Ed Lloyd Cracks are bound to appear on concrete walls, floors, and slabs. They form habitats for some dangerous animals that might harm you or the people around you. Furthermore, they might cause some unnecessary accidents. Even worse, these cracks will minimize the aesthetic value of your house, office and other premises. You have to fix the cracks as soon as possible.
It is quite unfortunate that most people do not know how to fix cracks in damaged concrete. A good number of homeowners will opt to seek the help of a professional to seal those ugly cracks. This is an exercise that you can do by yourself. In fact, you will incur less concrete repair costs.
There are many ways you can fix cracks in damaged concrete. Not all the methods are reliable. Some will just offer a short term solution. Obviously, that is something you do not want. It is important to go for a long-lasting remedy. Before you start your DIY concrete repair process, there are some important factors you need to put into consideration. These factors will ensure you have a smooth and easier repair procedure.
Size of the Cracks
You have to know the type and size of the cracks you are dealing with. Confirm if they are large or small. Then you can provide an appropriate solution that will see you get rid of this problem once and for all. Some cracks just need a basic sealing and they will be gotten rid of. Others need you to employ intense sealing and use of strong sealants. Get to know the cracks in your concrete wall before you proceed. It is the first and important step in fixing the cracks.
Concrete Sealants
To fix the cracks, you will need to use some reliable sealants. The sealants will help cover the cracks for good. You have an assignment to determine which sealant is the right fit for the cracks in your concrete. This means you will have to study the type of cracks you are dealing with. Through that, you can apply the best sealant that will see off the cracks. There are a lot of crack sealants that you can use. They include polyurethane and epoxy resin sealants just to name but a few. These materials are not only reliable but also durable. They will seal the cracks in the best way possible. Sooner than later your concrete will regain its great aesthetic value.
Materials
Apart from sealants, you also need some materials to help you cover the cracks. The materials vary depending on the procedure you adopt in fixing the cracks. All in all, the materials you choose should be able to help you eradicate this torment. Some of the materials used in this regard include concrete crack filler, masonry caulks, urea caulks, Hydraulic cement, caulking gun, cold chisel, whisk broom among many more. Remember the process of fixing the cracks tend to vary from one person to another. You have to use the most suitable procedure.
Fixing the Cracks in Concrete
You have to take this process seriously. It is an important undertaking that should help you curb concrete cracks, once and for all. Here is a suitable DIY process that will help you fix the cracks in your concrete.
1.Necessary materials and tools
First things first, you need to gather the needed materials and tools. Here you will need, sealer, concrete patch material, caulking gun, cold chisel, and whisk broom. They should be made readily available for the process that is about to follow. This will ensure you save a lot of time.
2. Clean the concrete floor, slab or wall
Before you use any type of filler, ensure the concrete you are attending to is clean. Get rid of any dirt, oil or debris. The concrete filler can only work effectively on a clean slab. Therefore cleanliness of the concrete is a big deal. Ensure you take care of it as soon as possible.
3. Chisel the Crack
You will need to get rid of any big pieces available in the concrete cracks. To help you do so, ensure you use a chisel. Hold it at a suitable angle and together with a hammer, chisel these cracks. This will help make the sealant to bod perfectly with the concrete crack.
4. Vacuum and Brush
This step gets rid of any debris, dust, and dirt present in the cracks. First, use a quality whisk broom, after which you can use a vacuum to clean those cracks efficiently.
5. Fill the cracks
Time to fill those cracks by using a concrete filler. Ensure you follow the rolled out instructions. After you have filled the cracks, you can monitor them to confirm if the used filler has already settled.
6. Give it time to cure
Give it enough time to cure. At least 24 hours will be enough for the healing process to take effect. Come back and check if there is a possible need for an additional patch.
7. Seal the cracks
It is now time to use your preferred sealant. The sealant should cover the patches and cracks once and for all. In that connection, you need to use a sealant such as polyurethane. It is ideal for concrete floors that have rough or an ugly finish. You can use a brush or broom to seal those rough patches left behind.
Conclusion
The process of fixing cracks on a concrete wall or floor should be taken seriously. Remember, cracks are so ugly that they will put the aesthetic value of your house in jeopardy. Getting rid of them is the only way that will help you restore the value of your house. Make sure you apply a reliable remedy. You need durable materials and an efficient procedure altogether. You can use the one discussed above, to help you with this exercise. Make sure you follow the steps and instructions given. Gather your materials in advance in order to have a smooth and easy process afterward.
