Are you wondering how to fix a crumbling concrete driveway? If your concrete is starting to chip and you have small wells that collect water, it is likely that the mixture used to create the concrete contains too much water. Professionals describe this condition as “chipping”, which is not really a condition that lends itself to DIY repairs. However, if the damage is not too serious, you may be able to take care of the repair yourself. The first step in a concrete repair is to remove loose concrete and all dust.
You can use a chisel and a hammer or rent a rotary hammer tool with a chisel tip for larger areas. To clean all the dust and loose particles of sand, use a garden hose and a scrubbing brush. Once the area is clean, apply a thin layer of concrete bonding agent to each of the crumbling areas, using a medium to large brush. Then add small stones to the mixture in the proportion of three parts of stone, two parts of sand and 1.5 parts of Portland cement for a strong mix.
To bond new to old concrete, always use cement paint. It is essential to have an effective method of cleaning the crumbling area ahead of time, so be sure to plan ahead. Additionally, remove anything that may hinder the mortar adhesion process, such as grease, paint or oil that has previously been in contact with the area. Temperature is also an important factor when fixing crumbling concrete. Ensure that the air temperature remains above 10 degrees Celsius or 50 Fahrenheit for at least eight hours after the concrete has been poured.
After that, the temperature should remain above 0 degrees Celsius or 32 Fahrenheit for the next 24 hours. If your driveway has been severely affected by flaking, which has led to cracks throughout its depth, it may be wise to appoint a professional to carry out the necessary repairs. If you decide to undertake the work yourself, make sure you follow all these steps for best results. If you are looking for the best cold weather input material, contact our team today and we can adapt it to an attractive and durable solution that will benefit your home for years to come.