How to Fix Cracks in Concrete

Concrete is an expensive material. When concrete is cracked or damaged, replacing it would be costly both in terms of time and money.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Broom
• Concrete or masonry grinder
• Masonry chisel
• Steel brush
• Shop vacuum
• Water hose with nozzle for power washing
• Concrete mixture (ex: Quikrete)
• Spatula
• Trowel
• Float

1. Examine the size of the cracks. Smaller cracks are easier to fix than huge cracks. Examining the cracks will help you assess how much preparation is needed and how much concrete to buy.

2. Purchase the materials needed. Buy concrete that has been premixed in order to save time. There are products sold specifically for fixing concrete cracks; these products typically include adhesive or bonding substances. An example of this is Quikrete.

3. Remove the cracked concrete that is blocking the crack opening. This way you will ensure that the new concrete will pour in and dry evenly. Use a masonry chisel to break and remove the remaining concrete. For bigger cracks, you may need a concrete or masonry grinder to accomplish this task.

4. Clean the cracks. Use a steel brush to remove the debris from inside the cracks, then use a broom to remove the dust and debris on the outside of the cracks. Use a shop vacuum for best results.

5. Power wash the cracks to remove the remaining dirt that cannot be removed by the brush and broom. Let dry after washing.

6. Pour the concrete mixture into the cracks. Use a spatula or a steel trowel to push the concrete inside the cracks.

7. Apply evenly using a float. Make sure to flatten the surface so that it is flush (the same height) with the existing concrete. Remove concrete if there is any excess or, if necessary, add more concrete.

8. Examine the newly poured concrete and let dry. Avoid foot traffic on the fresh concrete. Put plastic over the wet concrete so that debris will not stick to it. The plastic cover also helps the concrete dry slowly to avoid additional cracking.

9. Re-touch areas that still show gaps or small cracks by applying more concrete repeating the drying process.

[LadyChartres]

on 7/25/2008 What is a 'float'?