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How To Repair Large Cracks In Concrete Patio



Question: Whats The Thinnest I Can Go With Deep Level Concrete Hole Repair Can I Give It A Feather Edge

This product was not designed to be able to give a tight, feathered edge, or a finished surface. The aggregate size is quite large; the thinnest is can be applied 1/8?. If a smoothing feathered repair concrete finished edge is desired, try using one of our other products such as FlashPatch™ or SureTex™ with Deep Level.

Best Concrete Crack Filler Kit: Applied Technologies Concrete Crack Repair Kit


If you are after the best concrete crack filler kit, then this complete solution by Applied Technologies is ideal. This kit includes everything you need to fix your damaged concrete, making repairs easier and more efficient. The kit includes a fast curing surface sealer, injection polyurethane foam, safety goggles, gloves, and every tool required for using the filler. There is even a step-by-step instructional DVD to help make the process easier. 

Besides being incredibly user-friendly, this kit also offers serious results. The poxy paste bonds incredibly tightly with the concrete to make the polyurethane injection much more effective. The sealer and injection polyurethane foam is super fast sealing to make the job easier. Once cured, the formula effectively stops water from leaking through. The kit also comes with two cartridges of poxy paste which makes this product stretch further than most others.

This kit can be used to cover and seal hairline cracks and wider areas of concrete damage. It is an incredibly forgiving concrete caulk kit that any person, regardless of their skill level, should be able to apply. The main bonus is that every single aspect of the kit that you need is included – saving you plenty of shopping. Of course, the results are also excellent. The polyurethane won’t shrink and is very fast setting. 

  • The caulking gun is pretty basic

 


Question: Settlement At Concrete Steps & Cracking In Stamped Concrete Patio

2016/09/06 Anonymous said:

I had a stamped patio installed about four months ago. Recently I noticed that the steps appear to have settled some.

They used to be tight against the house, but there is now about a 3/16″ gap. I am wondering if this is anything to be concerned about. I have also noticed some hairline cracks in various places on the patio less then 1/32″ wide.

Also, any specific recommendations on how best to seal the gap against the house and the cracks? Thanks for any help. – C.L.


Reply: Settlement for new steps or patios is most-often due to inadequate site preparation

Anon:

Settlement for new steps or patios is most-often due to inadequate site preparation such as building on poorly-compacted soil, though also roof spillage or surface runoff also cause settlement trouble.

I have posted your photos of both the concrete step settlement and the cracking in the stamped concrete patio along with your question here so that other readers can comment.

It looks as if the steps are settling to the right away from the building wall, perhaps from footing settlement, inadequate footings below the steps, or construction, as I speculated, on poorly compacted fill.

Unfortunately we cannot predict how much more settlement is going to occur without knowing more about the construction procedure and site preparation. For the amount of movement shown in your concrete stair photo, expensive repairs are not yet justified but they might become necessary if settlement continues.


How To Apply Surecrete Deep Patch Concrete Hole Patching Leveling Material

  • Clean the surface – Concrete substrate should be completely clear of any grease, oil, old paint, etc.. Otherwise it will not form a good bond.
  • While not always necessary, some areas may need profiling if they are exceptional “tightly trowelled.” Easily be done with another of our Surface Preparation products – SCR.
  • Dampen the surface of the concrete . Then apply a thin coating of SureBond to a small work area so as not to let it dry out.
  • Mix Deep Patch™ with water thoroughly in a large bucket. While working to ensure it does not set up before it can be applied.

  • Apply Deep Level to ONLY the work area where SureBond is present, not dry. Continue following these steps until all sectors have been patched/covered to your satisfaction! Deep Level is typically trowelled into place; however, application methods will vary depending on the project needs.
  • Patches in excess of 2” up to 4” require the introduction of # 8 pea gravel at the rate of 10 pounds pea gravel to 1 – 50 pound bag of Deep Patch™.
  • Base Coat1. Before applying Deep Patch™, the surface should be saturated surface dry with clean water .2. Apply SureBond™ according to the TDS Deep Level

    Patching Coat1. While SureBond™ is still wet, use Deep Level™.2. Apply Deep Patch™ by trowel or squeegee, ensure the product is tightly placed into patched area.


