![]() ![]() Use a knife or trowel to scrape off excess epoxy or filler, and make the solution level with the surface concrete. Apply masonry crack filler with a caulk gun, and push it down into the crack with a putty knife. The backer rod will take up space in the crack, which means you’ll need less filler. The first step to fill a moderate crack wider than one-quarter inch is to use your finger or the tip of your screwdriver to plant a backer rod. You can fill hairline cracks with epoxy once you’ve cleared them of dust. Errant dust will prevent the filler from adhering properly. When you’re done chiseling or chipping, use the wire brush to dislodge the debris, then vacuum again. ![]() Create a V-shaped valley in large cracks so you can lay the patching compound without air bubbles. Chip down to a depth of about one inch for moderate cracks. You may need to widen moderate or large cracks with a chisel to access the deeper parts. Vacuum up the debris with the wet-dry vacuum cleaner. Prepare the concrete surface by sweeping it clean of large debris, then use the wire brush to loosen debris and dust from within and around the crack. If the cracked concrete is outdoors, wait for a dry day on which the temperature is higher than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Large: Concrete patching compound, bucket, masonry chisel, sledgehammer, sandpaper, masonry paint.Moderate: Concrete crack filler, concrete backer rod, masonry chisel, hammer, caulk gun, screwdriver.Small: Epoxy or concrete crack filler, caulk gun. ![]() Here are the size-specific materials you’ll need to fix your concrete crack: You’ll need the following materials, no matter the size of the crack: Large, wide cracks call for masonry patching compounds that a professional can apply with a bucket and trowel instead of a tube or caulk gun. You may need to chisel the space surrounding the crack to remove damaged or loose concrete. Hairline cracks typically only require sealant to fix, while moderate cracks need to be filled with some type of backer rod. Small cracks are narrower than a one-eighth inch (the thickness of a quarter), moderate cracks are one-eighth inch to a half-inch, and large cracks are wider than a half-inch. The width of the crack will typically dictate the repair method you’ll need to fix the crack. Foundation cracks are a sign of a larger problem, such as foundation bowing or shifting, and catching them early will help preserve your home’s structural integrity. If you spot a horizontal crack in your foundation, you should call a professional to help with repairs. If the cracks are very wide, or if there are many cracks, you’ll probably need to call in a concrete contractor. Larger cracks will require additional tools and time. If you notice the crack is a half-inch wide or smaller, you can consider a DIY approach. ![]() Assess the CrackĮxamine a concrete crack closely to determine how you should proceed and whether you need professional repair. Homeowners should repair the concrete as soon as they notice an issue.įixing cracked concrete involves determining the size and severity of the crack, getting the concrete ready, filling the crack, and allowing the filler to cure. Water can also cause the rebar inside a slab to rust. If water pools in a concrete crack and freezes, it will expand and further damage the entire slab. Tree roots, soil pressure, and settlement can also cause cracks. If you notice large cracks, there may be issues with the entire slab.Ĭoncrete expands in heat and shrinks in cold, especially in climates that experience significant temperature fluctuations. In this case, slabs will probably only develop small hairline cracks or narrow cracks. Cracking is usually minimal if a professional has mixed and poured the concrete. We’ll also help you determine when it’s time to call in the pros for concrete crack repair.Īs concrete dries, water evaporates from the mixture, causing concrete slabs to develop cracks. Read our guide below for tips on how to repair cracks in concrete slabs that comprise your concrete driveway, sidewalk, concrete patio, garage floor, or basement. Concrete is a strong construction material that can bear a great deal of weight, but it can crack over time as a consequence of shifting temperatures. ![]()
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