As spring arrives, the damaging effects of winter snow and ice, and de-icing chemicals to your home’s exterior concrete becomes apparent.
Months of fluctuating winter temperatures can create freezing and thawing cycles that cause concrete surfaces to fracture and scale (flake). As ice melts, water can also flow through cracks in concrete and saturate the base material. As the water freezes the slab can lift and fall, causing the cracks to widen.
With a little “know-how” and the proper QUIKRETE® repair materials, your home’s curb appeal can be restored. Worn, cracked and scaling concrete sidewalks, driveways and patios can often be repaired and returned to “like new” condition.
To begin, surface preparation is one of the most important steps in achieving a lasting concrete repair. A solid, clean concrete surface is necessary so that the repair material can bond to the damaged area. It is also extremely important to remove any unsound or flaking concrete from the repair area. This can be easily done with a hammer, chisel and wire brush.
Once the unsound concrete is completely removed, the surface should be cleaned of any dirt, grease or oil using QUIKRETE® Concrete and Asphalt Cleaner. Scrub, clean and then thoroughly rinse the affected area prior to applying the repair material. QUIKRETE® Concrete and Asphalt Cleaner is a concentrated detergent that is effective and safe for use on any concrete, masonry, brick, stone, stucco or asphalt surface.
QUIKRETE® Concrete Patching Compound is a ready-to-use, textured, acrylic patching material designed for thin, non-structural repairs to concrete surfaces. Concrete Patching Compound dries to a durable, flexible finish that blends with the color and texture of the surrounding concrete.
Vinyl Concrete Patcher is a cement based repair material that is enhanced with a special exterior-grade polymer resin that has strong bonding properties. Vinyl Concrete Patcher can be applied from ¼” thick down to a feather-edge and is ideal for smooth repairs to sidewalks, steps and patios.
Click here to view How-To video
QUIKRETE® FastSet™ Zip & Mix Repair Mortar is a multi-purpose polymer-modified, rapid setting, high strength repair material formulated for horizontal, vertical and overhead structural concrete repairs. The repair material’s unique re-sealable pouch is designed to allow for the product to be mixed and applied right out of the pouch. Zip & Mix can be sculpted to match the contour of existing concrete surfaces.
Click here to view How-To video
QUIKRETE® Concrete Resurfacer is a special polymer modified, cement based repair material that is shrinkage compensated for resurfacing large areas such as driveways, patios, pool decks, and sidewalks. Concrete Resurfacer can be applied using a squeegee, trowel or brush and will provide a durable, wear-resistant surface that has the appearance of new concrete. Concrete Resurfacer will support foot traffic in 6 hours and vehicle traffic in 24 hours.
Click here to view How-To video
Once cracks in concrete develop it is important to seal the crack from water penetration to prevent further deterioration. To repair and seal cracks in concrete surfaces up to ½” wide, flexible repair materials are often the best option because they will allow for continual slab expansion and contraction from temperature changes and ground movement.
QUIKRETE® Polyurethane Concrete Crack Sealant is a textured caulk that permanently seals and waterproofs cracks in concrete up to ½” wide. The flexible sealant will elongate over 700% and blends with the surrounding concrete.
Click here to view How-To video
QUIKRETE® Concrete Crack Seal is an easy to use, pourable, self leveling, latex emulsion that blends with the natural color of concrete. Concrete Crack Seal is an economical alternative for repairing cracks up to ¼” wide.
As spring arrives, the damaging effects of winter snow and ice, and de-icing chemicals to your home’s exterior concrete becomes apparent.