How To Fix Cracks In Your Driveway
At first, the cracks on a concrete driveway could seem insignificant. However, they can grow over time, become more pronounced as the edges stain, and weeds can start to grow out of them. Basically, they are bound to look uglier and uglier if you don't fill them. Some people mistakenly think that concrete repair is difficult and that it requires special or expensive tools. In reality, the supplies are cheap and the labor is simple. This article explains what you need and how to fix small cracks in a concrete driveway.
Premixed or Powder Mixture
First, you need to choose if you're going to use a premixed concrete crack solution or a powder mixture. You get more value with the powder mixture, but there is obviously an extra step. Most mixtures are easy to make because you just need to add water and stir. Another good thing about powder is that it is easier to store and save for later. Often, if you have a premixed crack filler in storage for a couple years, even if the lid is tightly closed, it will dry up and become unusable. For small jobs, crack filler that comes in caulk tubes is ideal. This enables you to squeeze filler deep into the crack, without getting it onto the top of the concrete.
How to Apply Crack Filler
All you really need to apply the crack filler is a putty knife or a trowel with a flexible blade. These tools are just used to scrape away the excess crack filler from the top of the concrete. If you have a larger job, with a bunch of thick cracks, a trowel might be preferable. For the best results, you need to watch your patch as it dries because the crack filler can sink deeper into the crack as it dries. If this happens, just top it off with more until it is flush with the edge of the concrete.
The key to a good looking concrete driveway is to repair and fill cracks while they are still small and easy to fix. You will obviously need to continue to make repairs, often on the same crack, because the concrete can't shift and the cracks can get bigger over time. It is an ongoing process, and one that is made all the more difficult if you have large tree roots that continue to expand under your slab. For more information, visit websites like http://www.starpaving.com.