deeper or bigger than the usual cracks then you must ask for professional help.

Here are some of the important steps to follow while filling cracks:

Step 1:

Determine whether the wall which you need to repair is a concrete, drywall, or plaster wall. Depending on the type of the wall, you can decide the other steps to fix the wall.

Step 2:

Get the materials required to fix the cracks in the wall. Three basic items you require are wall filler compound, mixing tray, tapping knife, caulking gun, putty knife, hammer and nails. All these materials are available in the hardware shop.

Step 3:

Whether it is a drywall, plaster wall, or concrete wall, you must vacuum the dust or dirt deposits present in the cracks. You must ensure that all the dirt has been removed before getting on to other steps.

Step 4:

Fixing a Concrete Wall Crack:

Concrete wall cracks are repaired using the epoxy injection technique. You must first fix the epoxy injection ports into the concrete wall. These ports are nothing but plastic tubes which will help you pump the epoxy or crack filler paste into the cracks. First, thin nails are pounded into the cracks with a distance of 1-foot apart then fitting the injection port with a small amount of epoxy. Seal the crack completely with crack filler paste around the ports. When the seal is cured completely, you can remove the nails. Then, use a caulking gun to fill the epoxy liquid into the ports. When you have filled the epoxy through all the ports, let it cure for a few days, and then use a hacksaw to remove the top of the injection ports.

Fixing a Drywall Crack:

You’ll need a utility knife, paintbrush or vacuum, and joint compound to fix the crack in the drywall. First, take the utility knife to widen the crack a bit. Then, remove all the dirt deposited in the crack and fill up the crack with the joint compound. Sand the surface to even out the area. Later, apply a primer and finally paint the drywall.

Fixing a Plaster Wall Crack:

You will require a plaster adhesive, plaster rings with screws, and a putty knife along with other common materials to fill the plaster wall crack. First, drill small holes on either side of the cracks but ensure not to go too deep till the wooden slats. Remove the dirt in the area and fill it with plaster adhesive. Then lock the crack with the help of plaster rings with screws and let it sit overnight. Later, remove the plaster rings and even out the surface by sanding them. Apply the primer and then paint the wall.

How long does crack filler last?

Crack filler is a permanent solution for filling the cracks on the walls. It will last for 8 years and more when it is done using a proper method and a good crack filler compound.

Conclusion

MCON ELASTO COAT PRIMER

Regardless of whether the tile is for a wall or a floor, it must adhere to the base surface completely. Tile adhesive is put to a lot of work and has a lot of pressure on it.

The tile glue is supposed to keep the tile in place not just for a few years, but for decades. It must be simple to work with and fill in gaps between the tile and the substrate suitably. It can’t cure too quickly: otherwise, you won’t have enough time to work. However, if it cures too slowly, it would take an eternity to reach the grouting stage.

Fortunately, tile adhesives have progressed to the point that they can meet all of these requirements. Choosing the best tile mortar isn’t as difficult as you would imagine. The optimal mortar solution is usually determined by the tile application (where the tile is installed). And the type of tile can sometimes be a deciding factor.

Tile adhesive application range:

Tile adhesive mortar is mostly used as tiles, floor tiles, and other similar items as adhesive decorative materials. It’s a popular pick for walls, floors, baths, kitchens, and other indoor and exterior buildings.

Tile adhesive features:

It is an ideal Bonding material because of its high adhesion, lack of brick wet wall during construction, flexibility, waterproofness, impermeability, crack resistance, ageing resistance, high-temperature resistance, freeze-thaw resistance, non-toxic and environmental protection, and ease of construction.

Variety of tile adhesive:

Tile adhesive is a cement-based polymer-modified tile adhesive that comes in two types: general-purpose and strong-type (larger-sized tiles or marble).

A strong tile adhesive is used to paste a variety of floor tiles or tiny wall tiles on a regular mortar surface.

Super-strength tile adhesive with strong adhesion and anti-dropping performance, appropriate for wall tile with non-adhesive force needs, non-sand surface such as wood plate surface or old veneer, etc. It is more flexible and can sustain the tension caused by the thermal expansion and contraction of the bonding layer. It works well with large-scale stones, gypsum board, fiberboard, plywood, or antique veneer (tile, mosaic, terrazzo). The board is pasted. Tile adhesives are also available in pastel or translucent marble with a white look, in addition to grey.

Ingredients and structure in tile adhesive:

The functionality of tile adhesive is enhanced by the use of a range of additives. In general, the cellulose ether is provided with a water-repellent and thickening-providing cellulose ether, as well as a latex powder to improve the ceramic tile’s adhesion. Vinyl acetate/vinyl ester copolymer, lauric acid ethylene/ethylene/vinyl chloride are the most prevalent latex powders. Additives such as copolymers and acrylics, as well as the inclusion of latex powder, can considerably improve the flexibility of the tile adhesive and reduce stress.