    Best Liquid Cement Crack Filler: Bluestar Flexible Concrete Crack Filler

    Need to patch LARGE cracks in concrete patio and driveway ...

    Liquid cement crack filler is a brilliant product for filling fine cracks and getting into hard-to-reach places. If you are after the best liquid cement crack filler, then we have got to recommend this product by Bluestar. The crack filler is suitable for filling up smaller cracks that are no wider than an inch. All you need to do is stick the easy application nozzle into the crack and fill it up – it’s that simple. There are no tools required or difficult preparatory work when using this filler. 

    This product is a sealer and filler in one. This is a unique formula that offers a greater level of protection for a longer-lasting finish. The liquid cement crack filler is available in two different shades of grey to be able to easily match your concrete surface naturally. The formula is also flexible in both hot and cold weather, making it a versatile solution to keep around the house. If you are after the easiest, most effortless liquid cement crack filler, then we would have to recommend the Bluestar Flexible Concrete Crack Filler. It is versatile, flexible, easy to use, durable, and long-lasting. 

    • Only suitable for smaller cracks 

     


    Question: What Does Blk Mean When Marked On Concrete Flooring By A Crack

    Carol said:New home construction – pulled up cracked tiles – large crack in concrete flooring with inspector markings of “blk” in two areas around crack. What does “blk” stand for?

    Reply:

    Carol,

    “blk” is not a standard building inspection abbreviation that I’ve seen. Sorry I don’t know. Perhaps you could ask your local building inspector and let me know what she or he says.


    Don’t just put down more tile without a better evaluation of the cause of the cracking and its impact.

    Continue reading at CONTROL JOINT CRACKS in CONCRETE or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

    Or see CONCRETE SLAB CRACK FAQs – questions and answers posted originally on this page.

    Or see these

  • FOUNDATION DAMAGE by MATERIAL or INCLUSIONS
  • Suggested citation for this web page

    CONCRETE SLAB CRACK EVALUATION at InspectApedia.com – online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

    Or see this

    INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to BUILDING STRUCTURES

    Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

    Filling Shallow Holes In Concrete Slabs Paths Hard Standings And Drives

    For holes of less than 50mm it is best to use an ordinary epoxy repair mortar. This repair mortar has a much finer resin aggregate and the video review of the epoxy repair mortar shows how it is applied and the best finish obtained for your repair.

    If you want to walk on the repair quickly, you can also get a fast cure epoxy repair mortar so go to the review, take a look and click through to Rizistal if you would like to buy the product.

    Shallow holes in concrete can be repaired with epoxy repair mortar

    Filling Long Cracks In Concrete Paths Hard Standings Slabs And Drives

    The last of the repair mortars we use is called Flowfast pourable repair concrete and it simply does what it says on the tin!

    It is mixed in the same way as both of the mortars above but the quantities that come in the tub allow for a wet, smooth flowing mixture. Watching the video in the Flowfast product review will show you exactly how to use this pourable concrete and how it can be used to repair concrete cracks very quickly.

    Mixing epoxy pourable concrete to repair paths

    Filling Deep Holes In Concrete Paths Slabs Drives And Hard Standings

    For deeper holes, up to 150mm deep you can use the Deep Fill Repair Mortar. This epoxy mortar has quite large aggregate within the resin and, as usual is mixed with a hardener.

    When mixed it is placed in the hole and levelled out. If a smooth finish is required on the surface it is as well to use a normal high performance repair mortar. See below for this. The deep fill repair mortar should be left at a maximum of 50mm down from the surface.

    Filling deep holes in concrete with repair mortar

    &nbsprenovate &nbspmaintenance &nbsphow To Repair Cracked Concrete

    Sponsored article

    Unsightly cracks in concrete not only detract from the look of a garage or patio, they can also lead to further problems as moisture seeps into the concrete.

    Luckily, there’s an easy way you can repair a cracked concrete slab or wall and prevent further damage down the track.

    Sikadur Concrete Fix is a two part epoxy adhesive and filler that can be used as a bonding bridge adhesive paste for concrete and most building materials.

