Concrete has to be the most versatile building substance available! You can use it for floors or decks, you can build walls, you can mold it, shape it, even grind and polish it. But when it does start to show its age, it may also be expensive to fix or replace. If at all possible, it's cheaper to simply repair the existing slab. This article will cover some of your options on the subject of concrete slab repair.
To begin with, how can you tell when the damage has gone beyond repair? A visual examination should be enough to answer your question. If the cracking is deep and widespread, then look how even the matching surfaces are. If it's obvious there's been a good bit of settling, then any attempt at concrete slab repair would only be temporary. Significant settling is usually caused by heavily loaded trucks, erosion, or poor installment of the sub-grade, or maybe a combination. In colder climates you also have to consider the possibility of "frost heave", where freezing and thawing in the ground below the slab causes the slab to break and heave upward. If any of these is true, then it's just time to replace your slab.
But if the slab only has surface cracking, or if the broken edges are still close together and even (indicating no settling or heave) then you still have a good chance of a lasting repair. In that case, you should certainly consider concrete slab repair as a viable option. Unless you're already a "pro" at this sort of job, it might be a good idea to call a professional. But if you'd like to try to do it yourself, we can give you the basic steps right here.
Concrete slab repair step one: cleaning. It would be best to rent a power washer to thoroughly clean the surface of your slab. It's vital that all dirt and loose residue be removed in order for the repair compound to properly bond to the old concrete, producing a lasting repair.
Concrete slab repair step two: prepare the edges. Using a chisel and hammer, cut the edges of the cracks to a backward angle. Clean dust and debris using a good stiff brush, either by hand or with a drill. If the crack is a deep one, then you must fill it with sand up to within 1/2 inch of the surface.
Concrete slab repair step three: apply the bonding solution. You may be tempted to skip this step, but that would be a mistake. The bonding solution helps the repair compound to chemically bond with the old concrete. Without it, your careful work might simply dry and pop out. So use a paint brush and apply a thin layer to the entire inside of the crack.
Concrete slab repair step four: apply the repair compound. Mix your repair compound according to directions, then use a trowel to fill in the cracks. Initially, you should fill the hole above the surface, then feather and smooth it until it's even with the surface.
After you've repaired the cracks in your concrete, there are some concrete resurfacing options you can also consider, such as paint, sealer, texture, stamping, and others. Whatever you decide, though, you should wait at least 72 hours after the concrete slab repair is finished before using the concrete or applying any treatments.
So take a look at your slab with these options in mind. Concrete slab repair might save you a bundle!
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