Cracked concrete distracts from your home’s curb appeal. Fortunately, you can easily fix these eyesores with the following concrete repair tips and solutions from Quikrete.
Identify the Type of Crack
No single solution exists for all concrete problems; the proper repair depends on the type of damage and its depth. For instance, shallow chips and divots require a different repair than cracks.
So, begin by identifying the crack as moving or non-moving.
A moving crack grows deep and wide or has one side that’s lower than the other — it’s a serious problem and needs immediate attention.
A non-moving crack is thin and shallow. It appears randomly and doesn’t threaten the structure.
If the crack seems even when you run your finger across it, it’s non-moving.
No matter what type of damage you’re repairing, proper surface prep is key to any successful repair project. You’ll first need to clean the area and remove any loose material.
Concrete Repair for Chips and Divots
To fix chips and divots up to a quarter-inch on a concrete surface, use a concrete patcher like Quikrete Vinyl Concrete Patcher or Quikrete Concrete Patching Compound.
The vinyl concrete patcher works best for small chips and divots because it contains fine sand and vinyl resins that you can trowel to a finish as thin as 1/16 inch.
First, rub a wire brush over the flaking concrete to loosen all damaged concrete. If needed, use the tip of a trowel to pry up loose sections of the flaked concrete.
Sweep away all loose particles and dust, and dampen the surface, prior to applying vinyl concrete patcher. Use a trowel to apply the concrete patcher. Feather-edge the patching mixture out onto the surrounding concrete to create a smooth repair.
Apply the patcher in quarter-inch layers. If the hole is deeper than a quarter-inch, apply the patcher in stages, allowing each layer to cure for several days before applying the next layer.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this.
Tips for Repairing Non-Moving Cracks
For non-moving cracks a half-inch or larger, use Quikrete Polymer Modified Structural Repair.
This mix is rapid-setting, resists shrinkage and you can sculpt it to match the existing surface’s contour.
It’s designed for vertical or horizontal surfaces and is effective on stairs and foundations.
And because the mix sets quickly, you don’t have to use forms to contain it.
Tips for Repairing Moving Cracks
To repair moving cracks in concrete, you’ll want something with the flexibility to move like Quikrete Advanced Polymer Concrete Crack Sealant.
This material is applied from a tube, much like caulk, but is textured to blend in with concrete surfaces and dries to the touch within an hour.
Watch this how-to video for more details.
Resurface, Don’t Replace, a Driveway
To fix a cracked driveway or walkway, use Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer.
Resurfacing concrete requires less time and less mess. Plus, it’s inexpensive compared to replacing a driveway (provided it’s structurally sound) or hiring a professional to resurface it.
This material mixes like concrete but is designed to work in thinner applications.
First, fill any cracks you may have with the mix. For deeper spalls, Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer can also be used as a patching material, before the final resurfacing.
Then you can apply a thin coat with a squeegee over the whole surface to cover the repairs and give the surface a consistent appearance.
As it dries, you can add a broom finish to create a slip resistance over the whole surface.
Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Quikrete has easy-to-use calculators to determine how much material you’ll need. Just enter the dimensions of your project, and Quikrete will eliminate any guesswork.
Tip: When working with cement-based products, always wear a mask, eye protection and nitrile gloves.
Watch the video for more information!
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