How to Repair Cracks in New Concrete
Concrete can crack from a number of different causes. Inside concrete is subject to wear from daily use, and outside concrete is subject to wear from daily use, as well as the constant effects of weather. Newer concrete is less likely to need to be replaced, but cracks that are not repaired in a timely manner are likely to become bigger, and may even damage the concrete's structural integrity. Patching even small cracks can strengthen concrete, as well as give it a longer lifespan. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Broom or or hand broom
- Water
- Portland Cement
- Putty Knife
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Instructions
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Clean the area around the crack thoroughly by clearing away any debris, and going over the area with a broom to clear away dust. If a lot of dirt is in or near the crack, you may need to scrub with detergent and water.
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Dampen the area around the crack. Although the concrete should be wet, avoid using so much water that it pools on the surface.
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Mix portland cement and water to make a grout to repair the crack. Add enough water so that the mixture becomes a thick paste.
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Use a putty knife to apply the grout to the crack. Fill the crack, and then smooth the area over so that it is even with the surrounding concrete. Allow the repair to dry for at least two hours. If it is outside, cover the area with plastic to prevent weather from getting to the grout before it has fully dried.
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Tips & Warnings
This guide is intended for hairline cracks. For larger cracks, you will need to use a concrete patch. These can be bought at hardware stores and come with instructions that depend on the product you buy.
To strengthen the repair, you can apply concrete adhesive before repairing. Concrete adhesive can be found at hardware stores.
Even after repairing a crack in concrete, it may still be structurally weakened. This means cracks may form more easily in the future. For concrete that has a large number of cracks, or is structurally weak, it may be best to replace the damaged area.