In addition, some unique functions necessitate the inclusion of extra ingredients to the tile adhesive. Adding wood fibre, for example, can strengthen the mortar’s crack resistance and speed up the opening process. The anti-slip characteristic of the mortar is provided by adding modified starch ether. The addition of an early strength agent improves the tile adhesive’s performance. To prevent water absorption and produce a waterproof effect, quickly raise the strength and add a water-repellent ingredient.

Tile Mortar

For most indoor and outdoor applications, thinset mortar is the preferred tile mortar. Thinset is a moisture-retaining mortar composed of Portland cement, silica sand, and other ingredients. Thinset tile mortar has a mud-like smooth, slippery consistency. A notched trowel is used to apply it to the substrate.

Standard and Pre-Mixed Thinset

Thinset is sold as a bagged powder that must be combined with water. Because the mortar begins to set as soon as it is mixed, you must utilise the full batch or discard any leftovers.

Premixed thinset is packaged in large tubs and is ready to use right away. The ease and convenience of premixed thinset mortar make it excellent for do-it-yourselfers, even though it is heavier to handle and more expensive than dry mortar mix.

For small bathrooms, mudrooms, and utility rooms, premixed mortar is ideal. If you’re working with a lot of different places, a dry mix can be a better option.

Working With Thinset Mortar

Thinset tile mortar creates a strong connection that resists moisture and mould growth. Thinset is also heat resistant, so it won’t lose its hold in hot weather. Thinset is dimensionally stable because of its cementitious nature. It will not shrink or compress.

Thinset also has the benefit of allowing you to level uneven surfaces to some extent. You can’t level dramatically out-of-level surfaces, but you can fill in gaps and correct for minor changes in level.

Thinset is ideal for floor tile and any tile in wet locations, such as shower floors, walls, ceilings, and tub surrounds, because it is not impacted by moisture.

Floor tiles are made of materials such as ceramic, baked clay, porcelain, and stone. They are useful in covering the floors, walls, and even the rooftops. Tiles are made in different types, shapes, and sizes with a variety of designs. Tiles are used to give a finished look to the floors and they are set on the floor using a mix of cement, sand, and an additive.

When the tiles are all set according to the pattern, the joints and edges still contain some gaps which can’t be left without filling them. Hence, these gaps and joints between the tiles are covered with grouts.

Grouts are of two types: Sanded and Unsanded Grouts.

Sanded grouts, as the name suggests, are the grouting material that contains sand. It is a cement-based mixture that contains ingredients such as cement, silicon/quartz, and specific additives. Sanded grouts are mostly preferred as it prevents shrinkage by thickening the grout.

Unsanded grout is the grout mixture that doesn’t contain sand. It is also a cement-based mixture that contains several ingredients other than sand.

How to Determine the Color Grout That Match the Tiles

Gone are those days when tile grout was just used for setting the tile and filling the gaps. Now, they play a crucial role in providing an aesthetic effect for the tiles and the flooring. Hence, colored grouts are used to give the finishing touches. There is a wide range of colored grouts available which are non-toxic as well as safe. Using colored grout which matches your tiles will ensure that your floors or walls look enchanting and flawless.

Colored grout is manufactured with cement, plasticizers, and colorfast pigments. Depending on the color range available, you can choose the one which suits your tiles. Although there is no particular method to choose colored grout, you must know a few tips which can help you choose the right one.

Important Tips to Choose the Color Grout

1. You Don’t Have to Find Exact Match

It may become difficult to find the same color and sometimes the color may slightly vary after adding water to the grout. Hence, it is advisable to check the samples rather than the colors mentioned on the package or brochure. Choose the color which is almost closer to the tile.

2. Choose a Lighter or Darker Grout Depending on Your Tile Design

There is no hard and fast rule to choose the grout which is lighter or darker than the tile. Light-colored grout blends into the tile color whereas the grout that is darker than your tile color makes it look more brighter.

3. Use Grout Stains to Even the Grout

Your tiles may look shabby if the grout is not filled properly. In such a scenario, you can use grout stains to even out the grout or darken the color. They also work as sealers which help sustain the colored grout for a longer period.

Benefits of Grout

Grout will prevent dust particles from settling between the tiles

Grout will help set the tiles firmly and also strengthen the tiles

Grout provides a finishing touch to the overall look of the floor

Grout allows you to clean the tiles properly by filling the uneven spaces between the tiles.

Conclusion