SYDNEY'S REMEDIAL REPAIRS SPECIALIST

Concrete cancer doesn't stop. Neither should your repairs.

Specialist remedial concrete repairs for residential, strata and commercial buildings across Sydney — stopping deterioration before it becomes a structural failure.

Rope access technician abseiling a pale panelled facade carrying out remedial repairs, apartment tower in the background
IRATA & SPRAT Qualified
Rope Access Certified
Fully Insured
Public & Workers Liability Covered
Detailed Reporting
Photos & Documentation
Quality Guaranteed
Workmanship Warranty
No-Obligation Quotes
Fast Turnaround

WHY REMEDIAL REPAIRS MATTER

YOUR BUILDING FACES A LOT.

CONCRETE KEEPS IT STANDING.

Understanding what attacks your concrete/structure helps you act before minor issues become structural failures.
Liquid soaking into a surface with arrows drawing away to both sides
INADEQUATE WATERPROOFING

Failed or absent waterproofing membranes on balconies, roofs and wet areas allow water to saturate the concrete slab continuously, accelerating deterioration from the inside out.

CO₂ absorbing into concrete forming a crack
CARBONATION
CO₂ in the air penetrates concrete over time, destroying the alkaline environment that protects steel reinforcement and triggering active corrosion.
Water droplet and arrows driving into a cracked surface
WATER & CHLORIDE INGRESS
Water carries chlorides through cracks and porous concrete directly to the steel reinforcement, dramatically accelerating the rate of corrosion.
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THERMAL MOVEMENT
Repeated expansion and contraction from temperature changes opens micro-cracks in concrete, creating pathways for moisture and CO₂ to reach the steel.
Brick wall with a fractured brick course
POOR ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION
Insufficient concrete cover over rebar, low-quality concrete mix or inadequate compaction during construction leaves steel vulnerable from day one.
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DELAY = HIGHER COSTS
Early-stage concrete cancer costs a fraction of late-stage structural intervention — every year of inaction compounds the repair scope and cost.

THE COST OF WAITING

Addressing issues early can save you up to
70%
in future repair costs.
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Timely Maintenance
Small Investment
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Major Repairs
High cost, disruption
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Structural Damage
Risk to asset value

WHAT NEGLECT LOOKS LIKE

THESE ARE THE SIGNS

YOUR CONCRETE IS FAILING.

These are the visible signs that your concrete needs attention.
Render blown away above brickwork exposing corroded steel and crumbling substrate

CONCRETE SPALLING

Concrete fracturing and falling away from the structure — a visible sign that rebar corrosion has reached critical stage.

Corroding steel reinforcement bar exposed along the edge of a concrete slab

EXPOSED REBAR

Exposed rebar is actively corroding and expanding — accelerating further concrete breakdown with every rainfall.

Corroding steel reinforcement bar exposed along the edge of a concrete balcony slab

RUST STAINING

Surface rust staining signals active corrosion beneath — the rebar is wet and deteriorating inside the concrete.

Deep stepped crack running through render at the corner of a structural column

CRACKING & FRACTURE

Crack patterns on concrete elements indicate internal stress from corrosion expansion or structural movement.

Fibre cement ceiling showing signs of delimitation

DELAMINATION

Delaminating concrete is a falling hazard and indicates complete adhesion failure between the repair layer and substrate.

WHEN SHOULD YOU INVESTIGATE YOUR CONCRETE?

