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Today’s Homeowner Tips

When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves.


Concrete Cracks

Concrete is one of the most durable building materials available; but because of its rigid nature, exterior concrete can develop cracks due to:

  • Drying
  • Shrinkage
  • Temperature changes
  • Ground movement
  • Excessive loads

Once a crack develops, it’s important to seal the crack from water to prevent further deterioration. Flexible sealants are the best solution for concrete cracks that are subjected to continual slab movement, since they allow the concrete to shift.

As with any repair to concrete, proper attention to crack preparation is essential to achieving a successful result. Read on to find out how to repair cracks in concrete.

Step 1: Widen Concrete Crack

Using a chisel and hammer, widen the crack to a minimum of 1/4” wide, breaking away any deteriorating concrete.

The edges of the crack should be vertical or beveled in an inverted “V” shape.

Step 2: Remove Loose Material

Use a wire or paint brush to remove any loose concrete material and dust from the crack.

Step 3: Choose Concrete Crack Repair Material

QUIKRETE repair caulk and sealant options for cracks less than 1/2″ wide include:

QUIKRETE Concrete Repair Caulk: This water-based, sanded, acrylic caulk is designed to match the color and texture of the surrounding surface. It can be used on horizontal or vertical surfaces and dries to a firm, durable material.

QUIKRETE Concrete Crack Seal: This ready to use, pourable, latex crack sealant blends with the natural color of concrete. It is intended for use on horizontal surfaces only.

Step 4: Cut Caulking Tube Tip

Before applying QUIKRETE Concrete Repair caulk, cut the nozzle tip at an angle using a utility knife to match the width of the crack, and load the tube into a standard caulking gun.

Step 5: Applying Concrete Repair Caulk

To apply QUIKRETE Concrete Repair caulk, position the tip of the caulking tube on the concrete crack. Push the trigger on the caulking gun, and slowly draw the nozzle down the crack.

Step 6: Tooling Concrete Repair Caulk

Tool QUIKRETE Concrete Repair caulk with a trowel immediately after application. It starts to form a skin in about 20 to 40 minutes and hardens completely in 1 to 2 hours—depending on temperature, humidity, and crack depth. Concrete Repair is a water-based product that can be cleaned up easily with a damp cloth.


Applying Concrete Crack Seal

If QUIKRETE Concrete Crack Seal is used instead of Concrete Repair caulk, shake the bottle well.

Slowly pour the sealant into the crack, overfilling the crack slightly to allow for settling and shrinkage.

For cracks deeper or wider than 1/4″, apply in multiple applications, waiting 24 hours between each application.

Concrete Crack Seal dries to touch in about 30 minutes and hardens in 24 hours. It is a water-based product and can be cleaned up with a damp cloth.

Find out more at www.quikrete.com

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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