The Pool Noodle Hack That Comes In Handy When Repairing Concrete Gaps

According to the CDC, more than 800,000 each year require hospitalization following a fall accident. If you have gaps or cracks in your concrete, then you're risking your family and friends sustaining a fall-related injury. Does this mean you'll need heavy machinery, like a jackhammer? Will you be forced to redo an entire sidewalk or driveway? No, so long as the crack is repairable. If it is, you can use pool noodles outside in an incredible new way. You'll also need sand, polyurethane sealant, tape, and a bristle brush for your power drill, but the results will amaze you. 

There are tons of reasons why your concrete might have cracks in it. For starters, if any heavy weight is dropped on it, a crack can occur, expanding over time. Moisture and various temperature changes can also cause cracks in concrete, as can tree roots. Although smaller cracks might not be something that requires immediate attention, they can quickly expand when water gets in and freezes. If you're ready to tackle your next home DIY project, here's how to repair concrete cracks in your driveway, sidewalks, and more — all with the help of a pool noodle. 

According to Everyday Home Repairs, you'll need several items to carry out this hack. For starters, you'll need a nylon cup brush wheel, which you can purchase for less than $10 on Amazon. You'll also need a hollow pool noodle, as they're easier to cut than the non-hollow variety, and you can buy them from the Dollar Tree for $1.25 each. Additionally, be sure to have sand and polyurethane sealant for this project. Your sealant should be semi-self-leveling. 

Begin by cleaning up the edges of your concrete's crack, using your nylon brush. This tidies up rough edges, removing dirt and debris and ensuring the polyurethane sealant adheres properly. Even better, you can connect these brushes to a power drill, making them extremely effective. Once clean, add some sand to your concrete crack. Next, cut your pool noodle to fit the gap. Although you can use scissors, a utility knife might work best. For jagged cracks, you might need to cut your pool noodles into multiple sections. After you've done all this, tape off the edges of the crack. This prevents the sealant from running out. If you don't have duct tape, you could also use painter's tape or masking tape. Next, pour an even layer of sealant, ensuring your entire concrete gap is filled in. Sprinkle some sand on top, creating a seamless finish while preventing bugs from getting trapped in your sealant. Although sealant can cure quickly, it might take upwards of two days to completely dry.