Concrete Cancer diagnosed in Chelsea Property

The concrete entry porch causing concern

Chelsea SES received a call for assistance around 8pm on Tuesday evening (19/01/2010) to Morton Grove in Chelsea where a concrete porch was threatening to collapse.

On arrival at the scene, members took some time in trying to determine the cause of the problem and it was soon discovered that the porch was suffering from what is known as ‘Concrete Cancer’.

Displaying the tell tale signs of Concrete Cancer

This is often caused when the reinforcing steel inside the concrete rusts and expands causing the concrete to crack and ultimately break away. With a job like this, it is simply too big for us to take care of.

Further investigation to see how bad the problem is?

We do everything that we can to make the area as safe as possible by removing any loose or unstable concrete and steel to minimize the chances of further collapse until the occupant’s insurance company and builders decide on the action that they are going to take to rectify the problem.

Concrete Cancer can result in a collapse at any time

Making sure that all of the loose concrete is down

Now for the steel!

Almost there

Last one!

In this case, once as much of the concrete and steel that needed removing had been demolished, it was important that the front entry porch was closed off and an alternative way in and out of the home be used. This was done and the property owner contacted his insurance company on the night to get the process rolling for fixing the problem.

As safe as can be and ready to be assessed by the Insurance company

Concrete Cancer is a real problem and if you notice that any concrete at your property is beginning to crack or crumble, it is important to have an expert inspect it. As the old saying goes; it's better to be safe than sorry!