How to Make Repairs to Concrete

You may have concrete used quite a bit around your home for things like sidewalks, your driveway, garage floor, patio, basement walls, and even the basement floor. Concrete is very durable, which is why it is used in so many elements. Although concrete can withstand a lot, it isn't without fail. Concrete can breakdown over time and can get damaged for a number of reasons. See below for tips to repair your concrete.

Superficial Cracks

Minor cracks can easily be repaired to prevent these small crevices from getting deeper and spreading further along your concrete. Fill in the small cracks using a concrete caulking. It is applied much like a regular caulk, using a caulk gun, but it is made to repair concrete. Fill in the cracks fully and then use your finger or a metal scraper to help even out the caulk with the rest of the concrete.

Larger Cracks

Larger cracks (more than two inches wide) should be filled in using a ready-mix patch. Mix the ready mix patch following the manufacturer's instructions and apply it to the crack. Spread the patch using a metal scraper or concrete spreading tool to level it out with the concrete. Remove as much from the concrete as possible to prevent the excess from breaking off later down the road. For deeper cracks, you can fill them in with rubber or other tubing then add the concrete patch over the top.

Sinking Slab

For slabs that are sinking, such as sidewalk sections or patios, you'll need to jack up the slab and fill in the base with sand and fine gravel. Level the area beneath and then lower the slab back into place. Sidewalks and patios can sink if they aren't level to begin with or the proper materials aren't used to prevent sinking from occurring. 

Crumbling Concrete

Crumbling can happen over time from things such as using rock salt, which can damage your concrete. Stop using rock salt and use sand instead. If the crumbling is happening from poor water drainage, then you'll need to figure out how to drain the water properly. Concrete slabs should be level but have a bit of a slant to them to help with drainage. If you no longer have that slant, you'll need to have your slab jacked up if possible to help aid in draining.

Concrete is durable, but isn't without fail. Make repairs as needed if you can, but if your concrete is crumbling beyond repair, it may be time for some professional help. Call a professional concrete company, like B M H Concrete Inc, for help either with making repairs or with installing new concrete in your home for your patio, sidewalk, driveway, walkway, or basement.