Concrete Replacement and Resurfacing

Why Concrete Expansion Joint Replacement Is Important

If the concrete on the deck of your high-rise shows cracking and signs of wear and tear, it may be time for concrete expansion joint replacement. Concrete expansion joints are designed to prevent moisture from seeping under the pads. When this happen, the level of the concrete can sink or cracking on the surface can result. The expansion joints allow for expansion and contraction during extremes of heat and cold, dryness and humidity. When these joints wear out, the concrete becomes more vulnerable to the weather and atmospheric conditions and begins to wear out quickly. Looking for signs of wear before actual damage in the concrete is visible can save you time and money, and that is why prompt concrete expansion joint replacement is essential for the health of your deck and garages.

How Joint Replacement Is Done

Your concrete decks and parking garages receive a lot of use, are exposed to extreme weather conditions and are likely to need a concrete expansion joint replacement periodically. If moisture is allowed to collect underneath the concrete, cracking and other damage can be difficult to replace later on. Hire a professional who has substantial experience with replacing expansion joints and can guarantee their work. The process involves lifting the surface, removing the old material and replacing it with new sealant. This may seem straightforward, but for a high-rise building with a number of decks and parking garages, the process can be complex and requires an effective application and high-quality sealants. The joint replacement professional can explain different types of sealant, including those that are long-lasting, weather resistant and allow for sufficient circulation of air. You should inspect your garages and decks on a regular basis to determine whether or not the expansion joints need replacing. If you see swelling or places where the concrete is cracking, determine whether the damage was caused by an external factor or from excess moisture within the concrete. If you suspect the latter, look into concrete expansion joint replacement promptly.

Deck Waterproofing

Some Ways Water Can Destroy Your Structures

Water may be a life giver everywhere else, but when it comes to construction, it can be one of nature’s most destructive elements. Whether it’s roofing, flooring or foundations, water infiltration can cause everything from weakening to erosion to complete destruction. When embarking on a new project, it can be tempting to cut cost corners by holding off on hiring a waterproofing contractor. Unfortunately, you’ll pay in the end. Don’t believe it? Read more about these ways water can destroy your structures to see why proper waterproofing matters.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles

When you rumble across a pothole, thank freeze-thaw cycles. This is one of the most common and well-known ways that water can be destructive. Water can seep into concrete and later, when temperatures drop, freeze. The resulting ice expands, pushing apart concrete and causing cracks and spalling. This is one of the most common causes of destruction to sidewalks, but it also can impact stucco walls and even asphalt.

Steam Damage

Steam can be a surprisingly destructive element in homes and businesses. The classic example occurs when a bathroom is built with no attention to waterproofing. Instead, it’s assumed that tile and epoxy grout will repel water. Instead, steam seeps in and soon water begins running down walls. A waterproofing contractor can prevent this type of outcome in commercial locker rooms and other water-prone areas with a few simple steps.

Frank Flooding

This is the most obvious threat but one that people still often don’t plan for. Proper waterproofing from a qualified waterproofing contractor is critical when a building is built at or below ground level. Ignore this and you start along the path to gradual leaks and flooding that will erode your foundation and potential threaten the entire building.

It’s simple enough to find a good waterproofing contractor and keep your structures dry. But it starts with research. Consider these tips, do your homework and you’re sure to find the perfect waterproofing professional for the job.

Stucco Repair

Three Myths about Stucco

It’s one of the oldest building materials around and its popularity is coming back. We’re talking about stucco, a visually striking material with ancient roots and endless possibilities. Whether you’re just starting to research stucco or are ready to pick a stucco contractor, it’s worth it to separate what’s true from what’s false. Here are some of the main myths that come up when it comes to stucco.

Myth #1: Stucco Will Require Lots of Crack Repairs

Particularly when it’s freshly applied, stucco is vulnerable to high winds which can wick away moisture and lead to small cracks. The good news is that while stucco can definitely crack, you won’t necessarily need to worry about constant repairs. Hairline cracks – that is, those which are less than 1/16 of an inch – can often be left alone.

Myth #2: Stucco Cannot Be Painted

This is a myth, largely rooted in the fact that painting fresh stucco is in fact a bad idea because the paint will chip and flake. But cured stucco can be painted just like any other surface. In fact, you should probably have a stucco contractor painting your stucco surfaces at least once every 10 years to combat the inevitable fading. When you do so, make sure you use a paint made specifically for use with stucco surfaces.

Myth #3: Stucco Inspection is Hard

Whether it’s a wall or two or the entire length of a structure, older stucco structures will in fact need inspection. That’s because with time, there is the chance of invasive water damage taking hold behind the stucco. If caught early, many issues with your stucco won’t require removal. The inspection itself is not hard for a qualified stucco contractor.

