The cabanas at this luxury high rise were deteriorate due to the close proximity to the ocean. Wind, salt, and rain cause damages to the durability of concrete structures. As wind, salt, and rain get introduce to the concrete surface, the salt and water will start to penetrate the concrete structure causing hairline cracks. The salt will get introduce making its way through the cracks until it reaches the reinforcing bars also known as rebars. Rebar corrodes most readily when it is exposed to water and dissolved chlorides (salt). Concrete structures exposed to the outside environments and close to the ocean are highly at risk. Once the salt makes its way through the concrete it will corrode the steel reinforcement. When the steel reinforcement bars corrode, it will create iron oxide that expand inside of the concrete. This expansion is what creates what is known as concrete spalling.

In order to solve the problem, the damaged areas were assessed: the size and severity of the damage. The solution was to jack hammer or saw cut the concrete to expose the damaged reinforcement bars. Once the damaged reinforcement bars were exposed it was decided whether the reinforcement bars will need to be replaced or reinforced. In order to have a satisfactory concrete repair, the damaged and loose concrete was demolished till the stable concrete was reached. The repair concrete materials must be able to bond with the stable concrete. The reinforcement steel was cleaned and prep. A bonding agent was applied on the concrete surface in order to have a perfect bond between the existing stable concrete and the new concrete that was applied.

Moreover, the new application of concrete was applied after the cleaning, prep, and bonding was conducted. The new concrete was cured under certain condition in order for the structure to gain its required strength.

This condominium association underwent the process of being in compliance with its 40 Year Recertification with the City of Miami Beach. The major projects were to upgrade the electrical system of the building, close out air conditioning vents in each unit, and repair concrete spalling throughout the building. The first step in the process is to choose an experience commercial concrete restoration general contractor in Miami.

One of the first task was to upgrade the electrical system throughout the building which included the common areas and each individual unit. Furthermore, each unit had an 8’ x 4’ vent on the concrete exterior wall facing North. The vents were to be demolished and filled with concrete blocks. Next, the concrete restoration repairs took place – which 85% of the concrete repairs took place on the East side of the building facing the ocean. The major obstacle and safety concern were protecting the residents and pedestrians on the busy side walk on Alton Road, Miami Beach.

Overhead protection as well as construction safety debris netting were installed in the entrance to the main lobby on the East side of the building. Another obstacle was the restriction of space on the East side of the building, the area where the scaffolding was needed to be built for the concrete repairs was where the condominium’s community pool is located. In order to build the scaffolding on the East side, the pool had to be covered and protectant per specification approved by the city. The scaffolding was built partially on top of the pool.

After the concrete repairs took place, the next line item was to restore the exterior corridors and applied a coat of waterproofing to protect them to last for decades with the proper care and maintenance. Finally, the building was painted with a magnificent high quality white and gray paint combination. Please contact us at 786-309-6483 to assist you in your future commercial concrete restoration project in Miami. We are a fully licensed concrete restoration general contractor in Miami.