Concrete driveways have become common among Australians due to its’ characteristics of being hard wearing and easy to maintain. Minor cracks are not a big issue but if not well dealt with they become big issues that cost so much to rectify. The good news is, that repairing cracks on your concrete driveway is an easy task that you can undertake yourself with the needed equipment and products. Below is a step by step guide on how you can go about fixing those cracks and making your driveway look and perform like it just was built.
- Assess the Cracks
Each process begins with the evaluation of cracks on your driveway before applying any procedure. The cracks less than ¼ inch are just ordinary and do not necessarily need the attention of a professional while the larger ones may need much consideration. In the case where the crack is wide or the floor is uneven with height difference, it is advisable to seek the service of professional concrete contractor in Melbourne.
- Clean the Area
Cleaning is very important especially when it comes to repair because it will help make the repair to last longer. Scrub the cracks with a broom or a leaf blower so as to clean away all the dirt, debris or a loose concrete. The cleaner the crack is, the better the repair material will stick to the joint. Wait until the driveway is dry before you continue with the next process of the coating.
- Prepare the Crack for Repair
After you have made a clean crack you will need to cantilever the crack slightly to accommodate the repair material. Utilize a cold chisel and a hammer to chip the sides of the crack and making a small channels in the form of V. This assists in the patching material to make a better bond with concrete that is already present.
- Apply the Repair Material
Now it is time to pass the crack. For narrow opening you can use concrete patching compound or crack filler in order to get the job done. These products are readily purchase from hardware stores and can be installed using a caulking gun or trowel. All that needs to be done is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using the product particularly when mixing it and applying it.
- Smooth and Seal the Surface
Upon complete filling of the crack, float the surface with a trowel. To make the work even smoother, indent the sides of the repair so it matches the other sections of the concrete driveway. Let the patch dry to a hard surface as directed by the patch producer.
Conclusion
Filling the cracks in your concrete driveway is not a complex or lengthy process I thought. If repaired in good time with appropriate equipment and material, your driveway will last long and the surface will be as useful as the first day it was lain. However, if the problem is too big, or if there is considerable wear or abrasion, then you have to go to concrete services in Melbourne for further consultation and assistance is advisable.
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