The same Microdoweling™ properties of Roadware 10 Minute Concrete Mender™ that make the material excellent for repairing horizontal surfaces also make a good choice for vertical repairs.
UPDATE: New method recommended for vertical crack repair. See the Gebbie System.
Roadware 10 Minute Concrete Mender™ is a very low viscosity polyurethane that uses a surface tension one-third of water to penetrate quickly and deeply into concrete cracks. The typical process relies on self-gravity injection to fill cracks completely. What is not seen by the naked eye is the capillary action of the Concrete Mender polymer chains flowing horizontally into the sidewalls of the crack. We call this chaining of polymers into the concrete Microdoweling™. This chaining of the concrete together works on vertical surfaces too.
So, your saying, “How do we get this super thin material to stay in place long enough for the Microdoweling™ to take place and the repair to cure?” Over the years, Roadware contractors have come up with creative and ingenious ways to use Roadware 10 Minute Concrete Mender™ on vertical surfaces. Here are some techniques that have evolved.
UPDATE: New method recommended for vertical crack repair. See the Gebbie System.
1. Vertical Crack Injection
This technique involves covering the vertical crack with transparent duct tape and injecting Concrete Mender through the tape with a needle tip meter/mix cartridge. This method will work well if the concrete surface is smooth and the tape can make a good bond with the surface. The crack should be 1/4 inch (5mm) or less in width. The tape will make the, “form” while the Concrete Mender sets. Concrete Mender will not stick to duct tape, so once the material cures, you can cleanly pull off the tape. It is best to warm the cartridges up to 80° F (26°C) before use for a faster gel time. Start filling the crack at the lowest point and work you way up.
See the video here.
2. Bulk Mix and Trowel Applied Repair
Mix bulk Concrete Mender and 60-80 grit manufactured sand into a thick mortar. Working in small batches, use a margin trowel to make the repair. The fine sand will hold the Concrete Mender in place long enough for the Microdoweling™ effect to take place and for the material to set.
3. Bag Mix and Apply
This method uses a heavy duty, clear plastic bag to quickly mix one part of blended Concrete Mender to two parts of 60-80 grit manufactured sand. Once mixed by kneading the bag for several seconds, the bag is opened and the whole batch is applied and held in place with the bag. This technique is used around building mechanical entry points such as refrigeration and HVAC units.
Whatever method you choose, Roadware 10 Minute Concrete Mender™ stands at the ready to perform. Finished repairs can be ground smooth and painted to match the wall if necessary.
Kelton Glewwe
VP Operations
