Repairing Cracks In Concrete Driveways – As the winter months wind down, you may take a look at the exterior of your home and notice deep cracks or crevices developing in your concrete driveway, and perhaps even on the sidewalk. You or a neighbor may have tripped over them, or worse, suffered a fall. What’s going on, and can you do anything about it? We asked Dylan Forsner, founder of Milwaukee Mudjacking & Concrete Leveling, and, in an exclusive interview with House Digest, he gives us answers and tips on how to handle the problem. “Driveways made of concrete can suffer damage such as cracks and holes over time, compromising both its safety and aesthetic appeal,” he says. “Fortunately, concrete cracks in driveways are relatively easy to fix.”
Getting to the bottom of the cause can help you reduce future risks in some cases. Forsner shares, “Concrete cracks can have many causes, but the most common are freeze-thaw cycles, improper foundation installation, water damage, ground movement, age, or wear and tear.” Even if you don’t know why the damage is happening, it’s often important to do something about it because it can get worse over time if left untreated. “Estimating the severity of cracks is critical to determining the best repair solution. Consider factors such as size, location, and type of crack (hairline, spider web, deep). Smaller and smaller cracks generally They are easier to fix than those that are wide and deep.” To avoid paying for a new driveway, consider doing some of these repairs.
Repairing Cracks In Concrete Driveways
While you can certainly hire a professional, some people may want to fix minor repairs themselves. If you plan to do the work, you’ll need to make a trip to the home improvement store first. “Before repairing a concrete crack, you will need to prepare the following tools and materials: concrete repair compound, concrete cleaner, a stiff brush, a trowel or putty knife, a bucket, and sandpaper, ” says Forsner. “Having this equipment on hand will make the repair process much easier.
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Applying the treatment to a wet surface only increases the risk of the problem recurring, so preparation is needed to ensure the best possible result and a perfect finished look. According to Forsner, “The surface of the driveway must be cleaned and cleared of dirt, grime and other debris.” This is where the concrete cleaner and that stiff bristle brush come in handy to effectively remove the mess. “Once you’ve finished cleaning,” notes Forsner, “allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding.” Doing so will help reduce the risk of water from the cleaning process or otherwise alter the results.
By cleaning the driveway, you will use the appropriate products to help restore the appearance of the concrete. Be sure to use a concrete repair product designed for your environment and type of concrete. Forsner explains, “After cleaning the surface, you can now apply concrete repair compound to fill the hole. Use a trowel or putty knife to carefully smooth the surface so that it matches the surrounding concrete. be equal to. The repair compound is completely dry before proceeding to the next step. It is always best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on using the compound and the length of time it should dry properly.
Just scratching the damaged areas will not be enough to create a safe surface, so don’t stop there. “The surface of the driveway should be carefully sanded with sandpaper to make sure it is even and smooth. Be careful not to damage the concrete surrounding it when railing,” explains Forsner. Again, use the lubricant recommended by the manufacturer to create the desired result. If the project is particularly large, consider renting tools from a home improvement center.
Once the concrete repair compound is set and sanded, protect it from the elements and water that can seep into small gaps. “Finally, apply concrete sealer … and let it dry completely before using your driveway again. With this repair method, you can keep your driveway looking its best and its Ensure safety as well,” says Forsner. You can follow these steps when you notice small cracks or damage. Sealing your drive properly can help prevent major problems later.
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Some situations warrant a different approach, Forsner points out. “If your driveway has many and large cracks, it may be necessary to engage professional help for a successful repair.” It’s also wise to check your city’s building codes and property requirements. You may have to repair structures that pose a danger to pedestrians on your sidewalk, for example, and there are likely to be regulations on how this should be done. Often, these large projects are best left to professionals who can ensure that it is done to meet the city’s requirements. Done well, these types of repairs can last for years and add value to your home. You’ve probably looked at your concrete driveway, sidewalk, or patio and thought it would look so much better if it weren’t for those unsightly cracks. And you may wonder if you are to blame; Maybe you’re doing something wrong, which is causing your concrete to crack. However, there is no need to blame yourself; Cracked concrete is ubiquitous and almost unavoidable. According to the American Concrete Institute, even with the best design and proper construction, it is normal to expect at least some cracking in concrete.
So there you have it; Even under the best conditions, cracking in concrete is to be expected. Of course, as a homeowner, this does not sit well with you. There must be ways you can prevent or at least prolong the appearance of cracks in your concrete driveway, patio, or sidewalk. Well, there are some ways that you can better protect your concrete surface from cracking, but let’s first understand the causes of concrete cracks.
There are many reasons for concrete to crack, and it does not necessarily mean that there is a defect or that it was poured incorrectly. Where concrete breaks, when it breaks, and why it breaks makes a difference. Concrete is very durable, but it’s also not very flexible, so something as simple as that can take a lot of tension or movement. Here are some other reasons why concrete cracks.
Too much water in the mix – You don’t need a lot of water for concrete to achieve maximum strength, but there are contractors who add too much water to make it easier to set. Not only does too much water in the mix cause cracks, but it also reduces the strength of the concrete.
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Our very fast-drying curing process is critical to concrete durability and to avoid cracking. A chemical reaction occurs during the curing process in which the concrete dries. Hydration should be continued for days after concrete is placed to prevent rapid drying of the concrete.
Overloading – While concrete is very strong, it has a weight limit. Therefore, leaving equipment standing in your driveway, such as a large dumpster, for example, for an extended period of time can cause damage.
Improper Foundation – Cracks can occur in concrete if the foundation is poorly formed. Poorly compacted soil should be dug out and replaced with crushed stone for a solid foundation.
Expansion – Heat causes almost everything to expand, even concrete. When your concrete is expanded, it is pushed against anything that might be in its way, for example, like a brick wall. Since concrete is not elastic and cannot be flexed, the force caused by expansion can cause it to crack.
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Settlement – There are many instances where the ground beneath your cement patio or driveway can settle. If the utility company has to dig a trench near the concrete slab, it can cause settlement that increases the likelihood of cracks. If you have a tree removed that was close to the surface of the concrete, keep in mind that the hole must be filled and compacted to prevent settlement.
Cracks in your concrete driveway or other concrete surfaces may not look good, but they are often not a cause for concern. However, there are pieces to deal with as they may become a problem in the future. Here are some types of cracks and how you should deal with them.
Hairline Cracks- Hairline cracks are quite small and harmless, but they are still unsightly. Hairline cracks can widen over time, so you may want to repair them.
Structural Cracks – Structural cracks that are wider than the width of the credit card should either be repaired or replaced.
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Settlement Cracks – If the ground beneath your concrete patio or driveway has settled and developed cracks, you should repair or replace it and make sure the foundation is properly constructed and otherwise prepared.
Shrinkage cracks occur when concrete dries. Cracks can be repaired, but ultimately, replacing the concrete and curing it properly is the better option.
There is much debate about what is an acceptable crack width in concrete. While there is no definitive answer, many contractors and other experts
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