We’ve all seen it: cracked concrete. It’s a common structural issue, but can you repair cracked concrete?
Fortunately, yes!
We’re here to help you understand how to repair cracked concrete in Los Angeles and get back to enjoying your home or business.
What Causes Cracks in Concrete?
There are many reasons why cracks form in concrete:
Temperature changes
The most common cause of cracked concrete is freezing and thawing temperatures. Water can expand and contract when the temperature changes quickly. This movement puts stress on the concrete surface and leads to cracking.
Inadequate curing time
Inadequate curing of a concrete mix can cause cracks as well. The curing process allows moisture trapped in the concrete to evaporate so the surface dries out and hardens properly.
Without adequate curing time, water may remain trapped within the building material structure—creating weak spots that eventually crack under pressure.
Natural settlement
Natural settlement also contributes to cracking. It causes uneven stress on different parts of the concrete slab when used heavily over time, e.g., when people park heavy vehicles on the surface.
How Is Cracked Concrete Repaired?
Concrete experts carry out the following steps when repairing cracked concrete:
Remove any loose concrete
The first step to repairing cracked concrete is removing loose concrete from the damaged area. Use a chisel or small sledgehammer to loosen the edges of the affected area. This action makes it easier to remove the damaged concrete by prying it away with a crowbar or other tool.
Clean the cracked concrete
Before you can repair cracked concrete, you’ll also need to clean it. The easiest way to clean it is with a wire brush and broom.
Then, wash away any dirt and debris using a concrete cleaner and a stream of pressurized water on the affected area and the surrounding concrete.
Fill in the crack
One repair method is to use a concrete patching compound that comes in dry form. You can buy this compound at any hardware store or home improvement store.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions for mixing the compound, then trowel it into the crack and stab it to remove air pockets. Fill the gap to include the surrounding concrete surface and level it out with a putty knife.
Another method involves pouring epoxy into the crack in your concrete. The epoxy will prevent moisture from entering the crack, which minimizes further damage.
Allow the patch mixture to dry and seal the area
You’ll need to allow the patch mixture to dry completely. This step can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. If you’re working with a small area, it’s best to wait until the patch appears completely solid before proceeding further.
Once your patch has dried, you can use sandpaper or other tools to smooth out any rough edges or areas where concrete may have dried unevenly.
Finally, apply a sealant over your repaired concrete to protect it from water damage and further cracking.
What About Narrow Concrete Cracks?
You can repair narrow concrete cracks using masonry crack filler, which you can apply with a caulking gun.
It’s important to clean the area first so that the elastomeric filler has something to stick to. Then use the caulking gun to fill the crack with the masonry crack filler.
Step 1: Remove any loose debris from the crack.
Step 2: Use an old rag to apply an even coat of the masonry crack filler over the entire crack length.
Step 3: Let the product dry completely, then sand it down with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth finish.
Contact the Experts for Cracked Concrete Repair in Los Angeles, CA
It’s true—cracked concrete is a common problem. You can repair cracked concrete, but the process depends on the cause and severity of the cracks.
If your concrete has hairline cracks, you may be able to fix it yourself. You can use one of the many concrete repair products, e.g., epoxy resin or a poultice made from a cement and sand mixture.
If your crack is more serious, you may need to hire a professional like Epoxy Power by BMI to repair it. Concrete repair contractors can determine the cause of the cracks and make repair recommendations based on their findings.
If you’re interested in learning more about cracked concrete repairs in Los Angeles, CA, reach out to Epoxy Power by BMI. We also offer polyurea/polyaspartic concrete coatings with a 20-year warranty.
Call us at (818) 835-8000 to schedule a free consultation.
