How to Fix Concrete Cracks in Steps

There is a requirement for repairing the cracks in the concrete steps as this type of damage is unsafe and if it is untreated, it will be out of hand in later. Once the crack begins, it will spread and get worse gradually over time, so the fixation of these types of crack is necessary.

Materials used for fixing the concrete cracks

The materials that are essential for the fixation of cracks are Quick-setting concrete, liquid concrete, asphalt cleaner, and acrylic fortifier. Apart from these materials, several essential pieces of equipment are also needed which include a hammer, shop vacuum, safety goggles, hoe, rubber gloves, a masonry chisel, margin trowel, 5-gallon bucket, wire brush, spray bottle, sponge, and water.

Procedure for repairing concrete cracks

Step 1: Separating the crumbled concrete

In the concrete crack fixation process, removing the chipped or cracked concrete is the first move. By eliminating the chipped concrete, a free surface of debris has been achieved to work on it. After that, the chisel is placed in the cracked area and the hammer is placed on the chisel’s top. This procedure continued until the broken pieces of concrete fell off.

Figure 1: Separating the cracked concrete

Caution: There is a chance of extra harm during the washing procedure due to the pressure washing in the concrete areas. In this regard, caution should be used.

Step 2: Removing Debris and Vacuum Dust

The next step is to sweep away the broken pieces of concrete with the use of an industrial brush. After the removal of the big pieces of concrete, shop vac has been used to eliminate the dust. After following these steps, the surface area has been spread with water. This step is important as the surface needs to be wet in case of bonding the new concrete with the old.

Figure 2: Removing the concrete dust

Step 3: Application of Concrete Bonding Adhesive

The use of the concrete bonding adhesive is effective in building the connection between the old and new concrete. The application of this bonding adhesive should be generous to the surface area with the help of a paintbrush or a rag. 2 to 3 hours is required to dry and after that, the next steps to fix the concrete crack can begin.

Figure 3: Concrete Bonding Adhesive’s application by using a brush

Step 4: Preparing the quick dry cement

The preparation of the concrete should be done properly. Concrete dries fast. In this context, after making the concrete, the application of it should done with a good speed. Before putting the concrete, an individual should put on a face mask, safety goggles, and gloves. The preparation begins by pouring the fast-setting concrete mix by hand into the plastic mortar tub. A chasm should also be created in the middle of the concrete and a two-third amount of water is recommended to pour into it. A hoe is used to mix the concrete and the remaining water from the bucket is poured while mixing. It should also ensure that overwater is not poured into the concrete as it hampers the concrete bonding. After completing this step, the concrete should look like wet mud. This mix can not be crumbled by hand.

Figure 4: Preparation of the concrete

Step 5: Application of the dry cement

The prepared cement mix will be applied to the damaged and chipped areas. This process can be done with the help of a trowel.

Figure 5: Apply the cement

Step 6: Smoothing and separating the excess concrete

A concrete edger will be used after applying the cement. This process will scrap off any concrete lumps. This process has been followed by a wet sponge which helps to smooth the surface area.

In case of presenting any kind of shallow parts or divots, a trowel will be used to fill those gaps with the help of concrete. After following this process, the sponge will also be re-used which helps to smooth out the surface area. A level will also used to confirm that the surface is flat.

Figure 6: Concrete edger for smoothening

Step 7: Drying the concrete

A spray bottle will be used to wet the surface area. This process should be done generously. After that, the concrete should be left to dry for 24 hours. This process helps to bond the concrete.

Figure 7: Left for drying the concrete

Step 8: Application of the concrete sealer

The last process of fixing the concrete crack is applying the concrete sealer. Concrete sealer should be applied after a month while the concrete has cured in a proper way. In this context, the surface of the concrete should be dried and clean. In this application procedure, the temperature should be above 50 degrees. The instructions on the package of the concrete sealer should be reviewed and followed properly to get a good result.

Figure 8: The importance of applying a concrete sealer

When should take the advice of the experts

The concrete crack can be fixed with the help of the general contractor. In the case of the concrete damage is substantial during the construction process, there should need to be contact with the professional for the job.

To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: The Fixer