Proper Site Prep for Phoscrete Repairs
Why Site Prep Matters
Step-by-Step Site Prep Best Practices
1. Remove all loose or damaged concrete: Expose solid, sound substrate by removing all unsound material.
2. Eliminate oils, asphalt, and old repair materials.: Use a hard bristle or wire brush for small areas, or a power brush for larger surfaces.
3. Ensure the surface is completely dry: Phoscrete bonds best to dry concrete—not SSD. Use compressed air, blowers, or a torch for drying (with care).
4. Saw-cut and roughen edges: Avoid feather edges. Saw-cut all boundaries and roughen the surface (ICRI CSP 7–9 for F1, CSP 6 for F3) for optimal mechanical bond.
5. Remove all slurry and dust: After wet saw-cutting, thoroughly remove all slurry using a brush, vacuum, or compressed air.
6. Prep for reinforcement: Use a wire brush to remove loose rust from exposed rebar. Sandblasting is not required, but all scale should be gone. If using Phoscrete RC, hand-pack a ¼” minimum layer onto the steel.
Pro Tip: Check for Carbonation
- How to Test:
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- Pink = Good: The surface is alkaline and ready for repair.
- Clear = Carbonated: More prep is needed. keep grinding or chipping until you see pink.
- Why it Matters:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Placing Phoscrete on wet, dusty, or contaminated concrete
- Skipping slurry removal after saw-cutting
- Leaving feather edges instead of well-defined, saw-cut boundaries
- Failing to check for carbonation or surface contamination