How to Repair Cracks in Concrete
Cracked concrete surfaces can present a serious tripping hazard and diminish the aesthetic value of homes, yet fixing these cracks isn't difficult and can be completed quickly and efficiently.
Before beginning repair, first clean the crack area by brushing or wiping away any debris. Then prepare it for resealing by applying a layer of bonding adhesive on its surface.
Remove Debris
Concrete is tough and resilient, yet still vulnerable to ground shifting and freezing-thawing cycles that cause it to crack. But cracks don't need to detract from your home's appearance or value – with just a bit of effort you can repair concrete cracks and prevent their spread.
Begin by using a wire brush to clear away loose concrete and debris before using either a power washer or shop vacuum to drain any standing water from the crack. Be certain that all of the cracks have become completely dry before continuing with subsequent steps.
Step two is to break up any old concrete that has accumulated around a crack, in order to expose fresh surfaces for bonding with existing concrete and preventing any future cracks from appearing. This will help the new concrete adhere better with existing slabs, helping prevent future fractures from developing.
Fill Crack
Hairline cracks usually don't indicate structural significance; however, larger ones often indicate an issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Left unattended, concrete cracks can lead to further deterioration and lead to costly repairs; repairing them with some time and materials should be straightforward for anyone handy enough.
Before initiating any crack repair work, make sure the area is cleaned of loose debris by chiseling it out with a chisel and using concrete patching compound. Furthermore, cracks should be wide enough to allow adequate drainage.
Mix crack repair product according to manufacturer instructions, then apply concrete crack filler using a trowel, carefully working it deep into cracks before leveling it out with surrounding concrete. Some compounds require damp curing; please refer to product labels for details; otherwise cover repaired area with plastic to avoid moisture intrusion and keep crack dry until weather conditions permit curing.
Seal Crack
Cracked concrete surfaces can be repaired using various products, the most popular being epoxy or latex sealants which can either be injected directly into the crack or poured. Prior to sealing an area with these solutions it's essential that any dirt, gravel, debris or dirt that could obstruct its adhesion be cleared away prior to application of any product.
Before applying the material, it's best to widen the crack with a chisel to provide more surface area for repair and make it more permanent. Once this step has been completed and cleaned up, it's time to apply your repair solution.
Avoid cement for crack repairs as it does not adhere properly to hardened concrete and may delaminate or lift out over time. Furthermore, commercial products like hydraulic cement may not accept paint well and could shrink over time; use concrete or latex repair products (check Amazon) specifically formulated to seal cracks while curing to the appropriate strength instead.
Clean Up
Concrete installations can last a long time, but even with proper care cracks may appear over time. When left unrepaired, these cracks can grow wider, leading to serious degradation of the concrete's structure. However, most cracks are easily repairable with quick fixes available today.
Band-aid solutions often involve mixing polymer-modified cement products and wiping them over cracks with a trowel to fill them temporarily. While not a long-term fix, these treatments work if your cracks are the result of natural concrete maturation rather than any underlying issue.
Before applying a crack repair product, first clean out any remaining debris with a wire brush or broom and vacuum away dust or grit from the surface. Wet the surface as directed on its label before filling your crack using a trowel and smoothing with another trowel to complete filling process. Allow to cure overnight before sealing.
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Cracked concrete surfaces can present a serious tripping hazard and diminish the aesthetic value of homes, yet fixing these cracks isn't difficult and can be completed quickly and efficiently. Before beginning repair, first clean the crack area by brushing or wiping away any debris. Then prepare it for resealing by applying a layer of bonding…