Question 1

Is concrete restoration right for my project?

Accepted Answer

Concrete Restoration suits driveways, paths, garage floors, commercial floors when the existing substrate, traffic load, and finish expectations match the system. Surface Master checks preparation requirements, access, cure timing, and maintenance needs before recommending a scope, so the quote is based on performance rather than guesswork.

Question 2

What preparation is included before work starts?

Accepted Answer

Every project starts with a substrate assessment and preparation plan. Depending on the surface, this may include grinding, cleaning, repair review, moisture checks, masking, and staged access planning. Your written quote confirms inclusions, exclusions, finish options, and expected handover timing before work proceeds.

Question 3

Can cracked concrete be repaired without replacement?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. We use epoxy injection, routing and sealing, and resurfacing techniques to repair cracked concrete.

Question 4

What causes concrete to spall?

Accepted Answer

Spalling is usually caused by moisture penetration, freeze-thaw cycles, poor finishing, or corrosion of reinforcing steel.

Question 5

Can cracked concrete be restored before epoxy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Surface Master Australia repairs concrete cracks using epoxy crack injection for structural cracks and semi-flexible polyurethane for movement joints. Spalls and surface defects are filled with rapid-cure repair mortars. Restoration work cures before grinding and coating proceed.

Question 6

What cracks can be repaired?

Accepted Answer

Most surface cracks can be repaired before coating. Hairline cracks: filled with low-viscosity epoxy injection. Medium cracks (1–5mm): epoxy injection or rigid repair compound. Wide cracks or spalls: saw-cut and fill with flexible sealant or rigid repair. Structural cracks (indicating ongoing movement) require engineering assessment before coating.

Question 7

How long does concrete restoration cure before coating?

Accepted Answer

Rapid-cure repair mortars used by Surface Master Australia cure to foot traffic in 1–4 hours and are ready for epoxy coating in 24–48 hours depending on product and ambient conditions.

Question 8

Is concrete restoration a permanent fix?

Accepted Answer

Crack repairs are long-lasting but concrete is a living material subject to thermal movement. Rigid repairs in movement joints may re-crack over time. Surface Master Australia uses appropriate repair systems for each crack type to maximise longevity.

Question 9

What causes concrete to crack?

Accepted Answer

Common causes: thermal expansion/contraction without adequate control joints; sub-base settlement; overloading; shrinkage during original cure; reactive aggregate (AAR); and impact damage.

Question 10

When should concrete be replaced vs restored?

Accepted Answer

Restoration is appropriate when cracking is surface-level or hairline, the slab is structurally sound, and there is no ongoing movement. Replacement is needed when the slab has shattered, there is significant sub-base failure, or ongoing movement means repairs will continually re-open.