Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Restoration

Is Epoxy Restoration cheaper than replacement?

Epoxy restoration is typically less than half the cost of replacement by a licensed Contractor when dealing with large members. It is often easier to replace some smaller members. Trim is typically not fixed by epoxy.

Do you do replacement when necessary or more economical?

Yes, we are licensed General Contractors and we do replace members when it is more economical.

Is the wood just as strong after the repairs are done?

We warrant that the repairs will restore the members back to their original structural integrity and place a limited four year structural warranty on our repairs. Often times the repairs are stronger than the original member.

Are the materials heavy, flammable, toxic, waterproof?

Once cured our materials have about the same dead weight as wood. The cured resin is no more flammable than wood. Many household items are cast with similar class resins and our materials are inert once cured. The curing process is very fast, typically in a couple of minutes. The materials are waterproof.

How do the repairs look?

We form and sand the repairs to the shape of the original wood. The repairs can be painted which makes them virtually disappear. On natural finishes the repair resin will show slightly. On many members this is not a problem.

Are estimates free?

Initial estimates are free on the island of Oahu.

Do you do inter-island work?

If the size of the project justifies the travel expenses. We will be doing projects of less size on Kauai and Maui with the opening of the super ferry.

Do you repair furniture?

Not really. We really specialize in building restoration. We do repair boats from time to time.

Do you sell materials?

No. There are supply houses that can sell similar materials.

What kind of payments do you accept?

Checks, cash, Visa and Master Cards.

Does your system kill termites?

It only kills termites incidentally if they are in wood we are injecting. Our system is not an extermination process.

Will termites eat our repairs?

They will not eat the resin. However they can eat around our repairs. It is very important to maintain extermination treatment.

Have you done this long?

23 years on thousands of members in hundreds of buildings, with over 36 pages of reference projects.

How long do the repairs last?

The repairs are permanent and should last the life of the original wood. We do give a four year limited warranty which has never been refused by a lender on house sales. We do provide structural certification letters, if necessary.

When is a beam too far gone to repair?

We can repair almost anything. We can place rebar in a severely damaged beam and place a plastic mold around the member . We then can make a virtual steel reinforced beam that is much stronger than a wood beam. We also offer replacement services. We are licensed General Contractors.

Concrete Restoration

What kind of coatings do you install?

Epoxy coatings, acrylics and elastomerics. Epoxy coatings are used when a very tough, abrasion and chemical resistant surface is required. Examples would be warehouse floors and restaurants. Elastomerics are synthetic rubber coatings used mainly for deck coatings where protection from moisture intrusion is paramount. Elastomerics are also used for underground wall waterproofing. Acrylics are used for very economical colored surfaces and where a clear finish is needed.

How do the coatings look?

We use the Dur-A-Flex system for decorative coatings. Go to their web site at www.dur-a-flex.com to see an array of finishes.

How do you prepare the surfaces?

We prefer shot blasting, which leaves a good clean bonding profile and is virtually dust free. On walls it is usually necessary to remove any paint that may hinder a good bond. If the concrete surface is already rough a good water blasting will prepare the surface. If oils are present steam cleaning, hot water blasting and soap scrubbing may be necessary. Same applies to steel surfaces, which may also require solvent wiping.

Do you do tubs and showers?

No, we do buildings. There are companies that specialize in coating tubs, showers and furniture.

What is epoxy injection?

We shoot a very thin epoxy resin into concrete cracks. The resin is much stronger than the original concrete. Because it is so thin and injected under pressure the resin can penetrate to the full depth of a crack and weld concrete like you would weld steel. It is also very effective in stopping leaks through concrete cracks. Slab on grade cracks can be typically injected by gravity, requiring several passes with the resin to finally fill the crack.

What are spall repairs?

Spalls are typically caused by rusting rebar that expands as it rusts and ruptures chunks of concrete off of buildings. This is a big problem in Hawaii where the air is saturated with moisture and corrosive salt. Concrete is only water tight if rebar is placed well below the surface of the concrete. If placed too close to the surface rebar will rust even due to the moisture in the air. Spalls are more costly to fix than cracks. If at all possible crack repairs should be done early to avoid spalls. Concrete should be painted or coated to prevent moisture penetration.

What do you have to do to repair spalls?

We have to chip out the loose concrete and clean the exposed surfaces in the cavity, usually by power wire brushing and or a device called a needle gun. We need to clean any exposed rebar and treat with a rust neutralizing coating. We then apply an epoxy bonding agent. We then fill the void with a high strength patching cement , such as Thorite Rapid Vertical. The American Concrete Institute has found that when an epoxy bonding agent is used, and a good quality patching material, the repair will be as good as the original member.