    It’s simple and easy to apply and can be used for repairing cracks, holes and voids in concrete floors and walls.

    It also works as a structural adhesive for a range of materials including stone, ceramics, fibre cement, masonry, metal and timber.

    To repair cracks in a concrete floor, first ensure that the area is free from dust, grease and surface contaminants.

    Concrete fix can be applied to both dry and damp surfaces, but standing water in any voids, pits or pores should be removed prior to application.

    While wearing safety glasses and chemical resistant gloves, pre-mix both parts separately, then mix equal parts of each together in a suitable container. Mix thoroughly for three minutes with an electric drill and paddle mixer.

    Use a trowel to apply concrete fix to the prepared substrate and smooth it into the crack or to form the desired shape.

    Apply Sika Concrete Fix to corners using a shaped trowel

    The paste cures rock-hard, so make sure you clean all tools and surfaces using Sika Colma Cleaner before it hardens.

    How Do I Clean Everything Up After Making My Concrete Repairs

    Resin based materials are usually hard to clean and the solvents used to clean them are pretty harsh on the hands. Rizistal however have delivered a solution which you will be able to see in all of the product reviews mentioned above. It is called Safer Solvent, and it is called that because it is!

    Dip a rag into the safer solvent and clean your tools easly. The safer solvent can also be used to wipe your trowels down as you smooth over the repair mortars we have mentioned above. As they are all resin based, they tend to stick to the trowels which makes it hard to get the surface smooth.

    Use safer solvent to clean tools down after working with epoxy repair mortars

    We hope this project has helped you solve a problem that is experienced by thousands of home improvers every year.

    Concrete is perishable, it will deteriorate very quickly when it is allowed to crack and the only method of repairing it properly is with epoxy repair mortars. We only recommend Rizistal mortars and concretes because we have worked with them for a couple of years but there are many others out there so please do go and have a look round.

    All project content written and produced by Mike Edwards, founder of DIY Doctor and industry expert in building technology.

    What Tools Do I Need To Repair Cracks And Holes In Concrete

    As well as the mixer paddle mentioned above, you will need:

    • A gauging or bucket trowel for putting the repair mortar into the crack or hole
    • A finishing trowel to smooth the surface of the repair mortar or concrete

    Use a gauging trowel to move epoxy mortar into repair

    Use a bucket trowel to clean up epoxy repair mortar tubs

    Use a finishing trowel to smooth epoxy repair mortars

    Once you have completed the above steps and you are happy with the repair, cover the area over with polythene for the stipulated amount of time to ensure that it cures correctly without any disturbance. Once cured, all epoxy mortars are as hard as nails and it will last you a lifetime

    If you are repairing concrete cracks and joints in a rather high traffic area such as a walkway or path, then it may be a good idea to surround it with some cones or bollards to make sure that no one inadvertently stands on it and ruins the finish.

    How To Repair Cracked Concrete Back To Its Original Beauty

    Concrete Leveling

    Concrete installations are designed to last hundreds of years, but sooner or later, most concrete patios end up developing small cracks, gaps, holes, and crevices. If your concrete path, patio, or driveway has begun to show signs of cracking, it may be time for you to make the necessary repairs sooner rather than later. While in some cases it may require help from a professional, almost anyone can fix a cracked concrete patio.

    Here are a few ways you can make your cracked concrete patio look brand new.

    Best Driveway Crack Filler: Dap Ready Mixed Concrete Patch

    Looking for the best concrete patch for driveways or outdoor use? Then this option by Dap is our top recommendation. The Dap Ready Mixed Concrete Patch is the best driveway crack filler thanks to its excellent level of durability and weather resistance. The product can be used for patching cracks and breaks in concrete and masonry both indoors and outdoors. This is because it dries to a super durable, hard finish that can resist all types of weather. 

    This product is completely non-shrinking for more effective application. The crack filler is pretty easy to apply and can be used on a wide range of surfaces. This includes walls, floors, driveways, and more. Whether a hairline crack or a hols, this product will do the job. The consistency is enjoyable to work with, and it will certainly offer you a long-lasting concrete repair solution. 

