Written by Admin and published on https://housesmartstv.com/
Installation of concrete can last hundreds of years, but sooner or later, most end up developing small cracks, gaps, holes, and crevices. If your concrete path, patio, or driveway has begun to show its age, make the necessary repairs sooner rather than later. After all, what’s a small problem today is only going to get bigger and more difficult (or expensive) to fix. While in some cases it takes a pro to work successfully with concrete, almost anyone can fix cracks in concrete.
Cracks in concrete are best patched and sealed with a concrete patching compound. Smaller cracks, less than 1/4 inch wide, can be repaired with a concrete caulk or liquid filler. Patching compounds typically are mixed with water and applied with a trowel. They have a texture similar to grout and can be smoothed and textured to blend with the surrounding area. However, the color of the patch will look like new concrete and will not match the old concrete. Hiding the patch completely requires painting the surface with appropriate concrete paint.
HOW TO FIX CRACKS IN CONCRETE
Unsightly cracks in your concrete are a pain. Plus, they can actually get worse over time as moisture builds up and penetrates the surrounding concrete making the crack bigger. In this video from our Fix It in 15:00 series Lou has a couple of different solutions you could use.
Option 1 – Concrete Patch
- Using a chisel and hammer, you’re actually going to make the crack a bit bigger, creating a v-shaped channel (this is for better placement of the concrete patch material)
- Moisten the concrete a bit, either with a spray bottle or sponge
- In a tray, mix together your concrete patch (in this demonstration we’re using Rockite) with some water as per the manufacturer’s instructions
- Using a putty knife, apply the patch to the crack driving down into the channel as deeply as possible to help the bonding process
- As the patch sets (in about a fifteen-minute window), take a wire brush and scrape away as much excess as you can without disturbing the crack
Option 2 – Concrete Caulk
- For smaller cracks, this is a great option… pickup some concrete caulk and load it into your caulk gun
- Apply a steady bead along the crack, working as much into it as possible for proper bonding
- Tool the caulk smooth, with either a putty knife or if you’re using a latex-based product you can even use your finger
- After about twelve hours, the caulk should be dry
Original post here https://housesmartstv.com/video/how-to-fix-cracks-in-concrete/.
