Fix Your Cracks Early

Table of Contents

Cracks can appear in your concrete at the most inconvenient times. The reasons for cracks are numerous, but the most common is not having the proper ground preparation beneath your concrete. Unless you have a bed of gravel underneath your concrete to provide the proper drainage, your concrete will react adversely to water, and to the fluctuations in the ground surrounding the concrete. The constant expansion and contraction of the ground will cause any hard surface to crack as a result. Left untreated, water will invade the slab, which will eventually cause the rebar embedded within the concrete to rust, further damaging the concrete. The good news is it’s fairly easy to fix those cracks and keep them from growing out of control. Here’s what you need to do to apply concrete crack filler:

Steps to Follow

  • Sweep the area to clear away dirt, grease, or loose concrete. You may need to chisel out crumbling and unstable concrete before you begin the repair.
  • Pressure wash the area, if at all possible. This will eliminate all surface buildup and contribute to creating a good bond.
  • Use a name brand product and speak to a sales representative to make certain you are buying the correct product for the job.
  • Mix the powder with water, following the instructions on the can, making certain to get rid of all the lumps.
  • Fill in the crack by using a trowel. Run the tip of the trowel through the filler to remove any air bubbles. Make sure the void is filled completely, packing the filler into the crack, and making sure there are no gaps. Cracks can be up to ½ inch deep, so make sure the gap is filled completely.
  • Apply pressure to the damp concrete to pack the filler and make sure the void is filled in completely. Smooth the surface and feather the edges into the existing concrete, creating a tight bond.
  • Use a brush to smooth and blend the patch into the surrounding area.
  • Wait 24 hours before placing any furniture or boxes on the surface.
  • Finish your repair by applying a sealer coat to further prevent water, grease, salt, acids, and stains from penetrating the surface.

If you follow these steps, your concrete surface will look brand new again in a short amount of time. All you need is a trowel and a few hours of your time to apply concrete crack filler.

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Libby Austin

Libby Austin, the creative force behind alltheragefaces.com, is a dynamic and versatile writer known for her engaging and informative articles across various genres. With a flair for captivating storytelling, Libby's work resonates with a diverse audience, blending expertise with a relatable voice.
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