Stucco is surprisingly versatile, but it’s gotten an undeserved bad rap over the years. Use these tips to learn the truth about stucco, find a good stucco contractor and you’ll soon have the durable, versatile stucco structure of your dreams.

Parapet Wall Repair

Common Parapet Wall Fails

Believe it or not, once upon a time parapet walls – that is, walls that extend from above the edge of a roof – served as useful barriers in fire protection. Nowadays, they are more commonly employed to protect the edge of a roof from wind forces. They turn up on flat roofs and can even be employed in decorative fashion. Their uses are practical, but unfortunately, these unique building elements can have unique vulnerabilities and cause unique building challenges. Here are some of the main reasons you could find yourself looking for a specialist in parapet wall repair.

Rainwater Staining

One of the most unexpected yet visually problematic issues with parapet walls concern rainwater proofing. The problem starts when a contractor fails to employ methods of minimizing rainwater pooling. Parapets should be sloped inward at the top to discourage pooling, subsequent dripping and related unsightly staining.

Rainwater Deterioration

In addition to staining, water can damage parapets via penetration. This can come through the familiar freeze-thaw cycles or via sulfates and other erosive elements contained in rainwater. Parapet walls with brick on edge coping are particularly vulnerable to this type of damage. Experts in parapet wall repair can tell you that this type of damage can be prevented by installing a waterproof membrane under the coping.

Thermal Movement

Because they lack supporting masonry to contain movement, parapet walls can expand and contract more than normal. The result can be cracks in the surrounding material. Making sure expansion joints are incorporated from the start is one way to ensure a date with a parapet wall repair specialist isn’t in your future.

Parapet walls have plenty of practical uses, and when done properly, can visually enhance a building as well. But done improperly, parapet walls can present lots of problems. If you’re experiencing any of the above challenges, it’s time to call an expert in parapet wall repair.

Concrete Repair

Three Reasons Concrete Fails

When it comes to reliable building materials, concrete is one of the most time-honored. Resistant to deformation, durable, long-lasting and cost-effective, it is a top choice for commercial applications. But even this king of all building materials isn’t quite invincible. Concrete can fall prey to failure and when that happens, concrete repair is inevitable. What can cause your sturdy concrete parking deck or your gleaming concrete floor to crack or spall? Here are some of the top reasons concrete fails.

Weather

When people think of causes of concrete damage, nature is typically at the top of the list. The main threat comes via freeze-thaw cycles. In cold climates, concrete is exposed to water via rain or snow, then, when temperatures drop, the moisture freezes. The ice creates pressure as it expands, leading to cracks in the concrete.

Overloading

Concrete in commercial structures is designed with specific load limits in mind. Those limits are based on everything from the density of the concrete, placement of reinforcement bars and more. When too much weight or other stress is put on a concrete structure, failure is inevitable. Cracks can be caused by tension, cyclic loading and more. However the damage is caused, concrete repair is the result.

Sulfate Damage

One of the lesser-known causes for concrete damage involves sulfates. In some instances, sulfates – common in soaps – seep into groundwater. This sulfate-rich water can get into concrete, where the sulfates react with cement elements, breaking them down. The resulting erosion weakens the concrete over time, causing the need for concrete repair.

Concrete is diverse and flexible, durable and reliable. It’s the ideal choice for everything from freestanding buildings to building elements like stairs and parking lots. But its strength has limits. If your concrete structures are showing the signs of damage by these or any other means, consider concrete repair to make them like new again.

3 Ways Hi-Rise Balconies Fail

A balcony is both attractive and sought after on hi-rise buildings. But a balcony is only as good as it is stable and in many aging hi-rises, balconies are at risk of failure due to poor maintenance. Thinking of skipping hi-rise balcony repair for your building this year? Here are three risks.

Façade Collapse

In large populated areas like Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and Clifton, balconies typically involve a concrete cantilever. Because taller buildings often aren’t subject to periodic façade inspections, there’s a chance that faulty original construction may be gradually failing, setting the stage for a collapse.

Deterioration

Even the best built balconies can’t last forever. Concrete spalling, cracking and other weather erosion are common threats to hi-rise balconies. Any of these can lead to balcony failure or simply pieces falling off and threatening pedestrians below.

Railing Failure

In older buildings especially, there’s often no way to vouch for the quality of original construction. When it comes to railings, faulty metal panel reinforcement has led to at least one high-profile rail failure resulting in a man falling 24 floors to the ground.

Hi-rise balconies are beautiful – but they also need to be safe. Contact Adriatic Restoration for hi-rise balcony repair on landmark buildings, office buildings and commercial buildings in New Jersey and New York areas.

