DIY tips to repair concrete damaged by winter weather
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(BPT) - If you left concrete surfaces around your house unprotected this winter, it’s very likely you have a crack or two to deal with this spring. The repeated freezing and thawing that occurs due to changes in daytime and nighttime temperatures during the winter can cause concrete to crack and flake. When rain, snow or ice migrates through cracks in concrete and saturates the substrate, the concrete will shift and move every time freezing and thawing occurs. This repeated movement can cause the cracks to expand or create new ones, so once a crack develops it is important to seal the crack from water to prevent further deterioration. Fortunately, there is simple and inexpensive way to repair and seal these unwanted cracks before entertaining family, friends or other guests at your home.
Making crack repairs with a textured single-component, fast-curing, flexible material like <a href="http://www.quikrete.com/ProductLines/PolyurethaneConcreteCrackSealant.asp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">QUIKRETE Polyurethane Concrete Crack Sealant</a> that provides a durable elastic bond will insure that no matter how the concrete surface shifts in the future, the repair will stay intact. In addition to improving the appearance of a concrete surface, using a textured polyurethane concrete crack sealant prevents the crack from returning in the future and will closely match the surrounding concrete area.
Note: Always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves when working with polyurethane sealant and work in a well-ventilated area.
* Widen the crack to a minimum of 1/4 inch using a chisel and hammer. The edges of the crack should be vertical or beveled in an inverted “V.”
* Break away any deteriorating concrete and remove loose material with a brush.
* Cut the tip of the nozzle of the polyurethane concrete crack sealant on an angle with a utility knife to match the width of the crack and load into a standard caulk gun.
* For large cracks over 1/2-inch-deep, a backer rod should be placed in the crack before applying the sealant.
* Consider applying masking tape to both sides of the crack to create a clean, consistent repair.
* Slowly draw the gun along the joint forcing a bead of polyurethane concrete crack sealant deep into the crack.
* Remove excess material with a trowel immediately after placement and use a plastic spoon or putty knife to smooth the surface.
* If necessary, remove the masking tape from both sides of the repair and cut away any excess polyurethane concrete crack sealant with a utility knife.
For more tips, direction and information including a how-to video on repairing cracked or otherwise damaged concrete surfaces, visit <a href="http://www.quikrete.com/AtHome/Videos.asp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">QUIKRETE.com</a>.
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