 | Justin Crain is VP / Treasurer of American Concrete Co., Inc., which is owned by his parents, Dennis and Jane Crain. American Concrete is celebrating its forty-first anniversary and Justin is the third generation to be involved with the family company. American Concrete was awarded the 2011 Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the year award. Justin is currently the President of the Kansas Ready Mix Concrete Association and is currently on the board of directors for the Mount Carmel Foundation as well as the Pittsburg Public Library Foundation. Please visit our website, www.americanconcreteco.net, or call 620.231.1520. |
Concrete
2013-05-29 11:00:48
Can cracks in concrete be repaired?
Q-I have a crack in my patio. Is it possible to repair it without it looking like a patch job?
A-It is certainly possible to repair a crack to a condition that is very acceptable and sometimes even to a flawless finish. How visible it is depends on many factors, such as the size of the crack and age of the concrete and how much weathering has already occurred to the surrounding areas.
There are many techniques, each appropriate for a particular type of crack. It is always best to consult a concrete professional who can fix the crack as well as address the problem that caused it in the first place.
To fill a crack, a concrete professional will determine the size of the crack, and look for the factors that caused it, such as a lack of expansion joints. If there are underlying problems, it might be necessary to fix those issues so that the patio does not continue to crack in the same or other places.
After determining the size and depth of the crack, you choose the appropriate type of filler. Choosing the right filler for the crack is very important not only to attain the best cosmetic results, but also for the best bonding.
Then, you must prepare the area so that you can get a good mend. Sometimes this means just making sure it is clean, loosening surrounding material with a stiff wire brush. Other times you must enlarge the crack, making the bottom wider than the top. It also includes using a chemical cleaner of concrete adhesive to increase the adhesive properties of the concrete.
Finally you install the repair matter, forcing it into the crack, and you are finished.
When done professionally and skillfully, it is possible to achieve a beautiful finish.
