How To Repair Large Cracks In Concrete Slab

To concrete cracks inch wide or narrower apply an epoxy or latex patching product view example on amazon mixed according to the manufacturer s specifications.

How to repair large cracks in concrete slab.

The cracks in this case ranged in width measured across the crack from hairline less than 1 16 to. Stab the trowel into the compound to remove air pockets and help work the patching material deep into the crack. Then fill the remainder of the groove and smooth it over. Pour concrete resurfacing mixture into the crack and smooth it out with a rubber floor squeegee.

Concrete repair can be tooled with a trowel to match the surrounding surface immediately after placement. Slowly draw the gun down the crack forcing a bead of concrete repair caulk deep into the crack. Welded wire mesh can also help reduce shrinkage cracking but only if it is placed in the middle or upper half of the slab but at least 2 inches below the surface. Mix the concrete patching compound following the manufacturer s directions.

Concrete slabs are essential to the structural stability and design of modern buildings. Shrinkage cracks in poured concrete are easily recognizable and can be distinguished from other types of cracks that occur later in the life of a foundation wall or floor slab. Concrete suppliers sometimes add water to make the concrete easier to work with but this weakens the concrete. A concrete slab without reinforcement usually will have more cracks and the cracks will be wider than cracks in a reinforced slab.

Then i filled the deep cracks with cheap fine grain sand to make sure it was full all. The photograph of cracks above were taken of shrinkage cracks in a concrete slab floor in a home built in 2006. Nearly all newer homes will have reinforced slabs however older homes especially those built in the early sixties or before may not have reinforcement or very little. Add water to the resurfacer mix to get the consistency of pancake batter for the concrete crack filler.

It will begin to form a skin in about 20 to 40 minutes and will harden completely in 1 to 2 hours. Using a hand grinder i leveled the floor on each side of large crack and widened it to the wide of the grinder. Trowel the compound into the crack. Feather the edges to get the best appearance.

The best solution is to use less water in the concrete mix.