how to repair crumbling concrete porch

How to Fix a Crumbling Concrete Porch (and Tips for Preventing It From Happening Again)

• 1. Solve Your Drainage Issues (Quickly) The most serious cause of a crumbling concrete porch typically concerns water leaking into the concrete.
• 2. Consider If It’s Just General Wear and Tear.
• 3. Power Wash Your Porch (Then Keep Doing It Regularly)
• 4. Seal Any Holes, Then Add A Layer of Concrete Paint.
• 5. Reinforce Your Concrete Porch With A Steel Dowel.

Full Answer

How do you fix crumbling concrete?

Rub the bristles of a stiff scrub brush over the edges of the crumbling area to remove loose concrete and dirt. Spray these areas with water from a garden hose on high pressure. Allow the concrete to dry completely for 24 hours. Apply a thin coat of concrete bonding agent over each of the crumbling areas, using a medium to large paintbrush.

How do you fix a small crack in a concrete porch?

Cracks on a concrete porch less than three-eights of an inch wide can be easily repaired. You will need a tube of vinyl concrete patching material, a wet rag, a soft bristle brush, and a wire brush. A shop vacuum is also helpful for completely removing dirt, dust, and loose debris.

How do you fix a broken epoxy porch?

Begin by cleaning the area of the porch requiring repair with a wire brush. This will remove any loose pieces. Next, brush the area with a soft bristle brush, and vacuum or blow away any remaining dirt or debris. Leaving behind dirt or debris will prevent the epoxy from bonding.

How to repair damaged concrete slabs?

Prepare a large bucket of water, and begin by putting a layer of the concrete mix directly onto the surface of the damage. Use your shovel to smooth it out over the damaged area. Once you have covered the damaged areas with a layer of concrete mix, pick up a trowel and use it to smooth again.

How do you fix crumbling concrete?

1:305:16How To Repair Concrete | Pro Tips For Repairing Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAny loose debris from the damaged area with a wire brush and broom then you can use a caulk gunMoreAny loose debris from the damaged area with a wire brush and broom then you can use a caulk gun loaded with a masonry crack filler to fill the crack.

Can you resurface crumbling concrete?

You can repair and resurface your spalled concrete in any number of ways. You can buy products that apply a very thin coating on the concrete. The larger premixed bagged concrete manufacturers make these, as do some other specialty companies. These products do work, but pay close attention to their limitations.

How do you rebuild a concrete porch?

0:3941:32How To Rebuild A 100 Years-old Concrete Porch, Step By StepYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you look here you could you could basically the entire thing is broken so we're going to do theMoreIf you look here you could you could basically the entire thing is broken so we're going to do the demolition remove all all the concrete.

Why is my concrete patio crumbling?

“Concrete is like a rigid sponge,” Owens said, with “billions of bubbles” of air embedded in its structure. When water fills those voids and then freezes and thaws repeatedly, the expansion and thawing of ice makes concrete crumble. It also pushes paint off the surface.

How long does quikrete concrete resurfacer last?

This new layer is specially made to adhere to the old concrete. It's extremely durable while being relatively thin and can last 10-20+ years if properly installed by a Pro and cared for. So yes it can last. Concrete resurfacing provides a like new finish at an affordable price.

Can you pour concrete over 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 repair a concrete front porch?

1:024:46Learn how to Resurface concrete porch in 5min in 4k vid - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI like to apply a concrete bonding adhesive to guarantee a strong bond between the surface. And theMoreI like to apply a concrete bonding adhesive to guarantee a strong bond between the surface. And the resurfacing material.

Can old concrete be resurfaced?

Concrete resurfacing is a way to make old concrete look new again. A concrete coating is applied over the existing surface, offering a variety of color, texture and pattern options. This type of decorative refinishing can be done on driveways, patios, pool decks and even indoor floors.

How can I improve an old concrete patio?

You can't turn back time on spalling or cracks, but you can cover them up with the right concrete repair products. For example, a layer of Quikrete's Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer will give your patio a smooth and wear-resistant finish with the look of freshly poured concrete, but with a shorter working and wait time.

Why did my concrete crumble?

The most common cause of spalling is errors on the part of contractors. They either add additional water to the concrete as they finish it or they start to finish the concrete before the concrete bleed water leaves the surface of the concrete.

How do you resurface old concrete?

0:394:28How to Resurface Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore resurfacing your slab deeply spalled areas and large cracks should be repaired using concreteMoreBefore resurfacing your slab deeply spalled areas and large cracks should be repaired using concrete resurfacer that has been mixed to a triable consistency.

What is it called when concrete crumbles?

Spalling or Crumbling Concrete. As unfortunate and time-consuming as it can be, concrete does need to be properly maintained and taken care of over time. Many people do not realize that concrete can't just be poured and left, and this is what can lead to problems down the line.

How do you repair a crumbling concrete garage floor?

