There is no such thing as a minor job when it comes to fixing broken concrete. Repairing cracks and chips in concrete is a simple task with significant rewards.
Repairing that driveway crack or unsightly chip in the curb not only looks better, but it can also help prevent worse, more expensive damage from occurring. Here are five important factors to consider while performing minor concrete repairs.
Determine the type of concrete damage.
The first step in any repair project is to determine the exact type of damage. The following are some examples of prevalent types of concrete damage. Plastic-shrinkage fractures run to the mid-depths of the concrete, are unevenly scattered across the surface, and are typically small in length. They most commonly occur while concrete is drying because the surface of the concrete dries too quickly in comparison to the concrete below. Hairline cracks are incredibly narrow in breadth, however they are usually profound cracks. They are caused by the settling of the concrete while it cures, as well as by changes in the environment over time. Because of their depth, these fissures might grow in size after the concrete has cured. Small pock marks or scaling in a concrete surface reveal the aggregate beneath. You’ll know what product you’ll need for the repair once you’ve recognized the problem.
Gather the necessary tools for the work.
Depending on the product, a nylon brush to clean the region of dust and debris is required for most jobs. Before restoring, you can also remove loose concrete using a hammer and chisel. Pressure cleaning the area increases the thoroughness of the preparation, but allow the area to dry completely before adding any restoration products. Some products come in a squeeze container and can be applied without the use of any instruments other than a putty knife to level the surface. Others will require the use of a trowel to mold, trim, and smooth the material.
Select the best concrete repair product for the project.
Sakrete Concrete Crack Filler can be used to fill fractures in concrete that are 1/2′′ to 1/4′′ deep. It can be used both inside and outside, including slabs, pathways, and roads, and it protects against water penetration. As an added bonus, this item can be painted with latex-based paints. Sakrete Fast Setting Cement Patcher is ideal for applications ranging from 1/4″ to 2″ in thickness. It has a high strength of 5,000 psi and sets in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for repairing fractures in concrete surfaces quickly.
Set reasonable goals.
Repaired concrete rarely matches the original color of the concrete. The color of concrete is determined by the ingredients present at the time of mixing as well as the conditions under which it was poured. Because concrete fades with time, attaining an exact color match on a restoration project is practically difficult.
Don’t put off minor repairs.
Water is your adversary, and each rain shower, freeze-thaw cycle, or snowstorm can exacerbate the concrete damage. Because procrastination may transform a simple task into a larger, more expensive project, proactive concrete maintenance and repair saves time and money in the long term.
Repairing broken concrete should not be put off. Find out where you can obtain Sakrete Concrete Crack Filler or Sakrete Fast Setting Cement Patcher by using our Product Locator Tool.
