Is There A Way To Repair Cracked Concrete?

This time of year I start to detect all the flaws in my driveway, steps, and walkways.

While doing a routine fall preventive maintenance check at ane of our rental houses I noticed a sizable gap on the walkway betwixt a concrete step and landing surface area.

The gap was about 1/2 inch broad and seemed to be getting bigger over fourth dimension. Although this could just be my bad eyesight (anyone else feel my hurting here!).

I'd like to avoid the possibility of the crack getting larger and creating additional fractures.

My goals for this quick project were to make full the big crack,brand it watertight, and allow it to expand/contract with the natural freeze & thaw cycles.

These are the supplies you'll need

Broom
Foam Tubing (aka Polyfoam Caulk Saver)
Concrete Crack Filler
Pair of scissors
These Amazon links help back up HRT, many thanks for using them

The total cost of this project if y'all take to purchase everything is $23.15.

I'thou going out on a limb and assuming most of you own a broom and concrete fissure filler (LOL, just kidding). If y'all own a broom and pair of scissors the full cost is $11.20.

If your crack is less than one/4 inch and then yous don't even need the foam tubing.

Filling and repairing cracks in concrete is super important to prevent further damage. This is an piece of cake prepare and I walk you through it via a video likewise every bit a stride-by-step guide.

So let's get started because today you're going to notice a new price-saving home repair set up

Clean the Cleft-Step 1

Use a broom or castor to make clean the scissure. By the manner, the brush I'yard using in this video was my grandpa's. Before he passed away he had the presence of listen to give away all of his material possessions except for few tools.

I kept his castor and a few mason trowels as a reminder that you tin build anything if yous're willing to learn and exist persistent.

If your concrete crack has grease on information technology visit your local hardware or auto parts store and ask them for a product that will help remove the residual.

The crack I was working with was the result of the step and landing expanse pulling away from each other. Information technology was a command articulation that was purposely put in identify to prevent cracks from occurring.

This command joint, unfortunately, became "out of control" and widened besides much over the last 60 years. If water continues to become into the huge scissure it will continue to split the step and landing area from each other.

And the type of repair that this process volition atomic number 82 to tin be very expensive to fix.

Insert Foam Tubing (aka Polyfoam Caulk Saver) into Large Cracks-Step 2

The scissure I had to repair was most 1/2 inch wide.

Although Sakrete crack filler can be used for cracks up to this size it's best to make full in large gaps with the foam tubing.

The foam tubing should be slightly wider than the crack to create a tight fit. I used a five/eight inch broad diverseness.

Add foam tubing to large concrete cracks

Place the tubing in the fissure and push it down. There should be a ane/4 inch space between the top of the foam tubing and the tiptop of the concrete crevice.

This 1/4 inch space is where the concrete crack filler will be poured.

Click on this link for more details on the polyfoam caulk saver.

It's made by Frost Male monarch who as well has a ton of other great weatherizing products.

Check out their website (www.frostking.com) considering y'all'll get a lot of great ideas of how to proceed the cold weather condition from increasing your heating nib.

Apply Physical Crack Filler-Step 3

This is the fun part. Do y'all retrieve doing those crazy art projects in course school?

This is the adult version AND information technology saves you coin in the long run.

Shake the concrete crack sealer vigorously for about 15 to 30 seconds.

Apply a 1/4 inch deep layer of concrete crack filler to the concrete crack

Cutting the applicator tip with your scissors (or a utility knife or a steak knife-unless you're vegetarian).

Clasp the canteen and let the fissure filler to seal the crack where the foam tubing resides.

Let the filler to setup for 24 hours before walking or driving on it. I checked my crack filler (this phrase would have gotten me a demerit in Catholic school and certainly I'd accept detention past the end of this tutorial) later xxx minutes and information technology wasn't tacky.

Click on this link for more data on the Sakrete crack filler I used.

If your cleft is super deep (DEMERIT!) you can add a 2nd application. A 24 hr wait fourth dimension is needed between each successive application.

I didn't trowel or smoothen out the Sakrete physical crack filler. You lot'll observe that it is self-leveling and will look fine later on information technology settles.

Hither'due south a video of this repair project. Yous should watch information technology considering it walks yous through the entire process.

What's Next

Our tutorial showing how to repair physical expansion joints as well comes in handy – and will save you a ton of money.

If you lot're doing a bathroom remodel and need help, bring together one of our online courses – they'll make your bathroom renovation much easier!

Allow me know if you have any questions and I'll do my all-time to assist.

Cheers,

Jeff

Concrete Crack Filler