DIY Fixes for Concrete Problems

As with other home maintenance tasks, making your own repairs to minor concrete damage yourself can prevent problems from becoming worse and turning into something that requires costly replacement by professionals. Here are some concrete repair tasks that you can do yourself, and helpful tips for doing the jobs right:

• Repairing cracks in sidewalks and concrete driveways For minor cracks, use a product like Sakrete’s Concrete and Mortar Repair which comes in an easy-to-use caulk tube or Sakrete Concrete Filler which comes in a one quart squeezable bottle. Larger cracks may require a different product, such as Sakrete Top ‘n Bond Concrete Patcher.

• For any size crack, begin by cleaning the crack and the concrete around it. Use a wire brush or screwdriver to remove loose chips and dust from the crack. Then, using a garden hose, squirt water directly into the crack to force out all loose material. Allow standing water to drain before filling crack.

• Before you pay a professional to perform the labor-intensive task of ripping up the old concrete and pouring new, consider resurfacing your worn concrete driveway, sidewalk or pathway. While resurfacing is a little more work than simply patching cracks, it’s still within the abilities of DIYers.

• Products like Flo-Coat Resurfacer by Sakrete pour over the existing concrete and, when properly applied, create a durable, visually appealing new surface. Be sure to clean the concrete first, especially if there are oil stains, and follow the manufacturer’s directions for application to ensure the best possible results.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.