Sydney's Specialist Concrete Cancer Contractor
When concrete cancer appears in a strata or commercial building, the visible damage is rarely the full picture. Metro Remedial brings the technical understanding to work from an engineer's assessment and deliver repairs that address what's actually happening in the structure, not just what you can see on the surface.
- In Business
Since 2011 - DBP Act
Registered - ACRA
Member - iCare
Approved - NDIS
Registered
Our Clients
Our clients include both government and non-government agencies.
What Is Concrete Cancer and How Is It Repaired?
Concrete cancer is a common defect affecting apartment buildings, commercial properties and ageing concrete structures throughout Sydney. It typically occurs when moisture and contaminants penetrate the concrete and cause the reinforcing steel to corrode. As the steel expands, it places pressure on the surrounding concrete, resulting in cracking, rust staining, delamination and eventually concrete spalling.
These visible defects are often only the surface signs of deterioration occurring within the concrete.
At Metro Remedial, we carry out concrete cancer and spalling repairs designed to address the affected reinforcement and surrounding concrete, not simply patch over the damaged area.
Where required, we work from engineer and Design Practitioner documentation to remove deteriorated concrete, treat or replace corroded reinforcement, reinstate the concrete repair system and restore the integrity of the affected building element.
What Is Concrete Cancer?
Despite its name, concrete itself doesn’t “get cancer.”
Concrete cancer is the common term used to describe the corrosion of steel reinforcement embedded within concrete.
Steel reinforcement is naturally protected by the highly alkaline environment of sound concrete. Over time, however, moisture, oxygen, carbonation or chlorides can break down this protection.
As the steel corrodes, it expands, placing pressure on the surrounding concrete until it cracks and eventually breaks away, a process known as concrete spalling.
If left untreated, the damage continues to spread and can affect the structural performance of the building.
What Causes Concrete Cancer?
Several factors contribute to reinforcement corrosion, including:
- Carbonation reducing the protective alkalinity of concrete.
- Chloride attack from coastal environments or salt contamination.
- Water ingress through failed waterproofing systems.
- Insufficient concrete cover over reinforcement.
- Cracking that allows moisture to penetrate.
- Ageing concrete and environmental exposure.
Many apartment, commercial and institutional buildings across Sydney are now reaching an age where these forms of concrete deterioration are becoming increasingly common. Car parks, balconies, façades, suspended slabs, awnings and other exposed concrete elements can be particularly susceptible.
Common Signs of Concrete Cancer
Early identification can significantly reduce repair costs.
Typical signs include:
- Cracked concrete
- Concrete spalling
- Rust stains
- Internal wet area membranes
- Exposed reinforcing steel
- Hollow or drummy concrete
- Delaminated concrete surfaces
- Water staining around balconies and slabs
- Loose concrete creating safety hazards
If any of these signs are present, the building should be assessed by a suitably qualified engineer before repairs commence
Why You Shouldn't Just Patch the Concrete
Simply filling cracks or replacing loose concrete rarely solves the problem.
Unless the source of reinforcement corrosion is addressed, deterioration will continue beneath the repaired area and eventually reappear.
Effective concrete cancer repairs require:
- Removing all unsound concrete.
- Cleaning or replacing deteriorated reinforcement where required.
- Treating reinforcement to reduce future corrosion.
- Reinstating concrete using engineered repair mortars.
- Applying protective coatings where specified.
Repairing associated waterproofing defects if they are contributing to moisture ingress.
The repair methodology should always follow the recommendations of the project engineer or Design Practitioner
Our Concrete Cancer Repair Process
01 Review the Engineer's Assessment
We review the defect report or engineering documentation to fully understand the extent of deterioration and the required repair methodology.
02 Remove Unsound Concrete
Damaged concrete is carefully removed to expose sound substrate and determine the full extent of corrosion.
03 Treat Reinforcement
Steel reinforcement is cleaned, repaired or replaced where required before corrosion protection systems are applied in accordance with the engineer's design.
04 Reinstate the Concrete
Concrete is reinstated using high-performance repair mortars suitable for the structural and environmental conditions of the building.
04 Protect the Structure
Where specified, protective coatings and waterproofing measures are installed to reduce future moisture ingress and extend the service life of the repair.
Buildings We Commonly Repair
Metro Remedial carries out concrete cancer repairs on:
- Strata apartment buildings
- Commercial buildings
- Office buildings
- Schools and education facilities
- Government buildings
- Industrial facilities
- Car parks
- Balconies
- Façades
- Columns and beams
- Suspended slabs
- Podium structures
- Residential homes
Why Choose Metro Remedial for Concrete Cancer Repair
Concrete cancer repairs require more than removing loose concrete. Our team understands the mechanisms that cause reinforcement corrosion, and what it takes to stop it.
Technical understanding, backed by an experienced team
Our team brings a wealth of experience across remedial building, waterproofing, façade repairs and construction, giving us a practical understanding of how concrete cancer develops and how it should be repaired properly. That means we can interpret remediation documentation and deliver the works correctly.
We work closely with engineers, architects and consultants
Delivering remedial repairs from engineer and Design Practitioner documentation, executed exactly as specified.
We work in occupied buildings every day
Residents, tenants and building managers stay informed throughout the project, with clear communication at every stage to help keep works running smoothly.
From minor repairs to major rectification works
We work from engineer and consultant reports to deliver the right repair solution for your building, budget and programme, including interim options where full rectification is not immediately feasible.
Credentialed, registered and insured
Registered under the Design and Building Practitioners Act, fully insured, an ACRA member and iCare approved.
Established in 2011
Since 2011, Metro Remedial has delivered remedial building projects across strata, commercial and government properties throughout Sydney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is concrete cancer dangerous?
It can be. If left untreated, reinforcement corrosion continues to expand, leading to larger areas of concrete delamination and potentially affecting the structural performance of the building.
Can concrete cancer be repaired?
Yes. Most concrete cancer can be successfully repaired when the underlying cause is identified and the engineer's repair methodology is followed.
Does all the concrete need to be replaced?
Not usually. Repairs are typically limited to affected areas, although the extent of deterioration can only be confirmed once unsound concrete has been removed.
How long do concrete cancer repairs last?
The lifespan depends on the repair methodology, exposure conditions and ongoing maintenance. Properly designed and executed repairs can provide many years of service.
Do you work from engineer's reports?
Yes. We regularly deliver concrete remediation projects in accordance with engineer and Design Practitioner documentation.
Talk to Sydney's Concrete Remediation Specialists
If you’ve noticed cracking, spalling concrete, or already have an engineer’s report recommending repairs, our team can help.
We’ll review the documentation, discuss the most appropriate repair methodology and provide a clear proposal tailored to your building.