Keep your driveway looking this pristine.
When repairing concrete driveways and steps, you may encounter several types of damage. Both small and large cracks are common due to the settling of the ground beneath the structures. Accidents may also cause holes or divots in the surface. Crumbling edges are common on steps due to the impact of being stepped on, inclement weather and contact with salts and other caustic substances. Each type of damage will require a different proper process to mend it. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Cracks
1. Place a tube of siliconized latex caulk into a pressure gun.
2. Open the caulk and place the tip as far into the crack as possible.
3. Squeeze the trigger of the gun to fill the crack with caulk until it is full or slightly overflowing.
4. Use a putty knife to smooth the top of the caulk so that it lays flat against the concrete.Use the edge of the knife to scrape away excess caulk.
5. Allow the filled cracks to dry for 24 hours before touching them.
Holes and Divots
6. Apply a 3/8-inch-thick layer of concrete patch inside and around the edge of the hole or divot using a pointed metal trowel.
7. Wait 1 to 2 hours until this patch is soft-set.
8. Use the trowel to fill the hole or divot completely with concrete patch. Make the top of the patch even with the undamaged concrete around it.
9. Wipe the trowel clean or use a second trowel. Use the flat face of the trowel to smooth the surface of the patch. Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle and scrape up any excess patch material with the angled edge.
10. Allow the filled holes and/or divots to dry 24 to 48 hours before touching them.
Crumbling Edges
11. Resurface the edges of concrete driveways and stairs to cease any crumbling. Remove any small, loose bits of concrete by scrubbing a stiff-bristled brush over the damaged areas. Sweep the surface clean with a broom and dustpan.
12. Spread a thin application of concrete bonding agent to the crumbling areas with a medium-sized paintbrush.
13. Apply a 3/8-inch-thick layer of prepared concrete to the areas with a clean metal trowel. Smooth the concrete as much as possible with the flat of the trowel, then allow it to set up for 1-2 hours.
14. Use the trowel to completely fill the crumbling areas with concrete, then smooth the surface again with the trowel. Wait 30 minutes.
15. Cover all of the new concrete with a plastic tarp and cure the concrete for 7 days. Once a day, lightly spray the concrete with water, then replace the tarp. Remove the tarp at the end of the week.
Tags: areas with, 8-inch-thick layer, Allow filled, Apply 8-inch-thick, Apply 8-inch-thick layer, before touching, before touching them
