Wide cracks in concrete can be a major eyesore, but they can also be a sign of underlying structural damage. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to repair cracked concrete, depending on the severity of the damage. In some cases, a simple DIY project may be enough to fix the problem, while in other cases, a professional concrete contractor may be needed. For minor cracks, a concrete patching compound is usually the best option.
This is mixed with water and applied with a trowel. For larger cracks, a concrete repair mix is recommended. These are available at home centers and online and come in a variety of options, including epoxy compounds, latex patch material, and mortar mixes. When filling in the cracks, it is important to use the right technique.
It is recommended to nail the trowel into the compound to eliminate all types of air pockets and help work the patch deep into the crack. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the patch material matches the color of the existing concrete as closely as possible. In some cases, repairing cracks in concrete may not be enough to fix the problem. If the underlying cause of the crack is not addressed, it may continue to reappear.
Common causes of concrete cracking include rusting steel rebar and uneven floors on either side of the building. If these issues are present, it is important to call in an expert to repair them before attempting to level the concrete. In Australia, elastomeric masonry crack filler is often used with a caulking gun to repair narrow cracks in concrete. For major problems with concrete cracking, it is best to call in an expert as soon as possible. They will be able to assess the situation and determine what needs to be done to fix it. Overall, repairing cracked concrete can be a simple DIY project or require professional help depending on the severity of the damage.
It is important to use the right materials and techniques when filling in cracks and address any underlying issues that may be causing them.