    • Takes a long time to dry
    • A more expensive concrete crack filler option

     

    Four Affordable Ways To Restore A Sunken & Cracked Patio

    pcatalanoConcrete TipsUncategorized

    Research has shown that spending time outdoors has positive affects on our health, happiness and even creativity. So it makes sense to invest in a good concrete patio for your home. Plus, with such a small window of opportunity to use our patios in the Chicago-land area, we want to take full advantage of chilling, grilling and just sitting on our patios whenever we can.

    While concrete is an extremely durable material, it’s not totally maintenance-free like some may think. Over time a concrete patio can crack, sink and get moldy and dirty. Your once perfect outdoor oasis becomes a not-so-pleasant place to sit. The good news is most concrete patios can be brought back to life without the headache and extremely high cost of replacement. In this article, I’ll describe a few simple and cost effective ways you can revive and extend the life of your sunken, cracked and dirty patio.

    1. Raising Sunken Concrete Patio Slabs

    2. Power washing Your Concrete

    3. Caulking Cracks and Joints

    4. Sealing Your Concrete Patio

    A Repair For Cracked Concrete That Almost Looks Perfect

    Q: Tim, I need to replace a cracked section of my concrete driveway. My primary concern is matching the color and texture of the new patch to the existing driveway. It doesn’t need to be perfect, just close. How does one accomplish this? I’ve read your past concrete repair columns, so I understand how to mix, place and finish the concrete. Also, what do contractors use to paint the concrete to make it white?

    arrow-right

    Donn R., Clemson, S.C.

    A: Many readers may be facing the same conundrum as Donn. Maybe they’re trying to match a wall stucco patch. Or perhaps they want to repair the mortar between brick on a home.

    I’m sure everyone has seen garish repairs where the new patching material stands out like a red wine stain on a white blouse. It’s possible to get close when doing these types of masonry repairs, but it’s next to impossible to get a perfect match. If you’ve got patience — and many don’t — you can really come very close to achieving perfection.

    My advice is to do a thorough cleaning of the concrete before you start. You can accomplish this using a pressure washer equipped with a 15-degree tip at the end of the wand. Cleaning the concrete allows you to see exactly what you’ll be matching.

    Pay attention to the different colors of the sand as well as the grain size. You may have to mix sand from different sources and blend them to get a close match. You have to get the sand right.

    Read more:

    Step 1: Repair A Foundation Crack With An Epoxy Sealer

    We repaired a foundation wall, which had an 8-ft.-long crack that leaked water into the basement during periods of heavy rainfall. To permanently patch the crack we used an epoxy-injection system from Polygem, called the Liquid Concrete Repair Kit .

    Each kit contains a two-part epoxy crack sealer, two 10-oz. tubes of Liquid Concrete Repair , a viscous epoxy that comes in a caulk-type cartridge, and seven plastic injection ports that deliver the LCR deep into the crack. There’s enough material in each kit to repair a 1/16-in.-wide x 8-in.-deep x 8-ft.-long crack.

    Before you start, check to make sure the crack is dry. If the crack is slightly damp, dry it with a blow-dryer, then wait 15 minutes. If it remains dry, proceed with the repair. However, if the dampness returns, water is still seeping into the crack and you’ll have to wait for it to dry out on its own.

    First, scrub the crack clean of any loose concrete, paint or old crack filler using a wire brush. Remove all dust and debris with a shop vacuum.

    Cracks In Footers/foundations Block Walls And Columns

    Cracks in footers/foundations and block walls can also be repaired using epoxy, but again, it is critical to eliminate the cause of the cracks. A house settling, for example, may require the construction of a boot on the outside of the foundation to prevent any further settling. Cracks in a column are another substantial issue. While there are means of filling in the cracks, preventing further cracking is the largest issue. That may require the addition of more columns to support the weight above. Another option is building a rebar cage outside the column, drilling six-inch holes into the existing concrete, driving rebar into the holes, attaching that rebar to the cage, then forming and pouring more concrete around the column.

    What Should I Use To Repair Cracked Concrete Properly

    Cracked concrete is not properly repaired with more concrete or cement mortar. It does not matter whether this is a concrete path, slab, base or drive. Unless the crack or hole is more that 1 cubic foot or 0.1 cubic metres, the correct method of repairing damaged concrete is with an epoxy repair mortar.

