What Is Concrete Honeycombing?
Concrete honeycombing is when areas of your foundation walls, floors, or columns begin to deteriorate, leaving behind coarse, brittle, and pitted surfaces. Honeycombing can appear on both the outside and inside of your concrete. Early signs of honeycombing are usually a cosmetic problem, but letting them worsen can lead to structural and waterproofing issues.
Causes Of Concrete Honeycombing
Leading causes of concrete honeycombing include,
- Improper workability of the concrete – Workability is how easily new concrete can be mixed, placed, consolidated, and finished with minimal loss of homogeneity (a balance of components).
- Improper balance of components – If there is too much of one component in a concrete mixture, such as water, it could lead to a separation of aggregates and mortar.
- Improper vibration – Freshly poured concrete must be vibrated to eliminate any air bubbles or pockets. If this is improperly done or not done at all, it could lead to honeycombing.
- Improper pouring – If concrete is poured too high, it could cause the aggregates and mortar to separate.
- Improper reinforcing – Too much steel in a foundation wall or floor can prevent the concrete from spreading evenly.
Effects Of Concrete Honeycombing
Honeycombing affects your foundation in various negative ways if you don’t treat it fast.
- Water Damage – Honeycombing concrete can allow outside groundwater to seep into your basement or crawl space foundation.
- Structural Damage – If left untreated, honeycombing can grow and affect the structural integrity of your foundation walls or columns.
- Cosmetic Damage – Honeycombing concrete ruins the look of your concrete walls and lowers the value of your home.
Types Of Concrete Honeycombing
- Low risk – Depth is less than 25 mm.
- Medium risk – Deeper than 25 mm with no exposed steel rebar.
- High risk – Deeper than 25 mm with exposed steel rebar.
How The Real Seal Repairs Honeycombing
The Real Seal Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Repair uses a 2-part epoxy injection to repair honeycombing concrete. This injection will fill the voids inside the concrete until it’s solid again, leaving you a clean surface you can paint over.
Who To Call For Honeycomb Concrete Repair Near You
If you live in Chicagoland, call The Real Seal Basement Waterproofing & Foundation Repair. We’ve been repairing all sorts of foundation and waterproofing problems, including honeycombing, since 2011. Our experts will inspect your concrete, come up with the best waterproofing solution, and turn your wet foundation into a dry, clean space.
What Our Customers Are Saying
Honeycomb Concrete Repair FAQs
Is honeycombing in reinforced concrete bad?
If left untreated, honeycombing concrete can lead to waterproofing and structural problems.
How do you test honeycombing in concrete?
If the honeycombing is not visible, experts can use ultrasonic testing to detect voids inside the concrete.
Will honeycombing concrete worsen over time?
Yes. Areas of concrete that are honeycombing can grow and begin to expose the rebar inside your walls or columns, which can lead to major structural issues.
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