Concrete Repair, Brisbane & South East Queensland
Assessment and remediation of deteriorated, damaged or defective concrete — spalling (“concrete cancer”), cracking, carbonation and corrosion — repaired to AS 3600 with protective coatings.
A climate that accelerates concrete deterioration
South East Queensland’s high humidity, salt-laden coastal air, thermal cycling and frequent heavy rainfall create conditions that accelerate concrete deterioration.
Spalling (concrete cancer)
Chloride or carbonation-induced corrosion of embedded reinforcing steel causes the steel to expand, fracturing and detaching the concrete cover — visible as cracking parallel to reinforcement, rust staining and displaced fragments. Prevalent in older residential balconies, Gold Coast beachside apartments and 1960s–80s commercial buildings.
Cracking, carbonation & delamination
Structural, shrinkage, thermal and settlement cracks reduce waterproofing integrity and admit moisture and chloride. Carbonation — CO₂ diffusion reducing alkalinity — removes the passive protection of the steel, critical in older structures with inadequate cover. Delamination is loss of bond between substrate and applied renders or toppings.
Our concrete repair process
Condition survey & testing
Detailed visual survey, carbonation depth testing (phenolphthalein), chloride profiling, half-cell potential surveys and cover-depth measurement, documented in a written condition report.
Break-out & preparation
Deteriorated concrete is broken out to sound material. Corroded reinforcement is exposed and cleaned to SA 2.5 or equivalent, and the remaining cross-section assessed.
Corrosion treatment
Cleaned reinforcement receives two coats of approved corrosion-inhibiting primer or patch-bond coat appropriate to the repair mortar system.
Reinstatement
Repairs use structural repair mortars selected by material type, geometry and exposure classification in accordance with AS 3600 — by hand, form-and-pour or spray application.
Protective coatings
An elastomeric waterproof coating, anti-carbonation coating or penetrating sealer is applied to prevent recurrence and protect adjacent areas, matched to the exposure class.
Long-term repair, not a cosmetic patch
Cost depends on the extent of deterioration, structure type, access and methodology. We provide a written, itemised quote following a condition survey — and insurer-aligned documentation where damage is claimable.
- Carbonation, chloride and half-cell testing
- Reinforcement cleaned to SA 2.5 and corrosion-treated
- AS 3600-compliant structural repair mortars
- Anti-carbonation and elastomeric protective coatings
- Tinted and textured to match surrounding concrete
- Occupied-building programming, including out-of-hours works
Common questions
It is informal shorthand for concrete spalling driven by corrosion of embedded reinforcing steel. It is not dangerous in the early stages, but left untreated it progresses — weakening structural elements and increasing the extent and cost of repair. Early intervention is strongly recommended.
Modern polymer-modified repair mortars can be tinted and textured to closely match surrounding concrete. For heritage structures with exposed aggregate or specialist finishes, we use conservation-aware systems and, where required, heritage practitioners.
Yes. Most works can be programmed to minimise disruption, including out-of-hours or staged works on residential and commercial properties.
Cost depends on the extent of deterioration, structure type, access and methodology. We provide a written, itemised quote following a condition survey. For insurance-related damage, we prepare documentation aligned with insurer requirements.
You may also need
Spalling, cracking or rust staining?
Catch it early. Book a condition survey and get a documented, standards-referenced repair scope before the problem spreads.