Whether it is your pool, driveway, or home’s foundation, the concrete is bound to crack at some point. These cracks can appear for a variety of reasons, including stress or shrinkage. When you notice a crack in your concrete, it is important that you seal the crack from the inside and out with a crack repair kit. This will prevent further damage and will save you money in the long run. By following these simple steps, you can determine how to fix the concrete crack.
1. Investigate the Crack
Before you begin the process of repairing any crack, you want to investigate it to gather some information. Where is the crack located? Is it affecting the structural design? How many cracks are there? Is there a pattern? What is the length and width of the crack? One key piece of information you should determine is whether the crack is active or dormant. Active cracks tend to grow and move due to settlement or other reasons. Dormant cracks are more stable and are usually not affected by future movement.
2. Determine Repair Objective
Next, you want to determine what the objective is for the repair. Some of these objectives may include structural integrity or soundness, stopping or sealing a leak, or simply improving the aesthetics of the concrete. Once you have established the objective and whether the crack is active or dormant, you are ready to choose the best repair method.
3. Select a Repair Method
When selecting a repair method, there are many options you can choose from. If you are trying to fix a dormant crack, you can use flexible or rigid materials. Epoxy resins will probably be the best solution to this problem. However, if you are working on an active crack, you will want to stick to a flexible repair method, such as routing and sealing, so that future movements can occur without cracking the sealant.
With the right tools and a crack repair kit, you can repair the cracks quickly and easily yourself or by hiring a contractor. These three steps can help you in the process of fixing the damage properly.