Ed Lloyd Cracks are prone to occur even in unexpected areas. It could be that building you are working on, bridges, roads or even huge dams. That aside, we shall be talking about repair on a small scale, something that doesn’t involve hanging on the side of a huge bridge for repairs but something you can apply at home, work or anywhere if necessary.
Why Does Concrete Crack?
Concrete cracks are related to the changes in the external conditions which interact with the chemical composition of the concrete floor. Here are some reasons for concrete cracks:
1. Using too much water in the mix- excess water generally reduces the strength of the concrete, making it more vulnerable.
2. Rapid drying of concrete – Concrete creation main depends on a chemical reaction which helps transform the concrete from liquid, plastic and eventually solid. But all this cannot happen without water. This is why it’s mandatory to pour water on the concrete every now and then on the slab. To yield a durable and string concrete floor.
3. Improper strength of concrete- Contractors have to verify which strength of concrete is to be used on different constructions. Using the wrong one yield cracks eventually. There are many reasons why cracks occur but these are the common reasons.
Why Fill Cracks?
There are many reasons why you should consider filling the cracks either on your concrete floor or outdoor path. Some of them include: To prevent water from seeping through the cracks To prevent further damage. Now that you have an idea of some of the causes and reasons for repair. Let’s kick off.
First, you require to have the right filler for the job. Among the most proficient fillers, you can come across is the Bondfill Concrete Crack Filler. It is viscous and flexible to repair the product by preventing water intrusion. They are available in 950ml bottles. The product has been and is still in use since 1936 by professionals. It is considered the best choice due to the following reasons:
- It is high quality, viscous, versatile and most of all durable for concrete surfaces.
- It protects concrete surfaces even in very low temperatures.
- Ready to use and can be used on cracks of up to 1/2 inch wide by 1/4 inch deep.
How to Fill Cracks
In preparation for the following procedure, ensure that you are well protected. Using gloves and any other protective clothing is one way to safeguard your properly. Don’t apply the product during winter when temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius of ( 10 degrees Fahrenheit). There are mainly two types of cracks. We are going to be dealing with the wide and narrow concrete cracks.
Clean the targeted surface to lose concrete, water and other unwanted material that hinder the adequate performance of the filler.
Repairing Wide Concrete Cracks
To pull this through you have to undercut the sides of the crack first. This will provide you with a “V” shape where you can place the repair material.
- Using a chisel and a hammer widen the base of the crack dislodging any loose material from the old concrete.
- Ensure that you get rid of all unwanted material using a wire brush.
- Dry shop vacuum or a brush to ensure that there is no water or debris in the targeted area.
- Shake the container with the filler vigorously to mix its contents efficiently.
- Now, put the compound into the cracks. Also, ensure there are no air pockets while you are doing this. While filling the crack pay keen attention to the surrounding concrete surface as well.
- To smoothen the surface of the patch, use a towel to feather the compound into the surrounding concrete. Using a paintbrush, you can fix the surface to the desired finish.
- Allow the curing process to take place. Ensuring the are is protected has external conditions, like rain, for 24 hours. Also, no cement-based products should be applied in on top of the filler.
- Finally, paint or seal the surface of the crack to match the surrounding concrete.
Repairing Narrow Concrete Cracks
Filling these types of cracks is a piece of cake. Using a caulking gun, you can complete this task in minutes. However, products like Bondfill have their bottles modified for this purpose.
- Apply the filler on the targeted area.
- Using a putty knife or trowel smoothen the area of focus.
Narrow cracks are at times deep. They can even run through the entire thickness of the concrete. This is why you should start the repair by staffing foam beaker into the crack to create a base to hold the repair material. You can do this using a screwdriver up to a depth of 1/4 inch. It is recommended that users should follow the manufacturer’s directions to prevent a mess.
Conclusion
Are you tired of the way your cracked concrete appears? Then you know exactly what to do to transform it. The best part is that you can do it yourself with no help from a professional. Put your skill to work by trying the methods above for an outstanding professional approach. Do it like a pro.
