When Do You Need to Repair Your Cracked Concrete in Columbus, OH?
When is it time to repair your cracked concrete? It’s never a good idea to wait too long, but you should always consider having it fixed if it’s more than a quarter-inch. It may be easy to fill in small cracks yourself. When it comes to larger cracks, you need to have the damages professionally assessed by a professional. If you don’t, you could end up making the problem worse.
The repair process varies depending on the crack’s size, location, and severity. You should consider hiring a professional concrete contractor if the gap is too large, as the DIY solution may not last. They have the experience and the expertise to assess the damage and recommend the best solution.
Before you begin the repair, make sure that the crack is at least one inch wide. Apertures less than an inch wide require a different repair process. Concrete resurfacing may be a better option when the damage is more significant. Resurfacing can be done to create a more even surface. Just be sure to use the right tools and protective gear to prevent injury and damage. So, when do you need to repair your cracked concrete?
If you can’t wait until the crack is large, you should apply a foam backer rod over the damage first. Measuring the crack’s width and thickness is essential before choosing the right foam backer rod. Then, fill the rod with the repair material until the depth is about 1/4 inch. When satisfied with the results, you can apply the new layer of concrete. Once this has been done, you should check whether it’s durable enough to withstand the weather and traffic conditions.
In addition to cracks, cracked concrete indicates a problem is causing the slab to shift. These problems are typically caused by inadequate site preparation, moisture intrusion, and thermal expansion. While it might seem easy to patch cracks with cementitious products, this is a losing battle. The trials will appear again unless the underlying problem is resolved. To prevent this, you can seal the gaps so that moisture will not enter. Water can accelerate the instability process.
Depending on the size of the crack, an epoxy-based patch may be the best option. Some epoxy kits require you to inject concrete into the break, while others require you to level the gap with a trowel. Either way, a smooth transition is essential to avoid the material lifting out of the concrete. However, it is necessary to note that cement-based patches must be cut at a backward angle. This back angle prevents the material from lifting.
You may want to patch the area if the crack is only a quarter-inch wide. This may be an effective short-term solution for the time being. However, it could also lead to more costly repairs in the future. Likewise, overloaded surfaces can cause damage. Overloaded covers should be designed to support extra-heavy loads. A crack that’s more than 1/4-inch deep should be repaired.