    How to repair holes in concrete with epoxy repair mortar

    The type of repair mortars we like to work with at DIY Doctor are made by a company called Rizistal. They specialise in repair products either on the ground or on the roof. You can view their products here and read how we got on with them in our Product review section, subsection; Building.

    Where You Will Be Applying The Concrete Crack Filler

    The best concrete crack filler really just depends on the job you will be using it for. Different types of cement crack fillers are suitable for different types of applications. Make sure to use a formula that works with your scenario.

    The first thing to consider is whether it is an indoor or outdoor concrete crack filler. Not all products can be used in both scenarios, so be sure to check this information on the packaging first. Then you need to understand the consistency of the filler and how it can be used on your application. Runny crack filler is great for flat surfaces and floor cracks. If you use it on walls, there is a good chance it will drip down. The liquid filler is also best used for very fine cracks. The thicker crack filler that you need to level out and sand down is a good choice for wall applications or larger holes and cracks where portions of the concrete are missing. 

     

    Supported Poured Concrete Floor Slab Characteristics

    Home Improvement Archives

    As you can see from the Carson Dunlop Associates sketch above, the supported slab is a lot like the floating slab – it claims to have gravel and claims to have compacted soil below the slab.

    But the edges of the floor slab rest on a lip built into the poured concrete footing which also supports the building walls.

    The good news about a slab with this design is that a little soil settlement below the slab will not cause the floor to tip nor crack provided it has been adequately reinforced.

    The bad news about a supported slab design is that if there were significant soil settlement below the slab and if it lacked proper reinforcement at the time of construction, it might collapse.

    Where may this occur: if you inspect a garage built on what was originally a sloping hill, you can expect that the interior of the garage foundation was filled with lots of backfill soil. If your builder was the same fellow who hired the author , all of this fill was left un-compacted.

    At the low end of the garage where the most fill was added, significant soil settlement can occur. If the slab was also not reinforced and if a lot of soil settlement occurs under this floor, it could collapse suddenly, say when your car is parked there.

    How To Resurface A Cracked And Sunken Concrete Porch

    All buildings are subject to eventual settling into the earth as gravity takes its toll, and concrete porches are no exception. Eventually they will crack and some areas will sink. While you can resurface a cracked and sunken concrete porch, understand that it might only be a temporary solution if the porch continues to sink over time.

    Best For Very Small Hairline Cracks: Concrete Glue

    For very small cracks that are not too serious, you can try using something simple like concrete glue or cement glue –some form of a concrete crack filler.

    This substance is otherwise known as liquid cement or liquid concrete. It’s almost like super glue, except when it dries, it turns into concrete.

    Remember that it comes in small bottles and is really only ideal for very small repair jobs.

    If this sounds right to you, once the crack has been properly prepared, fill it using the cement or concrete glue. You then need to let it dry and cure according to the instructions on the specific product you chose to purchase.

    Avoiding A Dusty Mess When Removing Release Powder

    Question:

    Cleaning release powder from concrete surfaces after stamping is always a dusty and dirty mess. How can this be avoided?

    Answer:

    During one of my seminars on troubleshooting decorative concrete at the World of Concrete in Las Vegas, an audience member shared the following trick for removing release powder without the mess. I was so intrigued by the method he shared that I tried it, and can report that it works great! I never caught the gentleman’s name, so I can’t give him the proper credit for such a creative and helpful hint. Whoever you are, thanks!

    Take any fine-grade silica sand, and mix with water to create a heavy, stiff paste. Apply this paste randomly to the stamped surface. Then with a stiff broom or walk-behind scrubber, scrub the surface with the sand paste. The wet sand grabs the release powder, eliminating any dust, and also acts as a grit to help scrub the surface while removing the release powder. Depending on the color and amount of release on the surface, the process may need to be repeated several times to achieve the desired look. When I tried this method, one pass was all that was necessary to obtain a clean stamped surface. The sand containing the release powder can easily be washed off with a hose or power washer or left to dry and vacuumed up with a wet/dry vac.

