Degrees of DIY Concrete Repair

If you have sunken concrete or frost heave, the concrete and the sub grade will have to be removed. You might want to consider a concrete service company at this point - in addition to talking to a local soils engineer for a status on your soil.

For smaller jobs such as surface cracks, there are many things that the DIYer can do to repair the damage.

Please know that with this type of repair, you will never have a clean looking surface because of the compound that seals the crack will have to spill over onto the existing concrete.

There is a vinyl concrete patching compound available at most home improvement supply houses that is nice for smoothing off edges of steps and corners of patios that have broken off over the years.

Squaring off with wood, applying and smoothing out is all that is necessary for this type of repair. A bonding agent is not required for this vinyl patching compound.

This type of job is a bit more intense than filling in a crack but if the proper steps are taken, going the DIY concrete repair route can achieve very good results.

Removal of all dirt by using a pressure washer is the first step.

In resurfacing or using any type of concrete patching mix, preparing the concrete into just the right consistency is key to doing an acceptable job.

Also, use concrete that has at least 3,000 PSI and good adhesion. A bonding agent will come with the mix.

Carefully mix the concrete, adding liquid in small quantities until you have arrived at a peanut butter consistency. Never mix more than can be applied in a 20 to 30 minute period.

The next few processes may best be a job for someone who has been active in DIY concrete repair previously of laying concrete or have a friend over who has some knowledge of the task.

The work of applying the concrete mix, filling holes, adding a second coat and the finishing process is truly a skilled art.

You have to be prepared to work your concrete with two trowels, smoothing out before it dries.

Concrete finishers become very skilled at what they do, much more than a beginner but you can learn this skill as well with patience and persistence.

If you begin tackling this job and feel that you are never going to arrive at your expected results, there are many solid concrete companies able to lend you a hand.

Visit my find your contractor page to find a quality concrete repair company to look at servicing options on your concrete repair projects.

Below are links to different concrete repair projects to help you as needed.

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