Repair a Chipped Driveway
The concrete that makes up a driveway's surface is mixed to last for decades. However, even the best-laid driveways can develop problems, and a common one is surface chipping. A chipped driveway is an eyesore as well as a hazard to vehicles, possibly causing tire damage. Whether your driveway has a few light chips or is experiencing severe scaling, it should be repaired as soon as possible. In order to make the repairs, you'll have to fill in the chips with a material that will create a new smooth surface of equal strength to the old. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Prepare the surface of the driveway by removing any loose concrete chips from the surface of the driveway and then cleaning the surface completely. Degrease the surface of the driveway where the chips are located along with the area surrounding the chip with a retail degreasing solution applied with a squeegee. Use a power washer to complete the washing of the driveway. Allow the driveway to dry and then sweep it clear of any remaining dirt or debris.
2. Prime the driveway's surface with a bonding adhesive. Spread the adhesive over the surface being patched using a push broom. The adhesive forms an intermediate layer between the old concrete and the new cement coating that aids in binding the two materials together.
3. Mix the coating in a bucket according to the manufacturer's instructions while the adhesive is still tacky to the touch. Make sure the coating is of at least the same PSI strength as your driveway to support the driveway's usual traffic.
4. Pour the cement coating over the chipped area and spread it using a squeegee. Once spread, use a trowel to level the surface and then place any finishing work necessary, such as applying a broom finish, stamping the surface with a design, or tinting the coating with color.
5. Allow the coating to cure for 24 hours. If the coat does not completely fill the chips, apply a second coat to completely fill the depressions left by the chips. Allow 24 hours for any additional layer to cure.
6. Seal the newly coated area using an exterior concrete sealant. Pour the sealant onto the coating and spread with a squeegee. Allow the sealant to dry completely before using the driveway. Drying times will vary according to the sealant you choose to use.
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