Clean the slab and fill deep holes and cracksClean the slab and fill deep holes and cracks. Start with a clean floor. ... Remove the loose stuff. ... Concrete Floor Patch: Fill cracks, craters, divots and pits. ... Create a dam. ... Spread it smooth, then let it set.

How long does a porch repair last?

If properly mixed and completed with care, the porch repair should blend in well and last for years to come.

What is the most popular material for porches?

To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Concrete is one of the most popular materials used to make porches because it is sturdy, and although concrete is naturally very solid it can develop ...

Why is concrete used for porches?

Concrete is one of the most popular materials used to make porches because it is sturdy, and although concrete is naturally very solid it can develop cracks, holes, and broken edges . Concrete can become damaged because of poor installation combined with temperature changes and moisture, and these problems are not always initially apparent ...

Can you repair a broken edge on a cement porch?

The broken pieces are not required since newly mixed cement will be used to repair the porch. To repair a large broken edge on a cement porch you will need a steel dowel rod several inches in length, a masonry drill bit, an electric drill, a wire brush, and a strong shop vacuum.

Can you repair a cracked concrete porch?

Repairing broken edges, holes, and cracks in concrete is easier than most people realize, and it is possible to repair the damage and make a porch look almost as good as new.

Can you fix a porch landing that breaks off?

The edges of porch landings and stair steps sometimes break off for no apparent reason, and in many cases, the missing pieces are found on the ground. When the pieces can be located they are very easy to reattach if they have not completely crumbled. With careful preparation and placement, the repair to the porch will be unapparent.

How to keep concrete patch wet?

Try to keep the patch wet for the three days by spritzing it with water and covering it once again with the plastic so the concrete patch stays damp. To repair deeper concrete defects or to replace chunks of missing concrete, just add small stones to your mix.

How to make cement paint?

You make cement paint by just adding clean water to pure Portland cement and stirring it until it's the consistency of regular latex paint. Make sure the rough concrete is free of all dust and lightly spritz it with water before applying on the cement paint.

How to make a thin patch of concrete?

To add a thin patch of concrete that wouldn't exceed 3/8-inch in thickness, all you do is mix coarse clean sand with Portland cement. The mixture should resemble bricklayer's mortar. Mix two parts sand to one part cement to get a super-strong mixture.

How long does concrete last?

Concrete is simply artificial rock. If it's mixed, placed, finished and cured correctly it can last 100 or more years. If your concrete steps, walkways, patios, etc. are crumbling, you may be able to repair them with traditional products and methods or you can choose from some modern materials.

Can you use cement paint to patch concrete?

Always use the cement paint to bond your new concrete to your old. Modern epoxies are available that also make great repairs. Simply purchase epoxies that are clearly labeled as concrete patching materials and follow the directions on the label for amazing results.

Can you patch concrete below the surface?

Often concrete deterioration is just a surface blemish. The concrete just below the surface is still sound. If this is what's wrong at your home, then you can patch the concrete and the patch will stay in place for many years if you just do a few simple things.

How long to wait to apply concrete?

Apply a layer of prepared concrete 3/8 inch thick with a pointed metal trowel. Smooth the surface of the new concrete with the face of the trowel. Wait two hours.

Who is Jourdan Townsend?

Jourdan Townsend has been writing since childhood. Her articles appear in a collection of student works at the University of Oklahoma as well as in the school's "Honors College Journal." Townsend also composes poetry, some of which can be found in an edition of the "Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans." Townsend holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication.

Can you use salt to de-ice concrete?

To prevent crumbling damage in the future, avoid placing heavy items along the edges of concrete structures and do not use salt to de-ice your concrete in cold weather. Advertisement.

How to patch crumbled concrete?

Cover the cement slurry with some of your concrete mixture. Push the concrete around with your flat metal trowel from different angles until you have patched the old crumbled area completely. Smooth the new concrete with a flat trowel until it mirrors your existing concrete. Let the mixture dry for 72 hours before you allow traffic on it.

How do I apply cement slurry to a concrete slab?

Apply a coat of the cement slurry mixture on your previously crumbled area , using a paintbrush. Ensure that the slurry covers the entire area and penetrates any cracks. Paint it on from different directions to cover the surface completely. Work quickly, and don't let the cement mixture dry. Apply more slurry if the initial coat starts to dry before you add your concrete.

How do I repair a crumbling concrete floor?

Remove all of the crumbling concrete by hand, and then use a floor scraper to loosen any pieces that might be partially stuck but not completely crumbled. Vacuum the area after you are done to completely clean it and prep it for repair.

What do I need to fix a concrete floor?

Things You'll Need. Fixing a concrete floor is fairly straightforward. Concrete contains cement, along with sand and water. The mixture is fairly straightforward, with the resulting product being one of the hardest construction materials known.

Is cement a product?

Cement is different from concrete, in that it is an ingredient, not a product. Ensure that you purchase actual cement for the slurry coat. Only pure cement will work as a bonding agent.