How to Repair your Worn Concrete

Concrete is a very durable material, but over time it can become worn and cracked. When the ground settles or shifts, it may cause stress on the already laid concrete resulting in a crack. This crack can spread if moisture gets in it and freezes, spreading the crack even more. If left untreated, it could lead to unsafe conditions as the concrete can break away when standing on. Here we will show you how concrete resurfaces or repair on concrete can be done.  

Concrete Resurfacing and How it’s Done

There is a lot that goes into pouring concrete to make sure it’s done correctly. For the most optimal result, one must make sure that the weather will be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours after the pour and in the following twenty-four hours, it should be above freezing.

Steps to Resurfacing Worn Concrete:

1. Clean the Concrete

• Protective boots and eyewear are crucial in a job like this.
• Use a gas-powered power washer to clean the surface.
• Remove all mildew and algae.

2. Patch Spalled Areas

• While the concrete is damp, make sure there is enough concrete to fill any cracks and divots.
• Wait 2-5 hours to move on to the next step.

3. Spread the Resurfacer

• Fill the walkway joints with foam weather stripping.
• The material is workable for about twenty minutes.
• Pour Mix.

4. Trowel Out the Resurfacer

• Spread the material until it’s about ⅛ to ¼ inches thick.
• For a slip-resistant, wait five minutes and sweep with a nylon bristle concrete broom.
• Remove weatherstripping after twenty minutes. 

This is a process that can be done by yourself, but it is highly recommended to have a professional do it. Especially if there are structural issues to the foundation, if it is as simple as concrete resurfacing, then this can easily be done by the homeowner or someone with little experience working with concrete.

Concrete Repair and How It’s Done

If you need a concrete repair, then it might be a situation where you need to reach out to a professional. So many measurements and logistics go into ensuring the safety of those who use the concrete. If not measured properly, it would result in a terrible outcome. If it comes to a small crack, you can repair it on your own while getting the supplies at a local hardware store.

Steps to a minor concrete repair:

1. Make the Crack Wider at the Bottom than the Top

• This is done by using a chisel and a hammer to precisely knock away concrete.
• This is to anchor a patch. 

2. Clean out Debris

• This is done with a stiff brush.
• If leftover pieces of concrete are left in the patch, it will weaken the concrete. 

3. Fill the Crack with Patching Mix

• This is also known as Vinyl Concrete, and it covers cracks up to ½ in wide.
• Dampen around the crack, then trowel the mix.

4. Address Any Pop-Outs

• Make sure the concrete runs smoothly, and no holes are left.

5. Apply Concrete Bonding Agent

• Wet the surface and apply a bonding agent.

6. Anchor Cement into the Hole

• Pack a small amount of mix to anchor the whole.

Access Your Concrete

Before you decide to fix your concrete, make sure that the concrete is durable, and it isn’t a much bigger problem you’re looking for. There are three major glaring issues to access before you decide to fix your concrete yourself.

1. Cracks: 

If your concrete is covered in cracks and it just isn’t one or two, it needs to be checked by a professional. This could lead to the weak integrity of the concrete, limiting its durability. 

2. Uneven Surfaces:

If the concrete is slanting, you need a professional to come out and add support to the concrete. If left untouched, it could cause a problem in the future as the concrete continues to sink.

3. Standing Water:

Water should drain off the concrete, but you need to get it looked at if it isn’t. Concrete requires a waterproof coating to protect it from rain.  

Do you Need to Contact a Professional?

If you need to resurface or repair, contact us at KC Concrete, we are here with your best interest in mind. Concrete is the foundation to so many things, and you want yours in tip-top shape. Becoming skilled with concrete takes lots of practice, and chances are you probably don’t have much experience with that. To guarantee you have the best resurface or repair process, we at KC Concrete are here for you.