Although a concrete foundation is a solid construction, the fact remains that cracks can appear over time. Some appear due to exposure to extreme weather conditions, while others may occur due to natural soil shifting or mechanical overload.

Regardless of the reason behind their presence, it is imperative to repair them to prevent any water infiltration or the appearance of mold with the help of a foundation repair Utah. To this end, several sealants exist to correct the openings of concrete constructions. But do you know the different resins on the market and their specific properties?

A concrete structure, two choices of resin

Two resin products are typically used to correct fault problems: polyurethane foam and epoxy. Both are two-component formulations. Which product is best depending on the type of crack or joint and the conditions present at the time of repair.

Polyurethane foam to the rescue of the foundation

To repair the grooves in your concrete foundation, you can first choose polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is a flexible product that adapts well to crack movement and moisture. This type of resin expands during injection, reducing the amount required to complete the repair if the opening is large. Wet or leaking cracks respond very well to the application of this foam.

Concrete advantages

Using polyurethane foam to repair cracks in concrete constructions has many advantages. First, it is more economical than epoxy, which we will see below. In addition to being easy to use, the foam treats the crack quickly. Since the foam expands when applied, it corrects structural problems in depth with the help of a basement repair Salt Lake City.

Gummy drawbacks

Despite it is a lot of advantages, polyurethane foam is not supple. Thus, under significant tension, it may tear. You will therefore have to carry out a repair of the crack again. However, to prevent the crack from getting bigger, it is possible to install carbon fiber reinforcing staples.

The epoxy is on the go

Epoxy is another effective solution for repairing breaches in concrete foundations. This low viscosity resin works well for repairing thin structural cracks. Unlike polyurethane foam, epoxy remains liquid when applied, allowing it to penetrate all crevices. Most epoxy products fully cure in three to four hours.

Benefits that don't give up

Epoxy provides a powerful bond that welds cracks together and restores structural strength. Also, most of the time, an epoxy patched crack will not yield. Additionally, an epoxy-filled concrete flaw will not move due to temperature variations and seasonal wet and dry cycles.

Downsides that rock the house

As mentioned above, epoxy costs more than urethane. Also, it is less efficient if the slot is not dry. Also, if the bond is not sufficient or if it fails, it will be impossible to reuse this resin in the crack, because the epoxy will not be able to fill the entire length of the crack due to the obstructions. New equipment will therefore be required.

Which resin to choose for a concrete foundation?

So, to repair a crack in a concrete foundation through Utah foundation repair: polyurethane foam or epoxy? The characteristics of the crack should dictate the product and the method.