    Four Types Of Cracks In Concrete Slabs & Floors

    Types of foundation cracks, crack patterns, differences in the meaning of cracks in different foundation materials, site conditions, building history,and other evidence of building movement and damage are described toassist in recognizing foundation defects and to help the inspector separate cosmetic or low-risk conditions fromthose likely to be important and potentially costly to repair.

  • Shrinkage cracks in a slab are unlikely to be of any structural concern but can be a source of water entry or radon entry in buildings and may form a tripping hazard.
  • See details at PYRRHOTITE INCLUSION CRACKING
  • Each type of concrete foundation, wall, basement slab, floor slab, or slab on grade crack is discussed and described with photographs below.

    Other types of concrete cracking such as due to impact or loading are discussed in other articles at this website.

    Cracks come to the job along with the concrete, riding in the same truck! At a Journal of Light Construction conference a lecturer informed us that “Every concrete truck that comes to your job to pour a slab has at least four cracks in it.

    It’s up to you to either provide control joints, or not. If you leave out control joints the cracks will occur in a messier pattern at natural stress points in the slab.”

    Concrete Cracks Caused By Overloading The Slab

    Although concrete is a very strong building material, it does have its limits. Placing excessive amounts of weight on top of a concrete slab can cause cracking. When you hear a concrete mix has a strength of 2000, 3000, 4000, or 5000+ PSI, it is referring to the pounds per square inch it would take to crush that concrete slab.

    When it comes to residential concrete slabs, overload of the actual slab isn’t all that common. Instead, what is more likely to occur is excess overload on the ground below the slab.

    After a heavy rain or snowmelt when the ground below is soft and wet, excessive weight on the slab can press the concrete down and result in cracks. Residential homeowners who place large recreational vehicles or dumpsters on their driveways are more likely to see this type of cracking.

    How To Fix Cracks In Concrete: 4 Best Methods

    Handyman’s World Editorial TeamHandyman’s World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

    While concrete is a tough material, it does have its limitations. Over the course of several years, extreme temperatures and other conditions can cause it to warp, crack, degrade, and chip away.

    Because of that, you might notice that your relatively new driveway already has some cracks in it. Fear not, because today we are here to help you learn how to fix cracks in concrete. We will cover four methods that will help you deal with cracks of all sizes

    How To Repair Cracks In Poured Concrete Slabs

    Every concrete slab has cracks. Due to the rigid nature of concrete, cracks are inevitable. Uneven drying, shrinkage, and temperature changes can all cause fractures in your slab. Once a crack develops, it’s important to seal it to prevent water seepage and further damage.

    To clear up confusion and make this task as easy as possible, we’ve created a how-to guide for repairing cracks in your poured concrete slabs.

    Best For Large Cracks: Filling With Concrete

    Solved! What to Do About Cracks in a Concrete Driveway ...

    If you see multiple cracks or some very large cracks, I’d recommend using this particular method to repair them. Here, you actually want to mix a new batch of concrete, and simply fill the cracks with that.

    Beware that this method does not work for very small cracks, as concrete is fairly thick and may not penetrate all the way down in tight spaces.

    Moreover, make sure that the crack has very rough edges, as this will allow the new concrete being used for the repair to easily bond with the old concrete that is still present.

    Trying to fill a crack in concrete when everything is completely smooth will likely lead to the new and old concrete not bonding properly, which will then quickly lead to new cracks forming. As such, you might even want to break the edges of the crack with a chisel before starting the job.

    How To Repair A Cracked And Old Cement Patio

    Today we are sharing how to repair a cracked and old cement patio that we completed at our old house.  

    This post was updated April 2020 to reflect an updated version of this product. The product link is towards the bottom of this post. This post was not sponsored, we just really liked the outcome of the space so we shared with you!

    The patio had been neglected and seriously damaged through the winter storms. My dad completely ruined it when he put down some kind of a rock salt during the winter that ate through the cement like it was a little scooby snack.

    TIP: If you have deep cracks or large concrete pieces missing, you will need to use a filler product prior to fix them. Read the directions on the back of the product to ensure you are applying properly.



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