Instant Repairs for Cracks on a Concrete Slab

Posted by R J on September 10th, 2019

Many homeowners choose concrete slabs for their floors and driveways because installing them isn't too expensive. Aside from that, they're thick, sturdy, and heavy duty. They're also fireproof and highly resistant to moisture. But no matter how durable they are, they can still get cracks due to surface dents or structural issues.

When they get damaged, you have two options. You can hire an expert who provides concrete slab crack repair services. But, if you don't want to pay the professional fee, you can fix the problem on your own. Read on to learn how.

Narrow Cracks

For gaps that are less than a quarter-inch wide, the first thing to do is to inspect whether it's deep. If the crack extends more than 3 inches from the surface, stuff it first with a backer rod. This foam-like product ensures that the epoxy or elastomeric sealant you'll apply later will stick to the concrete material.

If it isn't deep, you can skip the first step and complete the concrete slab crack repair with epoxy or elastomeric filler. Use a caulking gun to apply either of the products and seal the narrow opening entirely.

Both types of sealant are available at your local hardware store. If you're using them to repair your driveway, choose the ones that are water-resistant for extra protection from moisture and rain. These products are expensive, though. For quick fixes on the concrete floors inside your home, you can settle for the cheaper variants.

Wide Cracks

A gap wider than a quarter inch is sometimes a symptom of a structural problem. The crack would most likely extend through the entire depth of the slab. You need to fill it with cement mix because epoxy or elastomeric sealants won't do much. Follow these steps to repair it and prevent further damage:

• Prepare cement mix using the manufacturer's instructions on the bag. Estimate the amount that you need depending on the size of the opening.
• Chisel the edges of the crack and create a wedge shape. This step removes loose materials from the old concrete.
• With a wire brush, remove smaller debris. You can use a pressure washer to clean off the dust, as well.
• Stir the cement mix thoroughly again before applying it to the opening. This ensures that air bubbles aren't forming.
• Smooth out the surface and let it dry overnight. Afterward, inspect the area to confirm the cement filling isn't hollow by tapping it lightly with a hammer.
• Repaint the surface as needed.

When you're done with the concrete slab crack repair, don't throw away your remaining materials. If you have unopened bags of cement mix or a bit of epoxy left over, store them in a warm, clean, and dry place. You can use them if the problem occurs again.