Friday, September 27, 2013

Concrete Cancer

What is Concrete Cancer?

Concrete cancer (also known as “concrete spalling”) is caused by the steel reinforcing rusting inside the concrete.  This causes expansion which results in displacement of the concrete around the steel. When the concrete cracks, water penetrates through, causing the steel reinforcement to rust. This results in corroded steel reinforcement and may cause significant wear on both the steel and the concrete.


Identification

Concrete cancer can be identified by observing the following:

·         Appearance of rust stains, broken concrete or rusted steel reinforcement emerging through the concrete slab, walkway, awning, etc.
·         Swollen or delaminated concrete

What causes concrete cancer?

 Concrete cancer can be caused by the following:

·         Poorly treated reinforcing steel
·         Poor quality concrete
·         Use of incompatible metals

Therapy

Concrete cancer can be treated by undertaking the following repair strategies:

·         Cleaning and removal of all loose, rusted and damaged steel reinforcement
·         Replacement of steel reinforcement that had been damaged beyond repair
·         Treatment of steel and concrete with unique priming products and anti-corrosives
·         Reinstatement of concrete using products such as Sika or Parchem
  Application of a new render so that the initial appearance of the concrete is restored

Cost

For a quotation, contact Graeme Howland on 0416 006 604 or at info@gvhconstructions.com

Friday, September 20, 2013

Mould: An Inconvenient Truth

What is Mould?

Mould is a type of fungi that grows in damp areas that are poorly ventilated including kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. Humidity and condensation from driers, heaters, cooking or showering creates an ideal environment for mould. As a general rule of thumb, always ensure that the interior of your home is dry with effective extraction fans in order to prevent mould growth.

The existence of mould could indicate inadequate ventilation or a structural problem with the property, such as a water leak.  



How to reduce the growth of mould:

·    Open doors and windows to allow air to circulate particularly in the bathroom, laundry and kitchen

·    Clean your bathroom regularly- wipe away any moisture on windows and walls

·    Do not run evaporative air-conditioning systems with water during times of high humidity
·    Regularly clean carpets to prevent mould spores using a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum cleaner

How to remove mould from your property:

·      Use a solution consisting of 60% vinegar and 40% water OR a solution of 70% methylated spirits     and 30% water
·     Exit mould is NOT recommended as it only removes visible mould and does not kill the spors ·     Firstly, wipe clean the affected area using a microfiber cloth with the cleaning solution (use two buckets- one with the solution and the other with clean water)
·     After cleaning the mould affected areas with solution, wipe the surfaces with a fresh damp cloth
·     Finally, wipe all surfaces dry with a clean cloth

GVH Solutions:

GVH Construction can efficiently remove mould within the interior of your home or unit. Contact Graeme  on 0416 006 604 or at info@gvhconstructions.com



Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Article in Australian House & Garden

A job we did last year for one of our favourite interior designers, Stewart from Horton and Co. made it into Australia's House & Garden Spring edition!

Check out the article at Horton & Co interior design webpage http://www.hortonandco.com.au/#!press/c1k7w