Sidewalk Repair

3 Dos and Don’ts of Sidewalk Bridges

Sidewalk bridges, also called sidewalk sheds, are a staple of many urban streets. In fact, one study estimates as many as 6,000 are set up in New York City alone, protecting pedestrians from construction debris. But there’s an art to a sidewalk bridge install and plenty of potential pitfalls. Here are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to your sidewalk bridge.

Do Install One

This may seem obvious, but some builders think they can forego this basic step. After all, why spend money on a temporary structure. Unfortunately, all it takes is one injured pedestrian for construction to stop and lawsuits to start. What’s more, many cities require them, so don’t skimp.

Don’t Leave It Up Forever

While critical for urban construction, sidewalk bridges aren’t meant to last forever. Beyond being an eyesore, they can become unstable after a long time. Have a plan for both a sidewalk bridge install and a break down.

Do Choose a Good Installer

Sidewalk bridges are only as protective as they are well-constructed. So when getting a sidewalk shed set up, be sure to go with an experienced company. Adriatic Restoration specializes in sidewalk bridge installs for projects on landmark buildings, office buildings and many other commercial buildings in New Jersey and New York areas.

Facade Restoration

3 Benefits of Façade Waterproofing in NJ

The façade of your commercial property often makes or breaks the reputation of your business. Your clients want to know that the building is clean and well-maintained. Façade waterproofing in NJ can go a long way towards keeping your building in top condition. Here are three benefits of waterproofing you might not know about.

1. It’s Available for All Types of Materials 

Experts have mastered the art of waterproofing. They can use advanced methodologies to treat all types of facades, including:

  • Concrete
  • Masonry
  • Balconies

No matter the type of exterior you have, you can spruce it up with assistance from professionals. Especially if you have an older building, waterproofing can give it new life.

2. It Guards Against Water Damage 

Rain doesn’t just wash away impurities from the exterior of your building. It can seem into the structure and cause cracks, spalling and rust. Eventually, it might affect the structural integrity of the building and the safety of your customers. Façade waterproofing in NJ and NY is a great way to alleviate these problems before they become too serious.

3. The First Consultation is Free 

The best waterproofing experts closely examine your property before deciding which actions to take. Not only are waterproofing services affordable, but the first consultation is usually free.

Façade waterproofing in NJ and NY can keep your property looking it’s best for years to come. Hopefully these three benefits offer valuable information if you’re considering waterproofing your building.

Stucco Repair

Why Stucco Waterproofing is Important

While stucco may be a very popular choice for building exteriors, it can require a little extra care to prevent major issues from developing. Stucco waterproofing is considered a step that should be taken as soon as possible to ensure the stucco can last as long as possible without having to be replaced.

Because stucco is a porous material, it’s easy for it to absorb water and moisture that can damage the stucco and the building beneath it. This damage occurs by the growth of mold, mildew, and even moss, or the added moisture can cause the stucco to crack in freezing temperatures.

Stucco Waterproofing Saves the Day

When the stucco is sealed when it is still new, the sealant can penetrate into the material and stop moisture from becoming an issue. The coating can last for several years and can keep the stucco looking good even through exposure to severe weather. It’s also important to know that the sealant may need to be reapplied after a length of time to ensure the integrity of the stucco isn’t compromised.

Stucco waterproofing may be an important step when owning a building that has stucco on the exterior. If stucco is properly cared for and maintained, it can provide an attractive building for years to come.

Deck Waterproofing

Commercial Concrete Waterproofing in NJ and NY

Commercial buildings and high-rise apartments can be battered by high winds, freezing rains, and even destructive sea sprays. Over time, the porous concrete of tenet’s patios, communal walkways, and structural walls can absorb water, salts, and contaminates that begin to deteriorate the aggregate cement materials. To help ensure a long life for their building, many owners choose to regularly waterproof concrete in NJ and NY.

Choosing Waterproofing Methods

Concrete can be an extremely porous mixture of cement, sand, and paste. To extend the building’s usability, and ensure the occupant’s safety, owners and building supervisors are turning to modern means of concrete waterproofing in NJ and NY. The following are a few of the most popular waterproofing methods professionals recommend for commercial buildings.

  • Sheet and fluid-applied membranes for foundations and walls.
  • Urethane and elastomeric coating for decks and balconies.
  • Epoxy injection for walls.
  • Sealants for crack injection sites.

Seeking Expert Advice

To ensure the concrete is waterproof is a difficult task and should probably be left to restoration experts that know how to waterproof concrete in NJ and NY. The team can analyze the situation and help building owners find the best solution for the type of harsh weather problems the building must endure. Concrete may not last forever, but by using a good waterproofing product, it can last a very long time.