Advantages and Disadvantages of Epoxy Crack Repair

FOUNDATION CRACKS BEWARE:
EPOXY INJECTIONS ARE NEAR

PROS / CONS OF USING EPOXY CRACK REPAIR

Advantages:

  • FILLS LARGE & SMALL CRACKS: Epoxy can fill very fine cracks and voids, restoring structural integrity without leaving gaps.
  • STRENGTH : Epoxy resins offer strong bonding capabilities, making them ideal for structural repairs.
  • RESTORES LOAD BEARING WALLS: It can restore the original strength of the concrete, making it a good choice for load-bearing cracks.
  • DURABILITY: Epoxy creates a long-lasting bond that resists wear and tear, providing a durable fix.
  • CHEMICAL RESISTANCE: Epoxy resists many chemicals, making it suitable for industrial environments.
  • LESS SHRINKAGE: Epoxy has minimal shrinkage after curing, ensuring a tight and permanent seal.
  • WATERPROOFING: Epoxy helps to waterproof the crack and prevent water infiltration, which is ideal for damp environments.
  • IDEAL FOR HORIZONTAL CRACKS: Works well for repairing horizontal cracks in foundations, slabs, and other flat surfaces.
  • FAST CURING: Epoxy typically cures quickly, often in less than 24 hours, allowing for faster project completion.
  • LOOKS GREAT: Epoxy provides a smooth, invisible finish that blends well with the surrounding concrete.

Disadvantages:

  • RIGID: If your concrete is expected to move or expand over time, epoxy may be too rigid of a product.
  • TEMPERATURE RESTRICTIONS: Epoxy curing can be affected by temperature; it may not cure properly in extreme cold or heat.
  • NOT IDEAL FOR WET CRACKS: Epoxy doesn’t work well with active leaks or wet cracks, as water can interfere with adhesion.
  • INVESTMENT: Epoxy injections tend to be more expensive than urethane options due to the high cost of the material.
  • PREP TIME: Requires thorough surface cleaning and preparation, including drying out the crack, which can increase labor time.
  • OVERUSE: Can be overused in situations where a more flexible material (urethane) may be better.
  • SAFETY: Epoxy resins can be toxic or irritating to skin and lungs, requiring proper safety precautions.
  • LESS EFFECTIVE FOR LARGER CRACKS: May not be effective on very large cracks or those with significant movement.
  • TOUGH TO REMOVE: Once applied, it’s difficult to remove or repair if done incorrectly.
  • MANUFACTURER QUALITY: If not purchased through Intech's building materials warehouse - contractors may not trust the quality of the product which can lead to failed foundation crack repair.

HOW EPOXY CRACK REPAIR WORKS

The epoxy welds the crack together and restores structural strength as it has a bond strength even higher than that of concrete. The epoxy injections eliminate movement of the concrete during natural expansion and contraction to create more structural strength and stability. However, foundations that move more frequently or have an unusually heavy load may require methods beyond epoxy crack repair. 

With these frequently moving or stressed foundations, the epoxy strength may begin to disintegrate and become susceptible to cracking once again. It’s important to partner with a knowledgable structural engineer that can walk you through the benefits of epoxy for crack repair. Structural crack repairs are a common necessity with earth movement and settling foundations. As you’ll read – many contractors prefer epoxy or urethane crack repair products. 

APPLYING EPOXY CRACK REPAIR PASTE FOR FOUNDATIONAL CRACKS

Customers rave about the quick-fix product contractors are using for foundation crack repair across the nation. Our epoxy crack repair solution is the game-changer for foundation repair experts hired to assess concrete failures like fissues, cracks, and shrinkage. 

epoxy-crack-repair-product

LEARN MORE ABOUT
CRACK REPAIR KITS

Concrete is prone to cracking due to its weakness in tension, and carbon fiber can be used to reinforce and seal these cracks. The process involves mixing resin and hardener, applying it to the surface, and laying down the carbon fiber, saturating it with more resin. Carbon Fiber Crack Repair kits provide all the necessary materials for the repair.

INTECH ANCHORING PROVIDES THE INDUSTRY'S
TRUSTED CRACK REPAIR PRODUCTS

Tim Comb

President

Tim is the President of Intech Anchoring and has 25 years of experience in the Civil Engineering and Geostructural Industry. Tim has developed extensive industry knowledge by working to support the needs of specialty contractors at each and every business level. Tim’s diverse industry background has given him exposure to a wide variety civil construction projects, ranging from the simplest residential applications to the most complex commercial and industrial projects. Coupled with a highly skilled and educated team, Tim focuses on providing the highest quality products and solutions to Intech Anchoring’s customers in order to consistently exceed expectations.