Bonding primer as part of a concrete repair system Reinforcement corrosion protection as part of a concrete repair system (TDS p.1)
Rusting reinforcement (rebar corrosion)
Steel bars inside concrete rust when carbonation or chlorides reach them; the rust swells and cracks the cover. This guide covers finding corrosion early, treating exposed steel, and slowing corrosion in concrete that has not spalled yet.
- 7 steps
- 9 products
- 5 answers
You need this when…
- Brown rust stains bleeding through plaster or paint
- Fine cracks running straight along the line of bars
- Hollow-sounding cover on beams, columns or slab soffits
- Corrosion in coastal buildings, car parks or salty ground
- Thin concrete cover with bars showing in places
The work, step by step
General guidance based on the manufacturer data sheets. Site conditions differ: confirm the system with MCT before you start. Where we do not name a product, ask us and we will confirm the right one.
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Step 1: Survey and test
An engineer maps rust stains, cracks and hollow areas and checks cover, carbonation and chloride content. FerroGard-903 Plus is typically used up to about 1 % free chloride by weight of cement at bar level; above that, consumption is increased only after trials and corrosion-rate monitoring (FerroGard-903 Plus p.3).
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Step 2: Repair cracked and spalled areas first
Visible defects must be repaired by conventional methods: remove loose concrete, treat the steel and re-profile (FerroGard-903 Plus p.3). Clean bars by abrasive blast cleaning (MonoTop-610 p.3). Follow the spalling-concrete guide for the full sequence.
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Step 3: Protect exposed steel
Two coats of about 1 mm all round each cleaned bar, 2 mm minimum in total (MonoTop-610 p.2, p.3). For experienced professionals only (MonoTop-610 p.1).
Sika MonoTop-610 Sika Professionals only -
Step 4: Rebuild the cover
Restore full cover with polymer-modified repair mortar. SikaRep PK is listed for increasing cover and replacing carbonated or contaminated concrete (SikaRep PK p.1). MonoTop-612 PK is sulphate resistant (MonoTop-612 PK p.1). SikaEmaco S 488 has high carbonation resistance (Emaco S 488 p.1).
SikaRep PK Sika Repair of spalling and damaged concrete in buildings, bridges, infrastructure and superstructure works. (TDS p.1)
- Temperature stated in TDS
- +5 °C min / +35 °C max (TDS p.2)
- Pack
- 25 kg Bag
Sika MonoTop-612 PK Sika Sika MonoTop®-612 PK is used for structural concrete repairs as well as general patching to concrete and mortars. (TDS p.1)
SikaEmaco S 488 Sika SikaEmaco® S 488 is used for the structural repair of concrete elements such as: Columns, piers and cross beams of bridges, Cooling towers and chimneys and other industrial environments, Water treatment and sewerage facilities before subsequent coating, Tunnels, pipes, outfalls and all below grou… (TDS p.1)
- Pack
- 25 kg bag
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Step 5: Treat sound concrete with a corrosion inhibitor
Where concrete is undamaged but the steel is corroding or at risk, apply FerroGard-903 Plus to saturation by brush, roller or spray on a surface free of render, coatings and laitance. When the last coat turns matt, wash with low-pressure water (FerroGard-903 Plus p.1, p.4). It penetrates about 25–40 mm in 1–2 months (p.2).
Sika FerroGard-903 Plus Sika For the corrosion protection of steel reinforced concrete structures above and below the ground. (TDS p.1)
- Temperature stated in TDS
- +5 °C min. / +40 °C max (TDS p.2)
- Pack
- 25 kg pail
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Step 6: Keep water and chlorides out
Seal with Sikagard-705 L silane, 2–3 coats; it reduces corrosion even in cracked concrete and stops further chloride migrating to the bars (Sikagard-705 L p.1, p.2). Or use an anti-carbonation coating: Sikagard-680 S Betoncolor or Sikagard-550 W Elastic (G) (p.1).
Sikagard-705 L Sika Sikagard®-705 L is used as water-repellent impregnation (hydrophobic treatment) for absorbent substrates such as concrete in civil engineering or building concrete structures subjected to heavy stress due to freeze and thaw cycles and de-icing salts and chl… (TDS p.1)
- Temperature stated in TDS
- +5 °C min. / +35 °C max (TDS p.2)
- Pack
- 18 kg pail and 180 kg drum
Sikagard-680 S Betoncolor Sika As a protective and decorative coating for: The protection and enhancement of concrete cementitious substrates on building and infrastructure elements, Reducing the deterioration of concrete and assisting with controlling the corrosion of any embedded steel reinforcement, Increasing the service l… (TDS p.1)
- Temperature stated in TDS
- +5 °C min. / +35 °C max (TDS p.3)
Sikagard-550 W Elastic (G) Sika Request a quotation Sikagard®-550 W Elastic (G) is used for protection and enhancement of concrete structures (normal and lightweight concrete), especially exposed outdoor concrete surfaces with a risk of cracking. (TDS p.1)
- Temperature stated in TDS
- +8°C min. / +40°C max (TDS p.3)
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Step 7: Build new work to resist corrosion
For new pours, jackets or extensions exposed to chlorides or industrial chemicals, add Sika FerroGard CI 222, a corrosion-inhibiting admixture, to the concrete (FerroGard CI 222 p.1).
