Timely concrete repairs not only help in preventing extensive damage and water intrusion, but also in improving the appearance of the floors or surfaces. Before you start repairing a damaged or cracked concrete, you must make sure you have all the necessary requirements for the job including:
- A spray bottle
- Concrete Patch
- Stone chisel
- A wire brush
- Concrete bonding adhesive
- A mason’s hammer
- A steel trowel
- A hose pipe
- A vacuum cleaner
- Pressure Washer
Once you have collected all the necessary items, you can start repairing the cracked concrete by using the following vital steps:
Step 1: Clean the Surface
Whether you are repairing a walkway, kitchen floor, driveway, or patio, break off all lose pieces of concrete using a stone chisel or screwdriver. After removing all the cracked concrete, use a strong wire brush to scrub away the dust and debris.
Step 2: Dampen the Surface
This step allows the damaged area to be clean so that it can be ready to bond properly and perfectly with the repair materials. Using a spray bottle or a hose pipe, spread water all over the surface. Wait for about 10 to 15 minutes for the water to be absorbed fully by the concrete. After that, wipe off any standing water from the surface using a clean dry cloth.
With the crack fully prepared for repair, use the following smart steps depending on whether the size of the crack is small or large. Before using any tool, material, or product, make sure you go through the provided manufacture’s manual so as to avoid doing shoddy work or causing unnecessary accidents.
Fixing a Small Crack
Step 3: Fill the Crack
The best way to fill in the crack is by using pourable grout, concrete sealer, or textured caulk. If you choose to use pourable grout or concrete sealer, make sure you do the application while the surface is still wet. Textured caulk works well on dry surfaces. So, if you intend to use it, wait until the wet surface becomes completely dry.
Whether you are using pourable grout, concrete sealer, or textured caulk, fill the crack completely and then wait for about 4 to 5 minutes before using a point trowel to push the adhesive deeper into the crack. Wait for a few more minutes for the adhesive to dry and then provide an extra overfill to cater for the shrinkage.
Fixing a Large Crack
Step 4: Widen the Crack
If the crack is wider than 13 mm, use a mason’s hammer and chisel to widen the crack’s hairline. While widening the crack, make sure the base or inside is wider than the surface. This process is known as undercutting. Undercutting plays a major role in preventing the patching material or compound from being forced out of the cracked or damaged area due to temperature changes. After widening the crack, clean the entire surface using a pressure washer and then using an air compressor or a shop vacuum, clear out as much dust from within the cracked areas as possible.
Step 5: Spread Concrete Patch
After mixing vinyl concrete patch with water according to manufacturer’s instruction, trowel the compound deep into the crack in different layers, each layer measuring about 6 mm. After applying a layer, give it time to dry completely before applying the next.
Step 6: Seal the Patch and Concrete
After you are through with patching the concrete, it is very advisable to seal it. Sealing prevents the concrete from absorbing stains. The best concrete sealing product to use is the water-based polyurethane. If the surface is smooth, apply the polyurethane with a roller. With a rough surface, use a brush or broom. For the best results, apply about three or four coats of the polyurethane.