Suffering From Concrete Cancer? Contact A Remedial Building Services Contractor

Concrete cancer is a building defect no one wants to have to deal with — luckily, remedial building services contractors are here to help. This issue may seem destructive but there are steps that can be taken to prevent and treat decaying concrete, ensuring the structural integrity of a building remains intact.

Prevention is often the best strategy when it comes to dealing with structural issues, which is why it makes sense to hire an experienced team of remedial building experts. Their first-hand knowledge will assist them in identifying any signs of concrete cancer and other structural defects long before they become visibly apparent, saving money and prolonging the life of a property.

Concrete cancer (also known as concrete spalling) can occur when steel reinforcements inside a concrete structure are exposed to moisture. As the steel begins to rust, it will expand and result in the surrounding concrete cracking.

● Cracked concrete

● Rust stains

● Bubbling of concrete

● Leaks and spilling of moisture from concrete surfaces

Remedial building contractors are experts in the detection and treatment of concrete cancer. It is important to get on top of these issues early to ensure a property’s value, aesthetic appearance and reputation remains intact. Engaging the services of a professional property maintenance team to identify concrete cancer can ensure the continued health and safety of a building’s occupants which is a top priority for any property manager.

There are many factors that can contribute to a building becoming susceptible to concrete cancer. Often, the cause is simply poor workmanship — if concrete is not laid correctly then cracks can allow moisture to enter. However, there are a multitude of other reasons as to why concrete cancer can develop: 

● Steel reinforcements sitting too close to the surface

● Stress fractures from weight-bearing resulting in producing surface cracks

● Poor waterproofing of surfaces

● Movement of earth under the building causing cracks

Older buildings are often more susceptible to concrete spalling, due to poor regulations regarding standard concrete coverage. The other important factor at play is weather. Buildings in coastal regions are exposed to all kinds of conditions, including increased levels of salt and moisture. This can play a part in accelerating the degradation of surfaces and increase the likelihood of concrete cancer.

Remedial building contractors understand the unique environment in which a building is situated, and will be able to identify any potential risk factors at play. Being aware of prospective issues before they manifest is essential in order to prevent excessive repair costs and ensure the long-term stability of a property.

It is vital to engage in continual monitoring of a building so that signs of concrete cancer can be identified as soon as possible. Engaging with a qualified team that offer remedial building services is a crucial part of an overall maintenance strategy. The earlier an issue is diagnosed, the easier (and cheaper) it is to have fixed. There are then several repair options that your professional maintenance team may recommend, depending on the location and severity of the problem. 

Waterproofing the building is another excellent strategy that a maintenance team may recommend, to prevent moisture from leaking in through cracked surfaces.

The physical appearance, value and structural integrity of a building are all crucial elements that can be negatively affected by concrete cancer. Be sure to consult the expertise of an experienced and highly-skilled remedial building services contractor who can assist in identifying issues and prolonging the life of your property. 

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