The good news is that small concrete cracks can be repaired easily with a few basic tools and supplies. This will prevent them from becoming bigger issues. Before making repairs, it’s important to assess the condition of the existing concrete. This includes observing the size of the cracks and determining whether they are active or dormant.
Concrete Repair Colorado Springs is an essential part of maintaining a concrete structure. It prevents further damage and allows the structure to carry its design loads without compromising safety or serviceability. Cracks should be filled with a durable material that can bond with the surrounding concrete and maintain its tensile strength.
Cracks in concrete are caused by stress from external loading and internal forces. They can be due to shrinkage, settlement, or differential movement. The cause of the cracks must be determined to allow the correct repair method to be selected. This can be done by conducting a condition evaluation of the structure, including visual inspection, destructive and non-destructive testing, a review of design and construction documents, and analysis of corrosion activity.
It is important to understand that not all concrete cracks are equal and that the different types require other repair methods. Stitching and routing are two common crack repair methods. Both have their advantages and disadvantages depending on the needs of the structure. Crack stitching is useful for active cracks that have not yet propagated fully. The stitching procedure consists of opening the cracks, placing a reinforcing bar, and filling the cracks with concrete. The cracks must be cured properly to ensure the new concrete makes an adequate bond with the existing concrete. This requires a long, moist curing period to reduce shrinkage cracking.
Routing and sealing is a more permanent repair method that works well on dormant cracks that have yet to propagate. The cracked surface is routed and cleaned, and a sealant is placed over the surface. This can be a polymer-based product such as Sakrete’s Polyurethane Concrete Repair, which has superior durability and longevity over latex-based products.
If the cracks are very large or are leaking, replacement of the concrete is an option that is best left to a professional. This will require removing the damaged concrete, forming a proper base, and pouring a new concrete structure. The new concrete should have a low water-to-cement ratio and a high percentage of coarse aggregate to minimize shrinkage cracking.
If you discover leaks in concrete, you’ll need to do some detective work to determine the cause of the problem. Once you know what’s causing the situation, you can focus on fixing the issue and making repairs. For example, if the issue is below grade, you may need to fix plumbing issues, replace sprinkler lines, add French drains, or regrade the yard. If the issue is above grade, it could be due to a broken water line, a failed sump pump, or problems with the home’s sewer system.
Before you begin any concrete repair, sweep the area to remove dirt and debris that can act as bond breakers. Once the concrete is clean, you should apply a bonding agent to ensure that your new mix will properly adhere to the existing concrete. Sakrete offers two products that can be used for this purpose: Bonder & Fortifier and Fast-Setting Cement Patcher. Both should be applied to the repaired area as directed and then allowed to dry. The curing process for concrete can take up to 48 hours, so ensure the area is covered and no one walks on the repair site during this period.
Once the repair is complete, you can use a concrete sealer like Concrete and Sealer to protect the repair from future damage. Consider applying a waterproofing sealer to the surface to help prevent leaks in the future.
In addition to the benefits above, routine maintenance will significantly reduce the need for concrete repair and replacement. However, even with the best preventative measures, the need for concrete repairs will inevitably arise occasionally. To minimize the frequency and severity of these repairs, you should have a well-established substantial maintenance program in place.
Many home and business owners put their pool in service when the warmer weather rolls around. A properly maintained pool is a big part of any summertime entertainment experience, including an even concrete surface around the water for safe traction. Keeping the surrounding substantial deck level will prevent dangerous trips and falls that could result in major injury to children or seniors.
Several methods can be used for repairing a pool deck, depending on the cracks’ size and the finished product’s desired appearance. One of the simplest methods is to fill the cracks with Portland cement grout. This material is well suited for repairing gaps up to 2 inches vertically. However, it must be carefully mixed so that the color matches the existing concrete. A trowel applies a thin layer of the concrete mix to the damaged area.
Another option is using epoxy resin to fill large gaps and cracks. Epoxy is an effective solution for repairing cracks wider than 1/4 inch, and it can be tinted to match the color of the surrounding concrete. However, this method does not address the underlying cause of the cracks and can leave the area vulnerable to future problems.
A concrete grinding technique can smooth and blend the repaired areas with the rest if you prefer a smoother finish for your pool deck. This process will also remove any dirt or other debris trapped in the cracks and crevices of your pool deck.
Eroded earth can be a serious problem for any pool deck, as it promotes moisture and settles underneath the concrete slab or paving stones. This can cause the deck to sink and compromise the structural integrity of any buildings on the property.
A ground improvement specialist can use various solutions to stabilize and lift concrete and paving stone pool decks. These techniques can be performed with minimal disruption to the surrounding landscape and will provide a solid base for the deck.
Concrete driveways are exposed to a lot of wear and tear, particularly from deicing salts and winter’s freeze-thaw cycles. Cracks, chips, and spalling can be unsightly and lead to further damage if addressed.
Repairing or replacing a concrete driveway is a major undertaking that requires professional assistance. The best option for a homeowner is to enlist the services of a concrete repair company that offers comprehensive concrete repairs, including resurfacing and refinishing. A concrete contractor can make your damaged driveway look new again while ensuring the repaired surface is structurally sound and safe for vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
Before starting any concrete repairs, the area needs to be thoroughly cleaned so that any dirt or debris doesn’t interfere with the repair process. The concrete surface should also be inspected for any major or minor defects that should be addressed. Once the inspection is complete, the contractor can determine the proper repair procedure for the defect.
Depending on the severity of the problem, you may need to break up the existing concrete and pour a new one. Typically, this is only necessary for large cracks or hollow sections of the driveway. For small hairline cracks, you can use a bottle of crack filler to seal them. Choosing a quality product that will last and cure properly is important.
When repairing hollow sections of the driveway, it is essential to ensure that they are raised back up to the proper level so that they don’t create tripping hazards for pedestrians and vehicles. A common method for raising sunken concrete is to inject a lifting foam, such as PolyLevel, underneath the slab. PolyLevel is injected through a pencil eraser-sized hole and expands to fill the voids, bringing the concrete back to its original position.
Once the concrete repair is complete, applying a protective sealer is a good idea. The sealer will help protect the repaired concrete from future damage and give the surface a nice, shiny appearance. The sealer should be applied a few hours before the concrete is opened to pedestrian traffic and 24 hours before vehicular traffic.
