Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Fixing sidewalk cracks

DIY is a easy task when it comes to fixing cracks in a concrete sidewalk. You only need a few basic tools to do this.
  • Broom
  • Wire brush
  • Epoxy concrete caulk
  • Caulk gun
  • Chisel
  • Hammer
  • Hose
  • Paintbrush
  • Concrete adhesive
  • Concrete repair mix
  • Bucket
  • Trowel
  • Plastic sheets
  • Duct tape
To repair small areas, you want to start by sweeping the area clear of dust and debris. If you have a crack wide enough try and clean inside the crack with a wire brush.

Take your epoxy concrete caulk and fill in the crack. A caulk gun is a great tool to use when doing small cracks. After you fill your cracks make sure to wipe away any excess.

The sidewalk will need eight hours to dry where it was patched, so avoid walking on that area.

To repair larger cracks you will need a hammer and a chisel. You want the crack wider at the bottom than the surface of the sidewalk, this creates a V shape. The reason for this is to hold the patch after it dries, and also to help the bond with the existing concrete.

Again you want to clean your crack with your wire brush. Sweeping away any loose particles. Spray your crack with your garden hose, to wash away any remaining dust. Before you can proceed make sure the concrete is totally dry.

After the drying time, paint your crack on the inside with your bonding agent. For this a paintbrush will work well. This helps the bond agent to adhere well, and to adhere to the existing concrete more effectively.

Next step is to blend your concrete mixture with water in your bucket.

After which you will begin to fill the crack with a putty knife or even a trowel. Making sure to wipe away the excess.

After waiting for two hours you patch should be set. You can then cover the area with plastic sheeting, secured with tape. You will want to lift the plastic once a day to spray with water. This will slow the drying process down, and reduce having any future cracks. This will be done once a day for the next three days at that time you can go ahead and remove the plastic.



  


 

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