Concrete cancer. the industry term for reinforcement corrosion causing concrete to spall. is one of the most common defects we treat on the Illawarra coast. Chloride ingress from sea air, carbonation, and inadequate cover to reinforcement steel all accelerate the problem, and if it isn't remediated correctly it will keep coming back.
South Coast Remedial is a licensed strata remedial builder specialising in concrete cancer diagnosis, repair and long-term protection. We follow AS 4349.1 inspection principles and AS 1379 / AS 3600 concrete standards, and every repair is documented so committees, owners and insurers can see exactly what was done and why.
What's Included
Every concrete cancer engagement covers the scope below, adjusted to suit the specifics of your project.
Diagnostic inspection
Hammer sounding, cover-meter surveys, half-cell potential testing and photographic defect mapping to identify the true extent of corrosion. not just the visible spalls.
Concrete spalling repair
Break-out to sound substrate, mechanical cleaning of reinforcement, application of anti-corrosion primer, and reinstatement with polymer-modified repair mortars to AS 1478.
Cathodic & galvanic protection
Galvanic anodes and where appropriate impressed current systems to halt ongoing corrosion in high-chloride environments.
Protective coatings
Anti-carbonation and elastomeric coatings that block chloride and CO₂ ingress, extending repair life by decades.
Documentation & warranty
Full photographic record, materials data sheets, and written warranty suitable for strata records, insurers and future capital works planning.
Our Process
- 1
Site inspection & report
On-site diagnostic inspection with a written report identifying defects, likely causes, recommended repair scope and priority ranking.
- 2
Scope & fixed-price quote
Line-itemised scope covering break-out area (m²), reinforcement treatment, coatings and protection. no surprise variations mid-job.
- 3
Repair works
Contained works with dust management and resident notifications. Hidden reinforcement checked and photographed at every location.
- 4
Protection & handover
Protective coating applied, final photo record compiled, warranty issued and any monitoring points recorded for future inspections.
Why Choose South Coast Remedial
- Licensed strata remedial builder. concrete cancer is core work, not a sideline
- Coastal-specific experience: we treat chloride-driven corrosion every week across the Illawarra
- Repairs to AS 1478 / AS 3600 with documented materials and warranty
- Director Tony Cesare available as expert witness for insurance and NCAT matters
Frequently Asked Questions
What is concrete cancer?
Concrete cancer is the common name for reinforcement corrosion. Steel inside the concrete rusts and expands, cracking and blowing off the surrounding concrete (spalling). It's especially common in coastal buildings like ours on the Illawarra due to salt-laden air.
How much does concrete cancer repair cost in Wollongong?
Costs vary with access, extent and coating scope. Small localised repairs can start from a few thousand dollars; full balcony or facade programs on strata buildings typically run into six figures. We provide fixed-price, line-itemised quotes after a diagnostic inspection.
Can concrete cancer come back after repair?
Yes. if the root cause isn't addressed. Simply patching visible spalls without treating the reinforcement, applying protective coatings, or in some cases installing galvanic anodes will typically see the problem return within a few years. We treat the cause, not just the symptom.
Do you do concrete cancer repair for strata buildings?
Yes. strata remedial is our core practice. We work directly with committees, strata managers and owners corporations, including tender-based capital works and NCAT-directed rectification.
Is concrete cancer covered by insurance?
Sometimes. it depends on the cause and the policy. Where it's linked to a sudden event or defective construction under warranty it can be covered. We regularly assist owners and strata with documentation for insurance claims.
Concrete Cancer across NSW
We deliver concrete cancer across Sutherland Shire, Greater Wollongong, the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven.
Get your Remedial Services now.Pay later with Humm.
South Coast Remedial Construction has partnered with Humm so eligible customers can finance up to $50,000 with flexible repayments up to 120 months. Interest-free plans available on eligible Humm terms.
Cover your full Remedial Services scope in one approval.
Flexible repayments that fit your budget.
Available on eligible Humm plans, subject to approval.
Apply online directly with Humm. We never see your details.
Finance provided by Humm Group Limited. Approval, fees, charges and T&Cs apply.
- 1Get a free quote from South Coast Remedial Construction.
- 2Apply online with Humm. Quick decision.
- 3We start your Remedial Services once approved.
- 4Pay Humm back over your chosen term.
Suburbs we service across NSW.
Specialist remedial building coverage across Sutherland Shire, Greater Wollongong, the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven. with statewide capacity for expert witness and larger projects.
Don't see your suburb?
We regularly attend sites outside listed areas. call the Director to confirm coverage and response time.