Concrete deterioration has clear visible indicators at every stage. Here's how to read where your building sits.
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OVERDUE

Signs visible now
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Visible concrete spalling or chunks missing
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Exposed rusted rebar on any element
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Rust staining running from soffits or beams
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Concrete inspection more than 3 years ago
GET A FREE ASSESSMENT
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DUE SOON

Within service window
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Hairline cracking appearing on concrete surfaces
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Minor rust staining at fixings or joints
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Previous repairs now showing new cracks
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Building over 25 years with no remedial history
SCHEDULE INSPECTION
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ON TRACK

Recently completed
Green checkmark
No active cracking or rust staining visible
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Recent remedial works completed with report
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Protective coating applied within 10 years
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Regular inspection programme in place
PLAN NEXT CYCLE

TYPICAL MAINTENANCE INTERVALS:

Concrete Inspection: 2-5 years
Crack Injection & Sealing: As identified
Spall Repair & Rebar Treatment:As identified
Anti-Carbonation Coating:Every 10–15 years
Cleaning:1-3 Years
Indicative only. Building age, exposure and concrete condition all affect service requirements.

OUR PROCESS. CLEAR STEPS. QUALITY EVERY TIME.

1
Inspect & Assess
You get a clear scope with no surprises.
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2
Scope & Plan:
You get a detailed condition report and confirmed scope before any work begins.
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3
Access & Setup:
The appropriate form of access is used with minimal disruption to residents.
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4
Break-out & Repair:
All delaminated concrete removed, rebar treated, mortar applied to specification.
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5
Quality Check
Every square metre inspected for adhesion, coverage and finish quality.
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6
Report & Handover
You receive a thorough report of all works completed.

IT'S NOT JUST PATCHING.

IT'S A REPAIR SYSTEM THAT LASTS.

Skipping any step in the repair process means the problem returns. Here's what each layer does.
1

STRUCTURAL SUBSTRATE

The remaining sound concrete. Must be assessed and confirmed before any repair material is applied.
2

CONCRETE REMOVAL ZONE

All delaminated and carbonated concrete cut back to sound substrate. This step cannot be skipped.
3

REBAR TREATMENT

Corroded steel cleaned to bare metal. Zinc-rich primer applied. Corrosion stopped at source.
4

REPAIR MORTAR

Polymer-modified cementitious mortar. Bonded to prepared substrate, restores original profile.
5

PROTECTIVE COATING

Anti-carbonation barrier applied over repairs. Prevents future CO₂ and chloride penetration.
Before-and-after cutaway showing corroded rebar repaired through the UPKEEP remedial process
1

STRUCTURAL SUBSTRATE

The remaining sound concrete. Must be assessed and confirmed before any repair material is applied.
2

CONCRETE REMOVAL ZONE

All delaminated and carbonated concrete cut back to sound substrate. This step cannot be skipped.
3

REBAR TREATMENT

Corroded steel cleaned to bare metal. Zinc-rich primer applied. Corrosion stopped at source.
4

REPAIR MORTAR

Polymer-modified cementitious mortar. Bonded to prepared substrate, restores original profile.
5

PROTECTIVE COATING

Anti-carbonation barrier applied over repairs. Prevents future CO₂ and chloride penetration.

OUR WORK.
REAL
RESULTS.

