Fixing cracks in concrete is of utmost importance as they can become a tripping hazard. They will reduce your property value over time and the curb appeal of your spaces. Concreting is usually done to ensure that the surface remains highly durable and maintenance-free. But due to some irregularities or getting concreting done from unreliable companies may call for more damage. Your concrete surface may start to develop cracks, gaps and holes. Also, sometimes the concrete becomes old, and it might be time to fix them. Ideally, one should start fixing theirs concrete cracks as soon as they become visible to the naked eye to ensure a lesser burden on your pockets and get the damages fixed on time and within budget by a professional. 

The main tools carried by a professional would include a concrete repair mix of the highest quality, chisel, hammer, wire brush, putty knife and a mason’s trowel.

Step 1: Selecting the proper and best quality concrete repair mix: Talk with a professional concreter that will guide and advise you with the best quality concrete repair mix for the desired result. Mainly epoxy mix, latex patching materials and mortar mixes are used as your concrete repair mix. An epoxy mix would be the best choice for fixing smaller and finer cracks in concrete, whereas a mortar mix would be ideal for a more significant crack fixing. 

Step 2: Preparing the cracked concrete area for fixing: An expert would first take a chisel and hammer and knock around the edges of the cracked concrete to remove any unwanted loose concrete debris. They will then proceed to chip the cracked concrete up to an inch below the surface. Using a wire brush, they will remove all the loose debris and lingering particles. If the crack area is more extensive, using proper protective gears and a tarp would be beneficial to ensure that the dust does not spread out and can be easily collected. The area is then thoroughly cleaned using a high-pressure water supply for a cleaner space. 

Step 3: Fixing the concrete cracks with the chosen repair product: The area, once adequately dried, can be fixed using an epoxy sealant or a mortar mix. 

• Epoxy mix and Latex patching: These methods are used to fix more minor concrete cracks. An expert would mix the product as per the manufacturer’s specification, and then the gap is filled with epoxy of latex mix using a putty knife or a mason’s trowel.  The mixture is filled right till the edge of the crack and filled up till the top surface in the same level as the surrounding concrete. Let the epoxy or latex mix dry entirely before resuming your daily routine.  A time period of 1-2 days is generally required for the best-fixed result. 

Mortar Mix: A professional would go for a mortar mix to fix cracks in the concrete of a wider area. They will ideally go for portland cement, masonry sand and sufficient water to make a thick paste. Moisten the concrete area to be fixed and then apply the mortar mix on the entire surface. The concrete area to be repaired should be completely air-tight and have a smooth surface finish. The mixture should dry up within 2-3 hours, and then a sheet can be used to cover the fixed concrete area to keep it moist. Remember to sparkle some water on the surface till the mix becomes adequately hardened. 

Should you fix cracks in concrete or replace them?

Ideally, if the concrete cracks are just on the surface or just hairline level without affecting the side, one should consider fixing cracks in concrete. Whereas, replacing the concrete slab should be the way to go forward if the cracks developed are widespread and very deep due to erosion, inferior quality materials, improper grouting, moisture, and other environmental factors. Fixing these concrete cracks would mean wasting your money as they would soon reappear. 

Hence before trying to fix concrete cracks by yourself, it would be best to take advice from a professional to get the best result. Also, an expert would get the job completed faster and with more efficient and effective results. Reach out to your nearest concreter to help you with fixing concrete cracks.