What is the best way to repair cracks in concrete?
Over time, concrete slabs get cracks. You can restore them by hiring a sidewalk repair contractor NYC, as you cannot avoid them due to concrete’s rigid nature. Although one might think they are not serious, they can expand into fissures and require expensive repair. Shrinkage, temperature changes, and uneven drying of concrete lead to cracks and fractures in the slab.
Significance of Filling Cracks in Concrete
Concrete cracks and fixtures indicate deeper underlying issues. The first thing to do before starting repair is to find out the severity of the crack. Hairline cracks are visible from the inside only and are usually safe. You can fill them up to prevent water seepage.
However, cracks larger than ¼ are visible, both from inside and outside of the building. You need help from a professional to get them inspected.
Concrete Cracks Repairing
Here is a step-by-step guide to repairing cracks in concrete:
Choose the Right Repair Product
You cannot repair concrete surfaces with concrete. You need to use a concrete repair mix. For example, latex patching material, mortar mixes, and epoxy compounds.
Prepare the Cracked Area
Use a hammer and chisel to remove crumbling and cracked concrete. Chip to a depth of 1 inch under the surface. Rise and scrub the area thoroughly to dislodge loose pieces.
Use the Repair Product
- Epoxy or latex is for treat concrete cracks 1/8-inch wide or narrower. Follow the directions. Put the mixture deep into the crack and smooth it with the surrounding concrete.
- A mortar mix is ideal for larger cracks and fractures. Use the mortar mix and make a thick paste. Make the problem area moist, and then apply the mortar mix using a putty knife or trowel. Set for two hours and cover with plastic. It needs to be kept moist. Continue sprinkling water under the plastic every day for a few days until it hardens.
Cure the Area
You need to cure the concrete area after repair. It should be dry before you paint or expose it to water or traffic. This is necessary to ensure that the repair lasts. The cure time can vary depending on the repair material you use. You can check the label on the crack filler to know the curing time.
- Epoxy crack fillers harden fully in 4 hours.
- Mortar repair takes about 28 days to achieve complete hardness.
Preventing Cracks in Concrete
There are many effective ways to prevent concrete cracks. You can use these measures while laying the slab. There are other ways to prevent cracks in existing sidewalks, driveways, or patios.
Seal Concrete
Water is the main culprit behind concrete cracks. Using high-quality concrete every 3 to 5 years stops moisture from soaking into the porous concrete. This will prevent cracks as well.
Avoid Planting Trees Next to Concrete
If you plant trees adjacent to the sidewalks, driveways, or patios, eventually they will exert pressure on the concrete. The roots will cause cracks and upheaval of the slabs. It is best to create a buffer around trees to prevent this.
Work on Drainage System
Water is concrete’s enemy. Standing water on a concrete sidewalk or driveway, or water that drains towards the foundation of the house/building is damaging. The surfaces retain water and eventually crack.
You can stop this by ensuring that the gutters, downspouts, and the grading surrounding the home are clean. Ensure that the rainwater drains away from the foundation. As a result, no excess water soaks into the concrete and there is no water wastage either.
Set the Sprinklers Away from Concrete Surfaces
Watch out where your sprinklers are. See that you limit the amount of water near the concrete surfaces. Concrete absorbs water and this leads to cracks. Direct the sprinklers away from your concrete foundation, patio, or driveway to prevent water from soaking into the concrete.
Signs You Need to Worry About Concrete Cracks
Thin cracks are often ignored. We do not pay attention to these issues unless the damage exceeds. You can repair cracks in concrete using the above methods. For extensive damage or larger fissures, getting the help of a professional contractor NYC would be your best bet to get the job done without any hassle.
Here are a few signs to look out for to know if you need professional assistance or DIY the concrete cracks:
- Wide cracks that are wider than ½ inch indicate issues in the slab.
- Leaking cracks in the basement indicate water in the foundation. A professional can assess the source of the leak and repair it before it worsens.
- Multiple cracks across the concrete surface mean you need extensive repairs.
- Cracked concrete that pushes outward or upward indicates extensive concrete damage, and a crack filler cannot repair this.
- You may have to deal with failed repairs too. If you repair a crack and it cracks again, you have an active crack that calls for professional attention.
Conclusion
You can easily repair small cracks in concrete using basic tools and supplies. This would prevent them from expanding and turning into bigger problems. If you are unable to properly repair or the cracks come back after some time, call in a professional contractor to deal with the issue.
Whether you repair the cracks yourself or call in a professional, you must pay attention to the issues on time to prevent the cracks and damage from escalating and becoming costly to repair.