Repairing Guides

how to repair cracked cement porch

by Rogelio Stroman DVM Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Resurface a Cracked and Sunken Concrete Porch

  • Clean the Concrete. Before you can go about actually patching the concrete, you need to completely clean the surface of...
  • Use a Bonding Agent. A bonding agent comes in handy when patching concrete because it will give you an additional layer...
  • Filling the Voids. The easiest way to keep things level is to simply fill...

Full Answer

How much does it cost to replace a concrete porch?

The average demo cost for a porch is between $500 and $1,000. This makes the total average cost to replace an existing porch between $15,500 and $36,000, depending on the size, material, and style. Some areas may have additional disposal fees, depending on the material your old porch was.

How do I resurface my cement porch?

How to Resurface Worn Concrete

  1. Clean the Concrete. For surface preparation, wear heavy boots and protective glasses and blast off surface dirt with a gas-powered pressure washer that can reach at least 3,500 ...
  2. Patch Spalled Areas. While the concrete is damp, mix up enough resurfacer to fill any divots. ...
  3. Spread the Resurfacer. ...
  4. Trowel Out the Resurfacer. ...

What can I use to clean my cement porch?

When cleaning your pavers, we suggest that you have the following materials on hand:

  • Stiff deck broom.
  • Pressure Washer (or high-pressure nozzle setting on your hose)
  • Dish Detergent.
  • Water.
  • Polymeric Sand.
  • Sealant.
  • Roller Brush.

What can you use to resurface a cement front porch?

What Can You Use to Resurface a Cement Front Porch?

  • Resurfacing Compound. A basic concrete resurfacing compound applied to your existing porch covers cracks and imperfections, creating a renewed concrete look.
  • Concrete Staining. A front porch that is in good condition with no structural damage can be resurfaced by concrete staining.
  • Concrete Overlay. ...
  • Interlocking Tiles. ...

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Can a cracked concrete porch be repaired?

Narrow Cracks Remove any loose debris from the crack and surrounding area with a wire brush and broom before the concrete repair. Narrow cracks can be filled with a masonry concrete crack filler that comes in a cartridge designed to be used in a caulking gun.

What do you do with a cracked concrete porch?

Pitiful Patio? 5 Ways to Rescue a Deteriorating Concrete PatioFill and seal common concrete cracking with a caulk-based crack repair product. ... Straighten out crumbling corners with a concrete cleaner and patching compound. ... Dress up an older, unattractive space by covering your patio with pavers.More items...•

What should I use to fill a cement porch crack?

0:512:34How to Repair Concrete Cracks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSeveral repair caulk and sealant.MoreSeveral repair caulk and sealant.

How do you cover cracks in a concrete porch?

0:002:08How To Repair Cracked Concrete Patio Slab - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe main thing that I found that helps is to really try to force the sealant down into the crack.MoreThe main thing that I found that helps is to really try to force the sealant down into the crack. And it also helps to leave a little bit of excess sealant on top of your trail.

Why is my cement porch cracking?

Shrinkage is a main cause of cracking. As concrete hardens and dries it shrinks. This is due to the evaporation of excess mixing water. The wetter or soupier the concrete mix, the greater the shrinkage will be.

Can you pour concrete over cracked concrete?

You can put new concrete over old concrete. However, unresolved issues with your old concrete, such as cracks or frost heaves, will carry over to your new concrete if not taken care of. In addition, you must pour it at least 2 inches thick.

How do you fix a large crack in a concrete patio?

0:382:01Repairing Large Cracks In Cement With Fast Setting Cement PatcherYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn thin sections of the crack it may be necessary to turn the trowel sideways to ensure the void isMoreOn thin sections of the crack it may be necessary to turn the trowel sideways to ensure the void is filled. Using the trial continue to fill the cracks applying pressure to completely fill the void.

What's the difference between mortar and concrete?

Basically concrete is stronger and more durable so it can be used for structural projects such as setting posts whereas mortar is used as a bonding agent for bricks, stones, etc. Concrete is a mixture of water, cement, sand just like mortar.

What is the difference between cement and mortar?

Cement is a fine binding powder that is never used alone but is a component of both concrete and mortar, as well as stucco, tile grout, and thin-set adhesive. Mortar is composed of cement, fine sands, and lime; it is used as a binding material when building with brick, block, and stone.

How do you resurface a concrete porch?

HOW TO RESURFACE A CONCRETE PATIORepair - fix cracks in concrete patio with sealer or filler.Clean – power wash and sweep away debris.Prep – grind your surface for the overlay to bond better.Mix – combine overlay components and add grit additive or coloring agents.Apply – spread overlay onto area to be refinished.More items...

How do you level a concrete porch?

0:264:04Front Porch Concrete Leveling - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm using 20 volt Dewalt brushless grinder with 4-inch diamond grinder. Blade.MoreI'm using 20 volt Dewalt brushless grinder with 4-inch diamond grinder. Blade.

How hot should concrete be for a patio?

