Concrete repair isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Selecting the right mortar for the job can mean the difference between a short-term fix and a long-lasting solution. SpecChem offers a wide range of repair mortars tailored to meet diverse application needs—from minor touch-ups to heavy-duty industrial repairs. Let’s dive into how to choose the best product for your project.
Understanding Your Repair Needs
Before selecting a mortar, ask yourself:
- Is the repair cosmetic or structural?
- What type of surface are you working with (horizontal, vertical, overhead)?
- Are there environmental factors to consider, such as underwater or extreme weather conditions?
Answering these questions will help you narrow down the options.
For Versatility: Duo Patch
- Description: A two-component polymer-modified repair mortar with an integral corrosion inhibitor, Duo Patch handles horizontal, vertical, and overhead repairs with ease.
- Best For: Industrial warehouses, parking decks, and high-traffic roadways.
- Key Features:
- Featheredging to 2” depth.
- Excellent durability and abrasion resistance.
- Applications up to 1” in a single lift (extendable with pea gravel for deeper repairs).
- Pro Tip: Use SpecPrep SB as a bonding agent to ensure maximum adhesion.
For Heavy-Duty and Fast-Setting Repairs: RepCon 928 & RepCon 928 FS
- Description: Polymer-modified, fiber-reinforced mortars ideal for high-stress environments like highway pavements and bridge decks.
- Best For:
- Horizontal repairs that need quick turnaround.
- DOT and infrastructure projects.
- Key Features:
- RepCon 928: Sets in 45 minutes and takes foot traffic in one hour.
- RepCon 928 FS: A faster variant, setting in as little as 25 minutes, ideal for rapid applications.
- Superior freeze-thaw durability.
- Pro Tip: For repairs over 1″, extend with clean 3/8” pea gravel to improve thermal compatibility with the existing substrate.
For Vertical and Overhead Repairs: RepCon V/O
- Description: RepCon V/O is a polymer-modified mortar designed for challenging vertical and overhead applications.
- Best For:
- Overhead repairs in commercial or DOT projects.
- Precast concrete repairs.
- Key Features:
- Integral corrosion inhibitor.
- Can be applied up to 2” in a single lift.
- Hand or spray application.
- Pro Tip: Shape with a trowel after the initial set for a smooth finish that matches the surrounding concrete.
For Underwater Applications: RepCon UW Mortar
- Description: RepCon UW Mortar is specifically formulated for underwater repairs, this fiber-reinforced mortar ensures minimal washout and high bond strength.
- Best For:
- Marine structures like seawalls, piers, and dams.
- Key Features:
- Anti-washout technology.
- Saltwater and sulfate resistance.
- Sets in 20 minutes.
- Pro Tip: Submerge the mortar immediately after mixing to extend working time.
For Everyday Multi-Purpose Repairs: SpecPatch Series
- SpecPatch 5:
- Best For: Quick fixes for curbs, sidewalks, and small vertical repairs.
- Features: Sets in just 8 minutes and can be featheredged for cosmetic repairs.
- SpecPatch 15:
- Best For: General-purpose repairs with slightly longer workability.
- Features: Higher durability for horizontal and vertical applications.
- SpecPatch 30:
- Best For: Large or deep repairs.
- Features: Can be extended with pea gravel for added depth and strength.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right mortar comes down to understanding the application. Whether you need the speed of RepCon 928 FS, the underwater reliability of RepCon UW Mortar, or the all-around versatility of Duo Patch, SpecChem has a solution for every challenge.
