How to fill cracks in concrete

repair-patch How to fill cracks in concrete

You can fill cracks larger than 1/4 inch with concrete patching compound. Here’s how: Vacuum out any dirt. Brush on an acrylic bonding liquid for extra strength. Press the compound into the crack with a steel trowel. Strike off any excess. Before the mortar cures, finish the patch to match the surrounding area.

Professional tip
Don’t try to feather out the patch over the floor on either side of the crack. These overlaps tend to crack off.

For smaller cracks
Use caulk to seal small-1/4-inch and under-cracks. Silicone- or acrylic-based products, often called mortar or concrete sealants, tolerate some movement without failing.

For larger patches
Bore 1/2-inch diameter x 2-inch deep holes in the edges of the damaged concrete. Use anchor cement to secure 1/4×4-inch bolts in the holes. (The exposed part of the bolts helps secure the patch.)
After the patch hardens, mist it with water and cover it with plastic for about a week. This extends the curing time and strengthens the patch.

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