Sika FerroGard CI 222 Sika Request a quotation Sika® FerroGard® CI 222 typical uses: Concrete bridges, highways and pavements exposed to de-icing salts, Concrete marine structures operating in chloride environments, Concrete tunnels, infrastructure or retaining walls, Concrete in industrial plants where corrosive substances are present, Concr… (TDS p.1)
- Pack
- 05 ltr jerry can 20 ltr plastic can 200 ltr drum 1000 ltr IBC Bulk supply in tanker is…
Rusting reinforcement (rebar corrosion): scope and system
A starting point for a site proposal. Quantities, prices and the final specification follow a site visit or photos.
Scope of work
- Rust and crack mapping with agreed test locations (testing by engineer or laboratory)
- Patch repair of spalled and cracked areas (x m²)
- Rebar protection coating on exposed steel
- Corrosion-inhibitor impregnation of x m² sound concrete
- Silane impregnation or protective coating of x m²
System build-up
| Step | Product | Pack | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3. Protect exposed steel | Sika MonoTop-610 (professionals) | — | TDS p.1 · May 2021, Version 01.01 |
| 4. Rebuild the cover | SikaRep PK | 25 kg Bag | TDS p.1 · October 2023, Version 01.02 |
| 4. Rebuild the cover | Sika MonoTop-612 PK | — | TDS p.1 · October 2023, Version 01.02 |
| 4. Rebuild the cover | SikaEmaco S 488 | 25 kg bag | TDS p.1 · June 2025, Version 05.01 |
| 5. Treat sound concrete with a corrosion inhibitor | Sika FerroGard-903 Plus | 25 kg pail | TDS p.1 · May 2025, Version 03.01 |
| 6. Keep water and chlorides out | Sikagard-705 L | 18 kg pail and 180 kg drum | TDS p.1 · May 2021, Version 03.01 |
| 6. Keep water and chlorides out | Sikagard-680 S Betoncolor | — | TDS p.1 · December 2022, Version 04.01 |
| 6. Keep water and chlorides out | Sikagard-550 W Elastic (G) | — | TDS p.1 · May 2025, Version 04.01 |
| 7. Build new work to resist corrosion | Sika FerroGard CI 222 | 05 ltr jerry can 20 ltr plastic can 200 ltr drum 1000 ltr IBC Bulk supply in tanker is… | TDS p.1 · February 2026, Version 02.02 |
What we need from you
- Photos of rust stains and cracks
- Engineer's or laboratory results if available (cover, carbonation, chloride)
- Exposure: coastal, salty ground, car park, industrial fumes
- Areas in m² for each face, and access height
- Existing paint, render or coating on the concrete
Site conditions
- Surface free of paint, render and laitance before the inhibitor (FerroGard-903 Plus p.4)
- No rain expected during application (FerroGard-903 Plus p.3)
- Coating only on concrete at least 28 days old (Sikagard-680 S p.4)
Not included
- Structural assessment, bar replacement and strengthening design
- Removal of existing paint systems unless listed in the scope
Questions customers ask
Can corrosion be slowed without breaking the concrete?
Where the concrete is undamaged, FerroGard-903 Plus is applied to the surface and penetrates to the steel to delay and slow corrosion (FerroGard-903 Plus p.1). Cracked or spalled areas still need conventional repair (p.3).
Will the treatment change how the concrete looks?
FerroGard-903 Plus is transparent (FerroGard-903 Plus p.1). Silane impregnation can darken some concrete, so try a sample area first (Sikagard-705 L p.3).
Can I coat over FerroGard?
Yes. Applied as described, no further treatment is needed before Sikagard impregnations or breathable coatings; for other coatings ask the coating maker (FerroGard-903 Plus p.4).
We are near the sea. What else helps?
Sikagard-705 L is made for chloride attack in marine environments, with at least 5 mm penetration recommended on marine structures (Sikagard-705 L p.1, p.3). For new concrete, FerroGard CI 222 is used in marine and chloride exposure (FerroGard CI 222 p.1).
How deep does the inhibitor go?
About 25–40 mm in 1–2 months, faster or slower depending on the concrete's porosity (FerroGard-903 Plus p.2).
Steps and product facts are taken from the manufacturer data sheets (page cited). Products are named only where the data sheet confirms the use; quantities follow a site visit or photos. General guidance: check the data sheet or ask us before you start.