Repairing Cracks in Exterior Concrete

Concrete cracking in and around New Jersey homes is very prevalent, partly due to our drastic seasonal changes in weather and the presence of large trees with elaborate root systems. Repairing your home's cracked concrete may sound difficult if you have never done it, but it is much easier than it sounds. The basic steps include cleaning out the cracks and refilling them with a concrete patching compound or concrete caulk. If the crack is slighter larger, you can fill it with some sand before patching it. After filling, the material must be allowed to dry completely. For heavy damage or cracks to the foundation, it is best to call a professional to ensure proper repair.

Owning a home comes with certain responsibilities, including maintenance of concrete and cement-paved areas on your property, and there are several reasons why cracks should be filled as soon as they are noticed. The simplest of these reasons is that cracks are easier to repair when they are small. If you spot a small crack and wait to fill it, there is a good chance it will get larger and have the potential to damage your home. Another reason is safety. If you have a cement-paved sidewalk or walkway on the property, you will be held responsible for any injuries that occur if someone trips on a crack. Third, cracks are unattractive and diminish the curb appeal and value of even the nicest and best-kept homes.

Causes of Cracks
Cracks most often appear in sidewalks, driveways, patios, and walkways, but can also be found in the home's foundation. Weather conditions and root growth and expansion are two major causes of cracks in cement paving, but standing water will create cracks in cement and concrete wherever it can. When water does not have the ability to drain properly, it tends to work its way into weakened areas and expand the concrete or cement until it cracks. If you suspect that this is the cause of cracks you find, be sure to fix the draining problem as well or the cracks will almost definitely reoccur.

Small Cracks
For smaller cracks, about 0.125 inches (3mm) wide, start by chipping away any flakes or loose concrete with a screwdriver or similar tool. Use a wire brush to remove any dirt or debris and rinse the area with a hose or bucket of water. Mix a small amount of concrete patching compound, found at any hardware store, using a latex additive to allow for natural expansion through hot and cold weather. Remember that you can always mix more should you need to, but once it is mixed, it must be used. Use a small putty knife to spread the compound into and over the crack, and be sure to smooth it out immediately, as concrete compounds generally start to set almost immediately. Allow the compound to dry thoroughly before walking or driving on the repaired surface. Refer to the label of the compound you purchased for the recommended drying time.

Larger Cracks
The first steps for larger cracks are the same as for smaller ones; chip away flakes, remove dirt and debris, and rinse the area. From here you can choose  either a concrete caulking or sand packing method. For caulking, use siliconized latex concrete caulk, which can be found at most hardware stores. Use a caulking gun to force the caulk into the cracks. The caulk will expand so it fills the crack and will, by nature, expand and contract during weather changes, minimizing the need for future repairs. There is no need to smooth the surface because the caulk will self-level, but larger cracks may require multiple applications. For sand packing, you will need sand and a concrete patching compound, preferably with a latex additive. Pour in sand to fill the cracks and use the patching compound to cover and seal the crack, making sure to smooth the edges quickly.

Extensive Damage
For cracks in integral locations, such as foundation, or exceptionally large cracks, it is best to call a professional. They will be able to assess the damage and decide if the cracks have caused structural damage that needs to be addressed. A professional will also likely be able to determine the cause of the cracking, giving you clues on how to prevent future damage to your New Jersey home.