Concrete Crack Repair Made Easy
Concrete crack repairs may seem like one of the more challenging repair jobs for builders, and indeed they can be – especially when we are talking about larger, older, or heavier concrete slabs. Cracks typically manifest themselves as depressions, or as “cracks” in the concrete, which can be both visually attractive and dangerous if large enough. Nearly every concrete crack repair project involves some small cracks to be repaired or treated. While no single crack can in any way be “solved,” SCT – encapsulated Concrete Repair Coating does provide a great product to help minimize the appearance of these small cracks through the use of a high-tech, vinyl-coated steel cure. Cracks and depressions not only look ugly, they also detract from the overall appearance of your finished floor.
While almost all concrete crack repair jobs involve some level of small depression, the typical job also involves some degree of spalling – essentially the addition of additional material to the concrete surface through a process of grinding out the excess. Typically, the grinder used for this process is shaped like a negative ‘V’ and the material added is a material such as epoxy (or other similar product). It is important that any grinder used for concrete hairline cracks be properly maintained, since even small amounts of debris can create large puddles where water can be absorbed and then possibly run down the sides of the hairline cracks and into the sub base.
In addition to aesthetic factors, the appearance of these small cracks and depressions are also important to contractors and builders, who often see these as potential fire hazards and potential sources of explosion risks. Often, small cracks and depressions in decorative concrete become larger over time as the substance begins to weather and/or degrade. As these cracks and depressions begin to widen, they may become more noticeable to passersby and others in the area. In addition to becoming unsightly, these larger cracks and depressions are an invitation to larger structural problems.
In order to avoid having to repair large cracks and depressions in concrete, it is often necessary to apply a sealant to the surface before repair can be made. Sealants can either be applied directly to the concrete or to the surface using a specialized concrete crack repair tool. The type of sealant that you choose is often determined by the condition of the crack and its potential for expanding or shrinking as the underlying material ages. Sealing large cracks with sealants will make them less noticeable to passersby, but it will not prevent future expansion or contraction of the area. If your existing cracked or hollowed concrete needs to be replaced, your best option may be to use a sealant to avoid having to repair large cracks and hollow areas.
If your existing cracked or hollowed concrete does require concrete crack repair, your best bet is to hire professionals who specialize in epoxy concrete crack repair. Although there are a number of DIY products available for purchase, many do not contain the ingredients and additives which are needed to prevent cracking and prevent further damage. While a professional contractor can achieve results comparable to those achieved by a licensed concrete fixer, you are likely to spend more money because professional concrete crack repair requires the expertise of experts. Epoxy concrete crack repair is also much easier for you to perform at home than epoxy concrete crack repair when combined with the added benefits of sealing cracks and depressions.
Other types of concrete cracks and repairs include hairline cracks (sometimes referred to as “hammies”), small cracks, large holes, and depressed areas of concrete. While these types of repairs can be accomplished on your own using simple tools, it may be more cost effective and time effective to use sealers and epoxies than it would be to attempt to repair these types of repairs using DIY tools or other methods. Sealers like Siliconated Acrylic Latex (SAL) are available in various formulations designed specifically to fill in hairline cracks, depressions, and large holes while preventing additional damage to surrounding surfaces. Sealers such as these can also prevent future deterioration caused by water, moisture, and stains.