For most patch materials, both the air and the concrete must be between 50 F and 90 F.

What is spalling concrete?

Much like peeling paint, spalling concrete tends to introduce moisture and lead to more spalling. A concrete resurfacer that pours on and spreads out with a squeegee, trowel, or broom is the best way to repair these large, shallow areas. Consider covering your patio. Solid roofing or canopies that prevent moisture from gathering on ...

Can you repair a crack in a concrete patio?

In some cases, one side of the crack rises higher than the other side—a condition called lippage that can lead to trips and falls. When cracks get out of control, the only recourse is to demolish and rebuild your patio. Cracks in a concrete patio can be repaired quickly with simple methods and inexpensive materials.

Can elastomeric filler be used on concrete?

Such elastomeric fillers have the benefit of allowing the concrete to slightly shift over time while maintaining structural stability. While the patch will always be noticeable to some degree, you can minimize its visual impact by choosing a filler that closely matches the color of your patio.

Can you use liquid crack filler?

It is not desirable to use the liquid crack filler for deep areas as this extends curing time, can result in sinking filler, and adds to the overall cost of the project. One way to add solid filler is to dispense clean sand by hand through a funnel.

Can ice melt damage a patio?

Whether your patio is cracked and in need of repair or has already been repaired, take these measures to make sure that winter elements do not damage your patio. Make sure that all cracks are sealed or remain sealed since freeze-thaw events can easily widen cracks. Ice melt, or de-icers, can potentially harm concrete.

Can snow shovels damage concrete?

Snow shovels with metal wear-strips can damage concrete. Sweep the concrete with a push-broom or purchase a snow shovel that has no metal that will come into contact with the concrete. Spalled concrete that flakes off in thin horizontal pieces should be patched immediately.

Concrete Crack Repair

The technique for patching cracks will depend on the size of the crack.

Remove Paint From Concrete

Concrete is porous and absorbs paint well. Here are some recommendations for removing spilled paint.

How long does it take for a concrete patch to cure?

Finally, smooth the patch so that it’s level with the surrounding concrete. Let it cure for about two hours, then cover the area with plastic sheeting to keep it moist.

What is the best material to fill cracks in concrete?

Options include epoxy compounds, latex patching material, and mortar mixes. This last option works best to fill large cracks (or chipped edges), while the other products are suitable for cracks in concrete that are ⅛-inch wide or narrower.

How long does concrete last?

Installations of concrete can last hundreds of years, but sooner or later, most end up developing small cracks, gaps, holes, and crevices. If your concrete path, patio, or driveway has begun to show its age, make the necessary repairs sooner rather than later.

Can cracks in concrete ruin curb appeal?

They are not only a tripping hazard, but cracks in your concrete patio, driveway, or walkway can really compromise the curb appeal of your home. You've let these imperfections linger long enough. Here's how to fix them—easily! Installations of concrete can last hundreds of years, but sooner or later, most end up developing small cracks, gaps, ...

What is the best way to patch concrete?

Use a Bonding Agent. A bonding agent comes in handy when patching concrete because it will give you an additional layer of adhesion between the old layer of concrete and the new one. They are sold in many different formats, such as spray-on or paint-on, but you can find them at any local home improvement store.

How long does it take for a drywall surface to dry before patching?

The easiest way is to take a power washer and blast the surface, but you can also use a scrub pad and then a mop to clean things up. Allow a minimum of 24 hours for the surface to dry before patching.

How to keep concrete level?

The easiest way to keep things level is to simply fill the low spots and leave the high ones. After you’ve mixed your concrete in a machine and have it ready to pour from a wheelbarrow, you can coat the work area with the bonding agent. Then, while the bonding agent still tacky and wet, fill the low, sunken spot with fresh concrete.

Can you resurface a cracked porch?

While you can resurface a cracked and sunken concrete porch, understand that it might only be a temporary solution if the porch continues to sink over time.

How Do You Cover a Cracked Uneven Concrete Patio?

Fixing a cracked, uneven concrete patio is a straightforward process. However, the replacement process may call for evaluating and assessing the situation and concrete repair solutions available at your disposal.

How Can I Make My Cracked Concrete Patio Look Better?

Even though concrete patios are highly durable, they aren’t inspiring. If you have concrete in your backyard and want to make it look better, below are ways to makeover a concrete patio:

How Do You Keep Concrete From Cracking?

If you have just poured new concrete, follow the tips below to prevent it from cracking:

Types of Concrete Cracks

There are at least five types of concrete cracks. Let’s go through them below:

Can You Pour New Concrete Over Old Cracked Concrete?

You can always pour new concrete over your old cracked concrete. However, the frost heaves and cracks on your old concrete can move to your new concrete. Additionally, it would help to pour at least 2-inch thick of the new concrete for effective results.

Conclusion

A cracked and uneven concrete patio results from various causes. However, you should evaluate and assess the situation to determine the best approach to use when you notice the problem.

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