Concrete is a durable material by nature; however, the strength of concrete primarily relies on the perfect union of its components. If the adhesion isn’t strong, not only will the surface have low resistance, but the painted surface will also start peeling, and maintenance will be expensive. Recognizing the initial signs of the problems will enable you to tackle them before small cracks cause extensive damage to the structure.
This guide outlines ways to identify inadequate adhesion and to remove the problems using appropriate methods.
Peeling/Floating Surface Coating on Concrete
When you see a surface coating that’s peeling or floating, this is usually the first sign that the coating has lost its adhesion. You will see areas of your surface that have no coating because it has been peeled or floated off.
Peeling and floating happen when either the surface wasn’t properly prepared or the wrong type of materials were used. By addressing this issue as soon as possible by using epoxy enamel, you can prevent further spread of failure and more extensive damage.
Cracking, Expanding, More than Anticipated
Concrete cracks occasionally, but the rapid expansion of a crack is an indicator of significant concern. A weak adhesion layer located between the different layers of a concrete sub-surface is ineffective at providing resistance against movement or loads.
A small crack will open up into a larger crack, and the depth of the crack also increases. Repairing this type of problem becomes more complex, and the probability of developing a structural issue is increased if not repaired.
Tapped Concrete that Sounds Drummy or Hollow
Performing a simple visual inspection with a tap will show whether or not an underlying problem exists. Tapping on the surface of the concrete will yield a hollow sounding population indicates that the upper layer of the concrete is not properly bonded to the lower layers of concrete.
You can often see this in cases of overlays or remediation of areas of concrete that do not have sufficient bonding support. As with other concrete defects, just because the surface appears to be intact does not mean the bond supporting the surface is intact.
Moisture Penetration and Surface Dampness
Moisture is certainly one of the main factors damaging concrete adhesion. Water infiltrating the surface will not only destroy the bond but also speed up the deterioration process. You may notice damp patches, stains, or discoloration. In extreme situations, it might cause mold or even structural damage if it’s not fixed right away.
See also: How Chemical Tank Inspections Protect Business Operations
Bubbling or Uneven Surface Finishes
Bubbling or uneven textures are common signs of trapped air or improper bonding during the application process. Although these flaws might appear very minor at first, they can eventually cause the coating to fail completely. Usually, such a case arises from inadequate surface cleaning or improper application methods, both of which negatively affect material adhesion.
Wrapping Up
The development of defects in concrete typically begins to occur at very early stages and progresses rapidly, resulting in serious problems when adhesion fails. When you can identify early signs of damage, such as peeling, cracking, hollow-sounding areas, moisture problems (wet spots), or bubbling finishes, you have the opportunity to address the issue with the right construction chemicals before repair costs increase significantly.
