Concrete is a building material perfect for residential driveways, patios, sidewalks and foundations. While poured mixtures remain strong for decades at a time, these surfaces change over time thanks to sunlight, extreme temperatures and water damage. As a homeowner or contractor, it’s essential to monitor the condition of residential concrete for cracks, splits and separating pieces.
One of the best qualities of a concrete surface is that builders with all levels of experience can patch areas as needed. Using a few household tools, safety equipment and filler solutions, you can repair a surface on your own. Eliminate signs of deterioration by following the steps below to prolong the life of your residential concrete.
Tools and Equipment for Concrete Repairs
Restoring a concrete surface will require some everyday tools. Most of the equipment necessary to fix pitted or cracked concrete can be purchased at your local hardware store. Think about picking up the following items prior to starting your project:
- Trowel
- Float tool
- Bucket
- Hose or pressure washer (for cleaning)
- Small chisel
- Hammer
- Wire brush
- Push broom
For your safety, always wear the appropriate gloves, eyewear and rubber boots when you handle concrete.
How To Fix Pitted Or Cracked Concrete
1. Clean the Concrete Surface
Begin the concrete repair process by locating the cracks you want to fill and degreasing the surface of the concrete. You may find additional imperfections on your residential concrete as you progress with the project, so this step will keep you prepared for the unexpected. Apply soap or a specialized concrete cleaning solution, scrub with a push broom and use a hose or power washer for a thorough rinse.
This cleaning process will clear any road salts, vehicle fluids or debris trapped in hard-to-reach places.
2. Clear Cracks and Pits
Some cracks and pits can be difficult to spot. Use chalk or a pencil to mark the areas you wish to repair after the surface is dry. Use your hammer and chisel to clear any loose particles that are barely hanging on.
Be careful with removing fragments, as you’re only trying to remove weakened parts of the concrete. Next, clean the area with a wire brush and broom.
3. Apply Vinyl Concrete Patch for Repair
How you go about repairing concrete cracks will depend on your home improvement vision. Generally, repairing a surface involves using a solution known as vinyl concrete, which adapts to small crevices. Vinyl concrete consists of fine particles of sand mixed with Portland cement for a thin consistency.
The manufacturer’s instructions will tell you exactly how much water to add to the mixture in a bucket. When the patching concrete is ready, apply the mix with a trowel, pushing the solution down within the opening. Vinyl concrete will seal off a crack up to 0.5 inches wide and 2 inches deep, but you’ll want to use a float tool for flush results.
How to Repair Concrete Cracks That Turn Into Missing Chunks
Larger surfaces such as driveways are focal points of your home. Unfortunately, environmental factors like changing temperatures will cause sections of your concrete slab to break apart along the perimeter as time goes on. Fortunately, concrete patch products may also be used to sculpt your surface back to its original state.
Vinyl concrete will create a bond with your existing setup for a seamless repair. Follow the steps below to piece broken corners together for a pristine appearance:
- Discard detached pieces of concrete.
- Clear any debris left behind.
- Use a series of 2″x4″ boards to build a frame in the shape of the piece.
- Fasten the frame in place right against the damaged edge using stakes.
- Dig down several inches and fill the opening with limestone.
- Shovel the vinyl concrete solution, allowing it to take the shape of the wooden frame.
- Smooth the surface with a trowel or float tool once the concrete stiffens.
- Use an edger tool to remove excess mixture.
- Let the solution sit until it’s completely dry, then remove the frame.
Turn to Marstellar Oil and Concrete for Concrete Deliveries in Central Pennsylvania
Unsure of how to repair pitted concrete? Marstellar Oil and Concrete coordinates residential deliveries for homeowners and contractors near Cumberland, Dauphin, Lebanon, York and surrounding counties in central Pennsylvania. For everything from renovation projects surrounding patios and garages to DIY repairs, we can supply you with ready-mix concrete tailored to your applications.
If you’re looking to repair a large concrete structure or want to kickstart a project from scratch, contact Marstellar Oil and Concrete online for more information.
