How To Repair Cracked Concrete With Epoxy In San Diego
Even though concrete is durable, it can crack if improperly built or overused. While a crack in your concrete, whether in your driveway or garage, may appear to be an eyesore, it can potentially reduce the value of your home. Don’t be frightened to tackle concrete repair because it’s rather simple.
There are many DIY concrete repair products available nowadays to pick from if your concrete is cracked or pitted. Epoxy, a two-component polyurethane polymer that doesn’t require routing, fills hairline fractures, cures quickly, is stronger than concrete, and can be applied in freezing temperatures, is the ideal material to employ. Of course, depending on what caused the cracked concrete in the first place, a repair may only be a temporary fix.
Concrete Cracks: What Causes Them?
Sub-base Issue– If the concrete’s sub-base isn’t completely compacted, the concrete will settle in one spot rather than equally throughout the entire surface. The concrete will eventually sink to equal itself out, resulting in a crack.
Cold Temperatures– One of concrete’s deadliest foes is the winter. If the dirt beneath the concrete freezes, it expands and lifts the concrete, placing enough pressure on it to split it.
Shrinkage– As concrete dries, it shrinks. That’s understandable. When concrete shrinks, however, it can break if the mixture was too moist or not adequately cured. Expansion joints should be carved into the concrete floor to prevent it from splitting when it dries.
Depending on the cause of your cracked concrete, your remedy may only be temporary. If the sub-base is the issue, the concrete may need to be removed and replaced. Because the concrete is likely to shift again, repairing the crack will only be a temporary cure. You may be protected till the next winter if it cracked due to freezing conditions. A permanent repair should suffice if your concrete fractured owing to initial shrinkage.
How Do I Fix The Crack?
- You’ll need to key the crack first. This is accomplished by undercutting the fracture’s edges using a hammer and chisel so that the crack is larger at the bottom than at the top. This will make the repair more secure.
Tip: If the fracture is very thin or narrow, you may need to use a file to widen it to ensure a long-lasting repair.
- Clean out the crack using a wire brush to remove any stray objects that may have fallen into the crack or been knocked loose while keying it. You can also use a vacuum to pick up loose particles for a complete cleaning.
- To remove any leftover dust or debris, wash the area with water. If there is any oil or grease on the surface, clean it with a strong cleaner before proceeding with the repair.
- Fill the crack with concrete repair resin.
- Pour dry silica sand into the fracture.
- Add more resin to the sand to fill the fissure all the way to the surface.
- Allow 10-15 minutes for it to dry before smoothing and leveling the surface with a putty knife.
- If the repair appears to be sloppy or rough, sand the surface to make it clean and smooth.
If you’re still unhappy with your concrete repair or want it redone, try hiring San Diego Concrete to do the work for you. We know how to make concrete last and look good, from repairs to resurfacing. Call us at (619) 383-2500 right away!
Conclusion
Give our professionals at San Diego Concrete a call at (619) 383-2500 right away to know more about our excellent concrete services in San Diego, CA.
