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Whether they are big or small, the need for concrete cracks will not magically disappear.
Different concrete cracks will require different methods of repairing, but it is inevitable that your surface will face some type of issues at some point. Instead of avoiding the problem until it gets bigger, let’s review crack types and how to efficiently repair them. (more…)
Concrete is a durable and reliable building material but even the toughest stuff has to be repaired someday. However, different types of concrete cracks will require different methods to repair them. Here are some steps you can take to repair different types of concrete cracks.
Narrow concrete cracks can be repaired with Masonry Crack Filler that can be purchased in a cartridge form designed to be used in a caulking gun, or in a spreadable putty. First, remove any loose debris surrounding or in the crack with a brush or broom then use the fill the crack and smooth with a trowel.
Wider cracks will require more work. First, use a sledgehammer and chisel to widen the base of the crack so that the internal crack is wider than the surface, then clear away any debris. Mix together your vinyl patching compound as directed by the manufacturer and trowel it into the crack. Apply pressure to eliminate air pockets, then smooth with a trowel.
Significantly damaged concrete slabs or walks are best repaired by fully removing and replacing the slab. This is a significantly larger job than repairing simple cracks and will involve more materials and preparation. First, use a sledgehammer to break up the damaged slab, and then remove the largest pieces of rubble while spreading the small ones to create a firm bed for the replacement. Next, set up wooden 2x4s around where the new slab will go. The top edges of the planks should be flush with where the top of the finished slab will sit.
Next, mix your concrete according to manufacturing instructions and dampen the area to be repaired. Fill the area with concrete by beginning in one corner and working towards the center, then selecting another corner and repeating until the concrete reaches the top of the planks. Use another, larger board to scrape away excess concrete and tap the sides of the boards to help settle the mixture. After the water has evaporated smooth the surface with a trowel and wait for the concrete to set. Then use your trowel to pry away the surrounding boards. Cover with a tarp and allow the concrete to cure according to your manufacturer’s instructions.
As you can see, repairing concrete damage can range from a relatively quick fix, to a lengthy process. Employing skilled masons, like those found at PTG Enterprises, can make this process an affordable snap and ensure that your concrete will be fixed quickly and properly.
PTG is a full service commercial concrete masonry contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area. We’re experts at masonry jobs, whether it’s repairing retaining walls, architectural elements, dumpster corrals or storm drains, PTG Enterprises knows how to handle it.
We’re a paving company that knows how to hit the bricks!
If you have any questions about Concrete Masonry, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!
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Like asphalt, concrete is a durable material excellent for sidewalks, curbs, dumpster pads, and so much more. Concrete holds up exceptionally well to the elements. However, over time, even the toughest concrete surface will crack.
Cracking can be the result of one or a combination of factors such as drying shrinkage, thermal contraction, subgrade settlement, and applied stresses.
According to the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) of North America, “there are two guarantees with concrete. One, it will get hard and two, it will crack.” When this happens, it not only detracts from the overall look of your property, but it can become a safety hazard, as well.
Unfortunately, cracking cannot be prevented, but it can be significantly reduced or controlled with proper repairs.
Concrete Repairs from PTG Enterprises in Baltimore, Maryland
Patrick T. Gillen III, the owner of the Baltimore, Maryland-based asphalt and concrete paving company PTG Enterprises has a general rule of thumb for assessing concrete cracks.
Patrick’s Rule: Can you stick a quarter in it?
If you can stick a quarter in a crack, it needs attention as soon as possible. But what are your options? When concrete cracks there are several ways to address the problem. The knowledgeable estimators at PTG Enterprises will analyze you specific situation and present options to address the symptoms as well as the underlining problems.
PTG Enterprises are experts with commercial concrete jobs.
If you have any further questions about our blog, “Concrete Cracks: How Much is Acceptable?” please contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!
Unfortunately, even the best pavement is not indestructible. Heavy traffic usage and weather changes, along with several other outside factors, can lead to pavement distress, which is noticeable physical damage on roads or sidewalks. If not dealt with quickly, pavement distress can lead to more serious problems, all of which can significantly shorten the lifespan of your pavement.
But how can you spot pavement distress in time? This article from eHow.com explains how you can quickly identify pavement distress.
1. Assess cracks on the surface of the pavement. Alligator cracking appears as a network of cracks, forming a pattern somewhat like the skin of an alligator or wonky squares. As the U.S. Department of Transportation outlines in its “Pavement Distress Identification Manual for the NPS Road Inventory Program, 2006 -2009,” the severity of the distress can be measured. It is considered low when the width of the crack is less than 1/4 inch in width. However, the alligator distress is serious when the cracks are more than 3/4 inch wide.
2. Check the pavement’s surface for long strips of cracking. These are ruts that run either along the length of the pavement or sideways across the surface. In places where the cracks are more than 3/4 inch in width, the distress is considered serious and can buckle the pavement, causing bumps. Hot weather can cause this type of pavement distress.
3. Identify gouged-out areas or dips on the surface of the road. Pavement distress is characterised by potholes. These are concave holes on the surface, which are a nuisance for drivers. The holes can cause punctures in tires, gather water and lead to further cracking.
4. Look for dark square or rectangular patches of asphalt on the pavement. Distress can be identified by finding discolored areas where potholes or previous distress marks have been filled or covered over. The replacement asphalt causes a dark patch to be seen. Cracking, ruts or potholes can often be seen in proximity to the patching, which is indicative of pavement distress.
5. Crouch down and look across the surface of the pavement. Identify two lines of depressions in the road’s surface. If these are in the direction of the wheel paths, this distress is called rutting. Rutting occurs when continuous use of the pavement by heavy vehicles causes the surface to sink. It is classified as severe when the depressions are greater than 1 inch below the surface of the pavement.
Once you have identified pavement distress, it is time to repair the damage. There are several products available that allow you to do the job yourself, but if you want to ensure your pavement is properly fixed, it is probably best to call a professional.
If you have any questions or if you would rather leave the repair work to the professionals, contact PTG Enterprises by calling 410-636-8777 or click here
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