Basic Concrete Repairs You Can Do Yourself
Concrete material is used in a variety of ways within residential properties. From the home’s foundation to sidewalks and patios, you will find concrete in several areas. Concrete is often used due to durability and performance. However, over time, issues may arise due to weather conditions, issues with the base where the concrete was laid or other problems. When a repair need arises, it should be fixed to ensure the integrity of the concrete. Some repairs you can do yourself while others should be left to the experts.
One area that definitely does not need to be touched by the homeowner is foundation work. If you have cracks or shifting within your concrete foundation, you want to hire a professional to do the work. The foundation is a major component to the home, and the repairs need to be completed quickly and correctly to ensure the home stays safe and livable.
While the foundation should be left alone, there are repairs you can do yourself. Below are a few examples of repairs you can feel comfortable doing without much concrete experience.
Repairing Cracks
Cracks or gaps in concrete are an eyesore, but also an issue. Water can get into the concrete via a gap or crack and freeze, which causes expansion. This then leads to even larger cracks and more problems. Cracks near your home can cause water to sit near the foundation, which can mean even more repair needs. Thankfully, you can use a urethane caulk or polyurethane caulk to fill the holes. The joint caulk can easily be used to fill gaps and joints.
If you have cracks in plain sight, such as the main areas of a walkway or patio, there are fillers you can use to fill in the gaps. This takes little time and ensures your concrete areas look the very best.
Repair Spalled Areas
Spalled areas of concrete are sections where there is pitting. If you want your concrete to be smooth, you can repair the area yourself. The repairs should only be done if the spalling appears to be in the top of the concrete only. If you have deep pitting, then the concrete will most likely have to be completed replaced due to deterioration.
To repair spalled concrete, you will need to cut out the damage with a saw and masonry blade. This can be messy and takes time. You should have experience with a saw in order to complete this part of the repair. You want to cut back enough of the concrete to create a bonding surface. Once finished, you will need to remove the cut pieces of concrete and patch the area.
The new concrete mix should be smoothed on to the open surface. This creates a clean finish, and the area looks good as new!
These are just two examples of how you can repair concrete issues yourself. If you have a concrete problem, see if it is something you can do yourself, if you feel comfortable with the work. If not, contact a concrete expert so that your concrete areas stay in good condition for years to come.
