Many times, concrete patios, driveways
and sidewalks crack and split over time. Weather, poor installation
or pouring techniques or improper mixtures when poured can cause
these cracks. While most concrete cracks are minor, though unsightly,
a very large crack or a shift in elevation between one side of the
crack and another may indicate bigger problems, such as tree roots,
foundation slippage and others. When in doubt, call a city inspector
or local contractor out to your property to take a look. To repair minor or moderate cracks,
there are several different avenues you can take.
For small cracks:
1)Clean any debris from the crack
with a brush, then clean the crack with concrete cleaner or water.
2)After surface is dry, look to see
how deep the crack extends. If it's deep, you can fill partly with
sand, leaving approximately ¼ to ½ inch to top of
crack. Using a crack sealer, apply ¼ inch layers until crack
is filled, and allow to dry overnight if necessary.
3)If you've used caulk to fill the
hole, fill to surface of crack and then smooth off with a putty
knife to allow for a smooth finish.
For larger cracks up to ½ inch
deep:
1)Using a hammer and large head screwdriver,
drill, or other tool, insert tool into crack and try to make the
bottom of the crack a little bigger than the top of the crack. This
will allow better gripping surfaces for most types of patches
or sealers.
2)Use a vinyl concrete patch and mix
according to directions on the package or tub, and trowel the patch
mix into the crack. Using a trowel or putty knife, smooth the final
layer flush to the level of your concrete.
For deep cracks over ½ inch
deep:
1)Mix an adequate amount from a bag
of sand mix (not cement mix) according to directions on the package
and then fill the crack with a trowel or putty knife, packing firmly
and only to the level of the concrete flooring.
2)After the mixture begins to lighten
in color, use a cement float dampened with water to smooth
over the surface of the crack. This will not only allow a better
finish to the patch, but will also help the patch to retain some
moisture to allow a better seal.
