A professional contractor has the expertise to diagnose the type of concrete damage, determine if the cracking is structurally significant, and recommend the correct repair method. They also have access to the proper equipment and high-quality materials needed for effective repairs. This helps ensure that the repairs will last, saving you money and minimizing disruption to your home or business.

Before Concrete Repair, it’s important to prepare the area. This includes removing any loose or spalling concrete and cleaning the area. It’s also a good idea to clean the cracks to prevent the spread of contaminates. For hairline cracks, it is best to use a one-part elastomeric concrete filler like Sakrete Top ‘N Bond, which can be applied directly to the existing surface.

Ensuring Longevity: Best Practices for Repairing Concrete

For larger areas, a two-part material is typically used. The first component contains a bonding agent that penetrates the crack, while the second consists of a material with a low shrinkage coefficient. A low shrinkage coefficient is especially important because the existing concrete matrix has already experienced a great deal of contraction. Other considerations for the choice of a repair material include its modulus of elasticity (stiffness), freeze-thaw resistance, water vapor transmission, sulfate resistance, and compressive and flexural strengths.

It’s vital to understand that cracking in concrete is a natural process, but it can also be a sign of poor construction or a structural problem. In some cases, replacing the concrete may be more cost-effective than repairing it.