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Concrete Cancer

Concrete Cancer Repair in Melbourne — Stop the Spread, Save the Slab

Rust-stained cracks or flaking concrete mean the steel inside is rusting. We cut it out, treat the steel and restore the concrete, starting with a free inspection.

  • Free on-site inspection
  • Honest fixed quote
  • Permits handled
Concrete cancer repair showing rust-stained cracking and exposed reinforcing steel

Concrete cancer repair in Melbourne stops the steel inside concrete from rusting and cracking the structure apart. When water reaches the reinforcing steel, it rusts, and rusting steel expands and pushes the concrete off from the inside. Left alone it spreads, so the fix is to cut out the affected concrete, treat the steel and rebuild the surface.

We inspect the affected area, map how far it has spread, and quote a fixed price to repair it before it reaches the structure.

What is concrete cancer?

Concrete cancer is the common name for corrosion of the steel reinforcement inside concrete. As the steel rusts it swells, cracking and spalling the concrete around it, which lets in more water and speeds the whole process up. For the full explainer, read what is concrete cancer.

Signs and causes

It usually shows on balconies, slabs, basements and car parks first.

  • Rust-coloured stains bleeding through the concrete
  • Cracks that follow the line of the reinforcing bar
  • Concrete flaking, bubbling or falling away (spalling)
  • Exposed, rusting steel

How we repair it

We cut back to sound concrete, expose the rusted steel completely, clean or replace it, then treat it so it stops corroding. The area is rebuilt with a repair mortar and sealed to keep water out. Done properly, the repair lasts and the spread stops.

Balconies, slabs and car parks

Elevated balconies and suspended slabs are the highest priority because failing concrete there is a safety risk. We prioritise those and can stage larger car-park or basement repairs to keep the area usable.

How much does concrete cancer repair cost?

It varies widely with the extent of the damage. As an indicative Melbourne range, expect anywhere from around $3,000 for a single balcony edge to $30,000 or more for a full slab or car park. See how it is scoped in our underpinning cost guide.

What it costs in Melbourne

Indicative ranges to help you plan. Your fixed price is confirmed after a free inspection.

Work Indicative range Priced
Concrete cancer repair Ranges from a single balcony edge to a full slab or car park. Extent of the rusted steel drives the cost. $3,000 – $30,000 per area

These are indicative Melbourne market ranges to help you plan, not a quote. Your exact fixed price is confirmed in writing after a free on-site inspection, once we have counted the stumps or piers and checked the soil and access.

Read the full cost guide

Our step-by-step process

1

Free inspection

We assess the affected area and map how far the corrosion has spread. No charge.

2

Fixed repair quote

An itemised price to cut out, treat and restore, with staging options for large areas.

3

Cut out and treat

We remove failed concrete, treat or replace the steel, and stop the corrosion.

4

Restore and seal

The surface is rebuilt and sealed so water stays out and the repair holds.

Book free concrete cancer inspection

Tell us what you are seeing. We will call back to arrange a free inspection and a fixed written quote. No obligation.

Prefer to talk? Call 04XX XXX XXX

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about concrete cancer repair. Still unsure? Call 04XX XXX XXX.

What is concrete cancer?

Concrete cancer is corrosion of the steel reinforcement inside concrete. The rusting steel expands and cracks the concrete outward, and it spreads until the steel is treated. Bedrock Foundations cuts out the affected area, treats the steel and restores the surface.

Is concrete cancer dangerous?

It can be, especially on balconies and suspended slabs where failing concrete is a safety risk. It also spreads over time, so early repair is cheaper and safer. Call Bedrock Foundations on 04XX XXX XXX for a free inspection.

How much does concrete cancer repair cost?

As an indicative Melbourne range it runs from about $3,000 for a small area to $30,000 or more for a full slab or car park, depending on how far the corrosion has spread. Bedrock Foundations gives you a fixed written price after inspecting it.

Can concrete cancer be stopped?

Yes. Once the affected concrete is removed and the steel is treated and sealed against water, the corrosion stops in that area. Bedrock Foundations repairs it properly so it does not simply return.

Not sure what your home needs? Find out for free.

Book a free on-site inspection and get an honest, fixed written quote. We will even tell you if you do not need the work yet.

Call now Free quote