Whether you have a crack in your concrete slab or a whole chunk missing, it is possible to repair these problems. Crack fillers can be used for hairline cracks or larger cracks. Here are some basic steps for concrete repair. Use the correct equipment and wear protective gear while performing the work.
Repairing hairline cracks on concrete slabs
If you want to add beauty to your concrete slab, consider repairing hairline cracks with a sealant. These cracks are difficult to fill, so you’ll want to find a low-viscosity liquid. In addition, water and other organic materials can settle inside them, causing mould and mildew to grow. By sealing them, you can preserve the look of the rest of the slab.
Before applying a sealant, you’ll need to inspect the hairline crack thoroughly. It’s important to ensure no visible stains on the concrete, inhibiting the sealant from bonding to the concrete. Once you’ve completed this step, you’ll be able to start filling the hairline crack. Choose a sealant with low viscosity and surface tension since these qualities help the liquid penetrate deeply into the crack.
Repairing larger cracks
In some cases, repairing larger cracks in concrete may require the use of more advanced techniques. These techniques may include sand packing or caulking. Alternatively, you can chip away loose concrete using a screwdriver and a wire brush. After cleaning the crack, you can rinse it off with a bucket or hose.
There are many types of concrete crack repair products. Some are ready-mixed and can be applied directly into the crack. These are more convenient, especially for beginners, since they don’t have to mix their compounds. Another type of product is premixed and applied in tubes.
Route and seal is another popular method of crack repair. This technique involves filling the crack with concrete or a cement-based material. This method can be used to fix both active and dormant cracks. It is best suited for horizontal surfaces and can be used on vertical surfaces when non-sag repair materials are available.
Repairing holes or missing pieces of concrete
If you’ve noticed that the concrete surface in your home has holes or missing pieces, you should take action. It is not a difficult project that can be completed at the weekend and can protect your home for decades. To start, remove loose debris around the hole. Next, use a rag dampened with water to clean it thoroughly. Then, a putty knife spreads a thin layer of patching material into the hole. Once you’ve applied the patching material, use a smoothing brush or a broom to create an even surface.
For larger holes, you can use an epoxy concrete repair compound. It works well to repair cracks and holes and can be applied fairly smoothly. Once it has cured, the compound becomes stronger than the original concrete. Rust-Oleum’s TurboKrete Concrete Patching Compound contains 100% solid epoxy resin and is available online for a modest price.
Using a crack filler
A crack filler is a great option for fixing cracks in concrete. It is a liquid that can be easily applied and troweled smooth after curing. It works well on both flat slabs and vertical concrete walls. Once the concrete filler has set, it will keep water, weeds and bugs out. A single tube can fill cracks up to an inch.
One type of crack filler is made from polymer, which is flexible and durable. The material is available in different sizes and is ideal for various cracks in concrete.
Using a pressure washer
When repairing cracks in concrete, it is important to use a low-pressure washing technique, as high-pressure washing can cause further damage to the surface. Moreover, high-pressure cleaning will also leave dirt and seeds inside the crack, which will spoil the appearance of the concrete and make it worse.
First, inspect the crack carefully. If it is wide, apply a concrete patching compound or crack filler. Crack fillers are usually applied with a trowel and are usually mixed with water. If the cracks are small, use a chisel to remove the loose material. After applying the patching compound or filler, ensure the surface is clean and dry.
After the concrete has been cleaned using a pressure washer, it must be allowed to dry properly before continuing with the repair. Otherwise, excess moisture will cause the concrete filler to fail. After the concrete has dried, you can use concrete glue, expanding foam, or concrete, as needed. You can always start with a new concrete slab or patch if the concrete filler is not strong enough.