Corroded stadium roof steel mast base with heavy rust before rope-access remedial coating
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Rooftop steel mast base cleaned, primed and repainted after remedial protective coating
Heavily soiled render wall, failed expansion joints, and damaged render before restoration, Northern Beaches
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Rendered exterior wall and window reveal repaired and repainted pale grey after facade works, Sydney
Timber fascia board with rot hole and failed paint before remedial repair
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Timber fascia and barge board filled and repainted in tan after remedial carpentry
Cracked glazing on a heritage timber-framed multi-pane window before glazing repair and painting
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Heritage timber multi-pane window re-puttied and repainted after glazing repair
Green heritage corrugated metal roof before soft washing and painting, North Sydney
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Heritage terrace metal roof recoated charcoal with repainted rendered chimney, Sydney
Terracotta tile roof with lichen and moss colonisation before pressure washing treatment, Sydney
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Terracotta tiled roof cleaned after pressure washing, extending the life of the roof, Sydney suburb
Technician on a roof-access ladder painting a tiled two-storey roof, Sydney suburb
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Street view of a technician painting a two-storey tiled roof via ladder access, Sydney
Two-storey home in faded tan render before exterior repaint, Eastern Suburbs
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Two-storey brick-and-render home repainted white with charcoal trim after exterior painting, Eastern Suburbs
Paved strata courtyard with moss and soiling in joints before pressure washing, Sydney
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Strata courtyard pavers cleaned of moss and grime after pressure washing and re-sanding, Sydney
Cracked concrete roof section with failed patch before remedial render, Sydney
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Freshly rendered concrete roof edge after remedial patch repair, Sydney
Four rope-access technicians abseiling a multi-storey Sydney facade during exterior painting
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Multi-storey rendered residential facade repainted white after facade works, Sydney
Self-seeded plant and leaf debris in a coastal metal gutter before clean-out, Northern Beaches
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Clear and functional gutter after cleaning, Northern Beaches
Rusting painted steelwork and soffit in a rooftop plant area before remedial recoating
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Rooftop plant-room steelwork and soffit repainted white after protective coating
Stencil-pattern concrete driveway cleaned and ready for slip resistant paint, Sydney
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Stencil-pattern concrete driveway resealed in charcoal after coating, Sydney home
Two-storey brick unit with soiled render balcony and tiled patio before pressure washing, Sydney
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Brick unit balcony and patio cleaned after pressure washing, staining lifted
Rope lines down a rendered high-rise facade before rope-access sealant works are completed
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Rope lines down a rendered high-rise facade after rope-access sealant works are completed
Weathered concrete-tile hip roof on a brick home after cleaning, before roof painting, Western Sydney
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Concrete-tile roof repainted after roof restoration on a brick home, Western Sydney
Large concrete spall on rendered facade exposing corroded steel reinforcement before repair
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Final render coat applied to a prepared facade panel, colour-matched to substrate
Rendered facade cut back to brick substrate exposing the repair zone before re-rendering
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Grey render patch applied over prepared facade section, repair in progress
Weathered corrugated metal hip roof with surface lichen before roof restoration, Sydney
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Corrugated metal roof after cleaning, Sydney
Rope access technicians complete concrete repairs to the side of a multi level building before painting, Sydney
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Apartment tower facade repainted cream with yellow balconies after rope-access painting, Sydney
Spalled window lintel exposing corroded steel reinforcement before remedial repair
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Window lintel re-rendered over treated reinforcement after concrete repair
Rope-access technician soft-washing a heritage sandstone-trimmed brick facade in preparation for painting, Sydney
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Rope-access technician painting a heritage brick facade white, Sydney
Weathered heritage CBD facade with organic growth before facade restoration, Sydney
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Heritage CBD commercial facade part-painted cream during remedial works, Sydney
Failed sealant above a window frame, showing mould behind it.
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Rendered parapet edge above glazing recoated white after expansion joint repair
Glazed-tiled roof heavily colonised by lichen and moss before pressure washing
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Glazed terracotta roof looking like new after a pressure washing.
Heritage sandstone steps stained green with algae before soft-wash cleaning, Sydney
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Heritage sandstone entry steps cleaned to bare stone after restoration, Sydney
Steel column baseplate with rust bleeding through paint before remedial coating, Sydney
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Steel column baseplate primed and painted white after rope-access remedial coating, Sydney
Narrow concrete side path with algae and leaf debris before pressure washing, Sydney
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Concrete side path cleaned of algae and debris after pressure washing, Sydney
Cracked brickwork at a coastal balcony window reveal from water ingress before repair
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Balcony wall re-rendered and repainted after remedial repair, with vent reveal made good

SPECIALIST SERVICES

UPKEEP provides rope access painting, facade maintenance, concrete repairs, remedial works, sealant replacement, soft washing, window cleaning, roof cleaning, anchor testing and building inspections throughout Sydney.

THE RIGHT ACCESS
FOR EVERY PROJECT

Whether a project requires rope access, EWP access, ladders or ground-based access, we use the safest and most efficient method to complete painting, remedial and maintenance works.

