Concrete Repair

Concrete is durable and low-maintenance, but upkeep is required and concrete repair is sometimes needed to keep a structure performing as planned.

Cracking is inevitable.

Structural issues can occur and will worsen with time.

However, you will be pleased to find that most cracks do not reduce structural performance and repairs often last for a long time (Quikrete, 2008, p. 114).

When considering concrete repair, the first item to think about is the type of damage you are facing.

If you have sunken concrete or frost heave, the concrete and the sub grade will need to be removed.

You will want to consider hiring a concrete service company at this point - in addition to talking to a local soils engineer for an assessment of your soil conditions.

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

If you just want to fill-in the opening to prevent the crack from spreading while collecting dirt and mold, there is a quick and easy solution.

Clean and chisel the crack, filling with sand and bonding agent is the easiest way to accomplish this.

Please note that with this type of repair, you cannot achieve a clean-looking surface because of the compound that seals the crack will have to spill-over onto the existing concrete.

Conveniently, there is a vinyl concrete patching compound available at most home improvement stores 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.

Resurfacing is an option that can help you not only take care of any surface cracks but also fill in any pitted spots and give your area a more professional looking job.

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.

When resurfacing or using any type of concrete patching mix, preparing the surface and mixing the concrete to just the right consistency are the keys to getting great results.

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 tasks of applying the concrete mix, filling holes, adding a second coat and the finishing process require patience and skill.

Be prepared to work your concrete with two trowels, smoothing out before it dries.

The repair finishing process consists of smoothing and brushing the final coat before it becomes too dry in which case you need to re-wet and rework, inviting potential strength reduction and/or concrete spalling.

Concrete finishers become very skilled at what they do through training and practice, but you can learn this skill with patience and persistence.

If you begin tackling this job and feel that you are never going to arrive at your desired result, there are many solid concrete companies ready and willing to provide repair services.

Reference
(2008). Quikrete Guide to Concrete, Masonry, and Stucco Projects. Creative Publishing International: Minneapolis, MN.

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