Crack Injection: Epoxy or Polyurethane?

Crack injection is a process used to fill cavities in concrete slabs and prevent corrosion. Learn more about epoxy vs polyurethane crack injection.

Crack Injection: Epoxy or Polyurethane?

Crack injection is a process of pumping slurry or resin into a vacuum to fill the cavities of a concrete slab. This method is typically used to aid waterproofing or to prevent corrosion of concrete structures. In voids, cracks and joints with high water intake, pre-injection is required as a temporary stop of water with a polyurethane foam resin. The technician's job is to regulate the flow, as well as the pressure of the liquid in the concrete crack for a lasting end result.

The secret to effective injection of cracks, whether epoxies or polyurethane foams are used, is the gradual introduction of the liquid polymer into the crack at low pressures (20 to 40 psi). However, the pillars will not seal existing cracks, which may still need to be injected to prevent leakage after the base has stabilized. A spring-assisted dispensing tool allows complete control of injection pressures to keep them between 20 and 40 psi, the best range for complete crack filling. Many owners are wondering which method of injection is the best - the injection of epoxy cracks or the injection of polyurethane cracks.

Crack injection has arguably become the most common method for repairing foundation cracks in recent decades. These cracks, typically due to drying shrinkage, thermal movement or other causes, are usually minor and give rise to few problems. Once cured, the repaired concrete cracks will be two to three times stronger than the original concrete, ensuring a durable and long-lasting crack repair solution. Polyurethane foaming resins are designed to expand with water to temporarily block the passage of water through the crack or vacuum.

This method requires a little patience, but it allows the applicator to control the injection process and ensure that the crack is completely filled. It should be noted that the Province of Ontario Standard Specification OPSS 932 requires the use of high pressure for polyurethane crack injection at government construction sites. In this publication I analyze the processes of crack injection and their selection for fixing cracks in foundations and pouring concrete cracks in general. These can also be purchased as crack repair kits that some with all the tools and supplies needed for the project.

The required equipment was specially designed by a highly qualified technician to infiltrate any type of cracks with an efficiency rate of 100%. But in some cases, you may need to follow other corrective measures, along with crack sealing, to ensure a complete solution.

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