ACCESS METHODS

ROPES

EWP

LADDERS

GROUND

PROPERTIES WE SERVICE

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

STRATA

"Very impressed and grateful for Nick and team, from quote to finished product. We had an awkward area to reach on a busy street. Excellent communication, punctual and great workmanship. Highly recommend."
Carly C
"The team at Upkeep did a great job on a tough site in the middle of Coogee. Nick and the teams management of public safety was outstanding. I would definitely recommend them and will get then back on out next project."
John Currenti
"Highly recommend Upkeep's Painters!! Nick, Jesmond and team were very professional, kept us up to date on where our job was at with weeks of terrible weather and did a fantastic job repointing our roof and colour! House looks incredible and we couldn’t be happier! We recommend Upkeep for anyone looking for roof services!"
Bel K
"Nicholas and the Upkeep team were absolutely fantastic on our job in Turramurra. There was a reasonable level of complexity with a steep roof and gabled windows meaning they needed to rope up to get the painting done. All the lads were highhly professional and kept us informed throughout, we're a repeat customer and will use them again when needed. With appreciation."
Andrew Beer
"Jesmond is super honest, reliable and takes pride in his work. Excellent service and attention to detail. Our job was made tricky due to a slate roof and Upkeep took great care setting up access. Paint job was great with excellent attention to detail and a perfect colour match. Highly recommend."
Julian Charters

SERVICING SYDNEY & SURROUNDING AREAS

Northern Beaches

North Sydney

Eastern Suburbs

Sydney CBD

Inner West

Parramatta

Western Sydney

Sutherland Shire

REQUEST FREE QUOTE

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

What is concrete cancer and how does it happen?

Concrete cancer occurs when moisture and CO₂ penetrate the concrete and reach the steel reinforcement. The steel corrodes, expands and fractures the concrete from within. It is most common in buildings over 25 years old, particularly in coastal environments where chlorides accelerate the process.

How long do remedial repairs last?

When done correctly — with proper break-out, rebar treatment, correct mortar and a protective coating — remedial repairs are designed to last the life of the building. Shortcuts at any stage shorten that lifespan significantly.

Do you provide engineering sign-off?

We work alongside structural engineers where required and can coordinate engineer inspection and sign-off as part of the project scope. For strata buildings requiring formal certification, we can advise on the appropriate process.

Is the building owner responsible for concrete repairs?

Yes. Building owners and strata committees have a duty of care to maintain the structural integrity of common property. Deferred repairs that result in injury or further damage can create significant legal liability.

What products do you use for remedial repairs?

We use polymer-modified cementitious repair mortars and anti-carbonation protective coatings from leading manufacturers. Products are selected to match the substrate condition, exposure level and engineering requirements of each specific repair.

How do I know if my building has concrete cancer?

The most visible signs are rust staining on external surfaces, cracking or spalling concrete, and pieces of concrete falling from soffits, balconies or beams. In early stages it is invisible — which is why regular inspection is important. An assessment will tell you exactly what's present and how serious it is.

Can repairs be done while the building is occupied?

Yes. We plan all works around building occupancy and take safety precautions to protect residents below any active repair areas. Falling hazards are contained and managed throughout.

What is the difference between patching and full remedial treatment?

Patching without addressing the underlying corrosion is a temporary fix — the problem continues beneath the patch. Full remedial treatment removes all compromised material, treats the rebar, and applies the correct repair system and protective coating. This is the only approach that actually stops the problem.

How do you prevent concrete cancer from returning?

The key is the protective coating applied over the repair. An anti-carbonation barrier prevents CO₂ and chlorides from re-penetrating the concrete and reaching the steel. Combined with regular inspection, this gives the building long-term protection.

What certifications do you hold?

Our team holds IRATA and SPRAT rope access qualifications, public liability and workers compensation insurance, First Aid, Police Checks, Working with Children, Height Safety System Installation and Testing, EWP over 11m, Asbestos Awareness, Confined Spaces, and Painting and Decorating trade qualifications. Every job is staffed with the right people for the scope of work.