Concrete Repairs

Concrete repairs are an important part of building maintenance and require solid knowledge of structural architecture and properties of concrete. Taking care of concrete cracks in the building envelope will improve building insulation and structural stability as well as keep the moisture out. With our expertise, we will offer cost-effective solutions for any type of damages to the concrete in commercial, residential, and industrial buildings.

Whether it is used in the exterior of the building or its interior, concrete tends to develop cracks over time. For a period of 5 to 10 years after construction, gradual compression under heavy loads causes deformation. Along with that, concrete shrinks and expands with the change of temperature inevitably creating cracks.

Although deformation is taken into consideration at the time of construction, the appearance of concrete cracks is bound to happen in most buildings despite the use of expansion joints during the construction process. It is important to determine whether the cracking is just cosmetic surface cracks or structural. The method used to repair concrete cracks will be largely based on how deep the crevices.

For concrete crack repair, we use:

• Low-pressure injection
• Epoxy injection
• Polyurethane injection
• Gravity feed with resin
• Grout patch
• Grouting

After the repair, we monitor the cracks and the overall concrete performance in the affected area. Then, we check if there are any potential risk factors that may lead to further concrete deterioration and loss of structural integrity.

Masonry Repair

Masonry repair is a crucial step in any building restoration project. During our years of experience, we have dealt with almost every challenge in masonry restoration, in commercial, industrial, and residential properties, and have always been proud to offer a cost-effective and viable solution.

Masonry is prone to developing visible cracks or the brickwork visibly deteriorating since it is exposed to elements such as smog and temperature fluctuations Even the smallest defects might grow into big problems with moisture seeping into the cracks or even freezing inside of them when the temperature is below zero.

Not to mention, the natural shift of the building’s weight over time and the fact that the inner concrete structure tends to shrink over the period of 15 years after construction, while the stonework tends to expand. This inevitably creates cracks both in the mortar that binds the stonework and, in some cases, the bricks themselves.

Signs you need masonry repair:

• Bulging or sinking bricks
• Corner cracks
• Brick compaction
• Cracks across the exterior
• Mortar deterioration

On thorough inspection, we will establish the cause of the problem. At this stage, it is important to identify whether the cause of the damage is structural or cosmetic. While the cause of the structural problem has to be addressed before the exterior repair, we can offer a range of temporary measures to prevent further deterioration.

Our masonry repair methods:

• Sealing
• Cleaning and sandblasting
• Brick wall reassembly
• Pointing, repointing, tuck pointing, ribbon pointing & flush pointing

One of the challenges in masonry restoration is matching the colour of bricks if they require replacement, but not for us. We pay attention to detail and we make sure the new brick perfectly matches the existing one.

Let us use our expertise in your masonry repair and building restoration project. Avangarde will work around the clock so that your masonry is in top shape.

Sealant Replacement

Avangarde specialises in sealant replacement because we understand how essential it is in building envelope maintenance. Because building sealant is designed to protect the building envelope where it is most vulnerable, no wonder it is the first material to start deteriorating. It is not easy to detect at what stage sealant starts to deteriorate and needs a replacement. Ideally, you would always want to stay ahead of the game and replace the sealant before the actual damage to the building.

In reality, building envelope sealant usually comes somewhere at the end of the list of maintenance priorities—usually, concrete and facade cracks, roofing, garage ramps, and plumbing take precedence, while sealant replacement experts are called in when it is too late and the damages are visible.

If you manage the building, it is important to know that the sealant replacement cycle is 12 to 20 years, depending on the product and conditions, of course. So at the 12-year mark, you have to start monitoring the sealant more closely and hire an expert for inspection.

Where Is Sealant Applied?

As sealant is designed to protect the vulnerable parts of the building from exposure to weather elements and temperature fluctuations it is applied:

• Control and expansion joints
• Settlement cracks
• Around window and door perimeters
• Copings
• Any structural elements prone to movement

Although you might dread a sealant replacement project but the advantage is that now the companies that manufacture the sealant are manufacturing much better and durable product than a mere 10 years before.

Now, the newer technologies allow to apply sealant to just about any surface you can find in construction: concrete, cement, brock, metal, timber, etc. The quality of the sealing materials has improved greatly. For you, as a building manager, this means saving time and effort as well as better protection for the building in the long run.

In our sealant replacement projects, we work with materials that have delivered outstanding performance over a long period of time, and our prices stay competitive.

Waterproofing

Building waterproofing is where you have to think strategically. Like most building maintenance procedures, waterproofing a building is best done when you are still able to prevent the problem. The building already comes waterproof, that is why sudden water damage, excess moisture, and flooding might come unexpectedly. Water damage to the building usually announces itself very quickly.

Is Your Building at Higher Risk of Water Penetration?

As with any building maintenance procedure, scheduled inspection of the building goes a long way. The most original waterproofing that was done at the time of construction for high rises, commercial, and industrial buildings is expected to last 20 years and more in most cases.

Consider these factors during the building inspection:

• Age of the building
• Visible water stains and mould
• Cracks in foundation and wall cracks
• Building corners
• Structural components between the roof and the top floor
• Whether the building location is prone to frequent flooding
• Underground parking garage or basement in the building
• Whether the building has had any recent problems with water drainage or runoff
• Any building structural elements that are prone to movement
• Indoor or outdoor swimming pool, a deck, or patio area

If you suspect that your building envelope might have a water damage problem but you do not have access to it, thermal imaging will help to determine where and how advanced the water damage is.

Regardless of the type of water damage and the area it has affected, we will use high-grade waterproofing materials:

• Cementitious Waterproofing
• Liquid Waterproofing Membrane
• Bituminous Membrane or Coating
• Polyurethane Liquid Membrane

With our expertise in building waterproofing, we will offer reliable and cost-effective solutions to even the most challenging areas with a history of waterproofing problems.