Though freshly laid and set concrete is very tough, nature always has her way, and over time the concrete tends to crack and crumble. Temperature extremes and moisture make their presence felt through damage to walkways, concrete floors, and structures. Fortunately, most of the concrete repairs can be performed in-house, but it is always better to contact Concrete Repair Services in Hawaii. An individual must remember that concrete is really thick and heavy, and mixing it is back-breaking work. But for those who feel they are up to performing this demanding task, here are some guidelines and techniques for simple concrete repair jobs around the house.
The following are the tools needed for a concrete repair job.
• Small sledge hammer and chisel.
• Wire brush and putty knife.
• Shovel and trowel.
• Darby and float.
• Edger and jointer.
• Tamper and caulk gun.
• Wheelbarrow and broom.
• Knee pads and safety glasses.
There are different techniques for patching up cracks. The following is for narrow cracks:
• Remove dirt from the surrounding area using a broom and a wire brush.
• Now fill the crack with a masonry crack filler. It can be filled with the application of a vinyl concrete patching compound and then smoothed down with a putty knife. This does not require a bonding agent.
For wide cracks:
• Use a small chisel and sledge hammer to undercut the crack’s edges. Ding this makes the base of the crack wider than its surface, providing for a more secure repair.
• The area around the crack should be cleaned with a broom and wire brush. Using a stream of water, wash the area thoroughly.
• Mix the vinyl patching compound and trowel it into the cracks. Tamp down the compound to remove any air pockets. If patching mortar is used, mix with a bonding agent before application or use the bonding agent to coat the edges of the crack to be repaired.
• Smoothen the mixture using a trowel.
• Once the patch is set, brush down the surface to make it match with the surrounding area.
The above steps, though simple, may be demanding for some individuals. It is best to engage the services of a firm that specializes in this kind of work. For inquiries on concrete repair materials or Concrete Repair Services in Hawaii, visit the Website.
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