Does your concrete floor start to show cracks? Options such as concrete crack filler Seattle are available to prevent further decline of your concrete flooring.
Concrete is one of the most widely used flooring materials due to its durability. But no matter how tough it is, concrete remains susceptible to cracks and chips. Factors such as high traffic, pressure, and extreme weather conditions may affect the intensity of damages on your concrete floor. Exterior floors are also more vulnerable to cracking than interior concrete flooring.
Wide vs. Narrow Crack
Wide cracks in concrete typically measure more than 1/4 inch. Anything less than that is considered narrow. Wide cracks are patched and sealed with a concrete patching compound, while narrow ones are repaired using a concrete caulk or liquid filler. Depending on the number and length of cracks, concrete repair usually takes one to two hours.
What You Need
Today, there are concrete repair kits available in the market. But essentially, here are the materials needed to repair your concrete flooring.
- Cold chisel
- Concrete bonding adhesive
- Hammer
- Paintbrush
- Safety glasses
- Sand mix
- Trowel
- Vacuum cleaner
- Wire brush
Procedure
Get your tools ready and take note of these steps in repairing concrete cracks!
- Clean the Surface
Before the actual crack filling process:
- Make sure there’s no oil or dirt on the surface.
- If there is, clean the crack using a wire brush, sweep away the loose debris, and vacuum the crack.
- If there’s any grease or oil, use a cleaner that cuts grease. This will allow the filler to bond to the cement.
- Prepare the Filler
Mix a suitable amount of concrete patching compound with sand and water, following the manufacturer’s directions. If you are using a pre-mixed concrete filler, skip this step.
- Apply the Filler
After mixing the concrete patching compound:
- Trowel the patch into the crack.
- If you’re using a concrete filler, cut the nozzle off the bottle and slowly fill the cracks.
- After a few minutes, check whether the filler has settled. You may have to add more patches if it doesn’t look filled.
- Smoothen the Surface
Smoothing the surface creates a seamless concrete floor. Using the trowel, feather the patching compound into the surrounding concrete. If you wish to texture the surface, brush the patching compound with a dry paintbrush.
- Allow to Cure
The preparation and patching process may only take one to two hours, but the curing may take more time. Allow the filler to cure in the duration recommended by the manufacturer. Usually, it is recommended to leave it overnight. After that, check if any additional patch is needed.
- Seal the Patch and Concrete
Concrete quickly absorbs stains and moisture, which makes it vulnerable to damage. Sealing the patch and its surrounding area ensures an extra layer of protection. Some concrete repair kits come with a sealer, while some do not. For sealers, the top choices include water-based polyurethane. If the floor has a rough or textured finish, use a broom or brush to apply the polyurethane. If the surface is smooth, use a roller.
In Conclusion
If you wish to extend the life of your concrete floor and eventually save yourself from the financial drawback of replacing your concrete flooring every few years, concrete filling is a necessary process. Visit your local hardware or consult concrete crack filler Seattle if you’re doing it for the first time or needs any assistance in the concrete repair process.
