Concrete, despite being a very strong and resilient material, is not immune to cracks, chips, or holes. It's possible to encounter situations where concrete needs repair to restore its original appearance and prevent further deterioration. The degradation of concrete not only impacts its aesthetic appeal but can also pose safety risks, especially in cases of concrete floors or stairs where holes and cracks can become hazardous. Concrete can deteriorate due to various factors including freezing, impacts, moisture, corrosion, or natural wear and tear. These factors vary based on the environment it's exposed to.
Solution
PROMPT natural cement offers several advantages, such as quick setting, strong adhesion, and durability. Whether used in mortar or concrete, PROMPT natural cement saves time on construction sites. It's the ideal solution for routine repairs, both indoors and outdoors. This cement can even be applied in challenging or aggressive environments, including saltwater or brackish water areas. It's suitable for high-rise projects and emergency work in hazardous environments.
Technique
The technique involves carefully preparing, cleaning, and dampening the surface to be repaired. Create mortar using PROMPT natural cement, sand, and optionally, a retarder like TEMPO to ensure a uniform mixture. Add water and mix until you achieve a consistent mortar. Apply the mortar using a trowel to achieve a smooth surface. Finally, during placement, tightly press the mortar around the edges to ensure proper adhesion.
Natural PROMPT Vicat cement can be used for various types of concrete repair work, including window sills, panels, lintels, stair treads, sewer slabs, drains, floor concrete, sidewalk curbs, and more.
PROMPT natural cement is particularly well-suited for concrete repair projects due to its ability to be applied in thick layers and its rapid return to service. Additionally, it's highly durable in aggressive environments. Another advantages is that it allows for intervention on different types of concrete, regular concrete, waterproofing work, or even for filling holes. Thanks to its fine texture, PROMPT natural cement offers excellent adhesion, allowing it to bond effectively with various construction materials. Furthermore, the mineralogical composition of PROMPT natural cement makes it a highly durable and resilient material over the long term.
PROMPT natural cement is suitable for repairing stabilised (inactive) cracks, where the movement of the concrete has ceased. For active cracks that continue to widen due to thermal variations or settlement, mortar repair alone is insufficient: the underlying cause of movement must be addressed first. If in doubt about the nature of a crack, consulting a professional is advised.
One of the major advantages of PROMPT natural cement is its ability to be applied in heavy thicknesses without risk of slumping or shrinkage cracking. For deep holes and spalls, the mortar can be applied in a single pass, compacting firmly at the edges. For very large volumes, application in two layers may be considered.
Yes, substrate preparation is critical. All friable or delaminated material must be removed, the surface dusted off, then thoroughly dampened without leaving standing water. A damp but not saturated substrate promotes adhesion and prevents the existing concrete from absorbing the mixing water. No chemical primer is required thanks to the fineness of PROMPT natural cement.
PROMPT natural cement develops its mechanical strength from the moment of final set, allowing very rapid return to service. For a repaired staircase step or floor, pedestrian traffic is generally possible within a few hours. For applications subject to heavy loads (vehicular traffic, heavy equipment), it is advisable to wait 24 to 48 hours.
When reinforcement corrosion is the cause of concrete spalling, it is essential to treat the steel before any repair. Corroded bars must be exposed, wire-brushed or sandblasted, then protected with an anti-corrosion primer before applying the PROMPT natural cement mortar. Patching without treating the steel leads to rapid recurrence of the damage.
A self-levelling compound is a formulated product designed to level flat surfaces at thin thicknesses (a few millimetres), primarily for floors. PROMPT natural cement is a repair mortar that can be applied in heavy thicknesses, on vertical or overhead surfaces, including in aggressive environments. It offers superior mechanical strength and better compatibility with historic concrete and masonry.
Un ragréage est un produit formulé pour remettre à niveau des surfaces planes sur de faibles épaisseurs (quelques millimètres), principalement pour des sols. Le ciment naturel PROMPT est un mortier de réparation applicable en forte épaisseur, sur supports verticaux ou en hauteur, y compris dans des milieux agressifs. Il offre une résistance mécanique supérieure et une meilleure compatibilité avec les bétons et maçonneries anciens.
Yes, provided thermal constraints are respected: minimum temperature of 2°C, non-frozen substrate, and no frost risk in the hours following application. Once cured, PROMPT natural cement offers good resistance to freeze/thaw cycles, making it a suitable choice for exposed external structures (kerbs, steps, raft foundations).
