The Impatient Mistake That's Causing Concrete Crack Filler Not To Work

Cracks in concrete should be repaired as soon as possible. Cracks can lead to water getting under the concrete and eroding the soil, and putting off repairs can lead to a more expensive repair or replacement. Fortunately, you can easily fill cracks in your concrete driveway or patio with a concrete sealant or filler. However, in your rush to get the job done, don't make the impatient mistake of failing to clear and prepare the crack for filling, which can lead to your concrete filler not working.

It's important to take the time to prepare the concrete and clean out the crack before using concrete crack filler. There is likely debris, small bits of concrete, and maybe even small plants growing inside the crack. This all has to be removed before filling. Skipping this step can result in the filler not adhering to the inside of the crack and the concrete cracking again.

Sometimes, one mistake can lead to another. In this case, not taking the time to do the prep work can cause the filler to sink down into the crack, leaving a space at the top. When this happens, people often try to solve the problem by applying another layer of the filler in an attempt to close the gap. Since it can take 24 hours for the filler to cure, the bottom layer may not be fully dry, which can result in the layers pulling apart, weakening the repair.

You can fix concrete patio cracks by taking a few essential steps. The first step should be removing any brittle areas of concrete around the crack and using a pressure washer, shop vacuum, or leaf blower to clean out the debris. After cleaning the crack and surrounding concrete, be sure to allow the area to fully dry before filling the crack.

If you have a crack that is more than 1/2-inch wide or 1-inch deep, you will need to put a foam backer rod inside the crack before filling it. Use a backer rod that is a little larger than the gap, so it stays in place. Once the concrete is cleaned and the backer rod is in place, you are ready to use the best concrete repair products on the market for your specific crack.

Carefully apply the concrete filler inside over the backer rod. It is best to overfill the crack a little because the filler will settle as it dries and cures. You can smooth everything out by running a masonry trowel or a finger over the top of the filler. A little playground sand can be sprinkled on top of the filler once it starts to dry to help the repaired crack blend into the surrounding concrete.