Concrete is the most common building material found on construction sites. It is used for floor and roof decking, wall covering and stairs, and many more applications. Unfortunately, concrete has a very high compressive and low tensile strength, which causes it to be very prone to cracks. That’s why a concrete crack repair is mandatory!
A concrete crack can spoil the looks of your driveway and destroy its function and value. So, if you are searching for an inexpensive yet very effective repair option, this article is just what you need.
Concrete is basically a mixture of cement, sand and rock. When it gets old, exposed to the elements, or damaged by water or other chemicals, cracks begin to appear on the surface of the concrete. This can be unsightly and cause problems with your home’s structural integrity.
The good news is there are multiple ways to patch concrete cracks and restore the beauty of your home’s exterior. Some people use concrete paint on their surface, while others use a more permanent solution such as epoxy or polyurethane sealer.
Table of Contents
Remove Dirt
First, remove loose dirt and debris from the crack with a sponge or wire brush. Then wash the area thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or grease remaining in the crack. Next, cut out a piece of cardboard slightly smaller than the size of your patch and place it over the crack. This is to stop the patching material from going too deep into the crack, which would cause it to fail later.
Use a Hydraulic Cement
First, use hydraulic cement to repair small cracks. The cement will be mixed with water and forced into the crack with a caulking gun. The hydraulic cement will dry quickly and harden within an hour or two. The hardened cement will be stronger than the surrounding concrete and prevent future cracking.
You can use a concrete mix that includes fibreglass fibres to reinforce the repaired area for larger cracks. These fibres are embedded in the concrete mix when wet before it sets up; they expand as they dry to reinforce weak areas in the concrete slab or driveway. Fibreglass-reinforced concrete repair products are available at most home improvement stores and are easy to use, with simple instructions on each bag of material.
Patching Concrete Cracks with Epoxy
Epoxy is a great choice for repairing cracks in concrete because it’s flexible and durable. You can use epoxy to fill small cracks or holes in your driveway or sidewalk. If you want to keep your concrete looking smooth and seamless, you might want to use an epoxy patch filler instead of something like sand or gravel because the seams between your new patch and the rest of your driveway will be less noticeable.
Repairing Small Cracks with Mortar or Cement Patching Compounds
Small patches may be sufficient to repair if the crack is less than 1/4 inch wide and does not extend deeper than 1/2 inch into the concrete. These patches are made using mortar or cement patching compounds that are available at most hardware stores. The patch should be applied over freshly cleaned surfaces so that the bond between the new material and old material is good. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when applying these patches to ensure proper results.
It is a fact of the matter that regular concrete crack repair is an absolute necessity. And if you can patch your concrete before small cracks become large and unsightly holes, you will be doing yourself a huge favour. So don’t wait until it’s too late to take action!
