Making thin repairs to damaged concrete. Over time and
exposure to the elements, exterior concrete can become worn
or develop surface scaling and cracks. With proper attention to surface
preparation and material selection,
durable repairs can be made to the damaged area, extending the life of the
concrete.
The first step in achieving a successful concrete repair
is proper surface preparation. A solid, clean surface
is necessary so that the repair material can permanently bond to the damaged area.
It is extremely important to remove any unsound or flaking concrete from the repair
area.
This could be done using a hammer and chisel or with a masonry grinding
disc
and a portable drill. When working with cement-based products, always wear eye
protection and waterproof gloves.
Once the unsound concrete is removed, the surface should be cleaned of any loose
material,
dirt, oil and grease, prior to the application of repair material. Using
QUIKRETE Concrete & Asphalt Cleaner,
scrub and clean the surface of the repair area with a stiff bristle brush.
Concrete & Asphalt Cleaner is a concentrated detergent
that is effective and safe for use on any concrete,
asphalt, paver, brick, masonry and stone surface.
It can be used in full strength for heavy duty cleaning or diluted for
general cleaning.
Thoroughly rinse the repair area after cleaning.
QUIKRETE concrete repair products are designed and formulated for specific
repair applications.
For thin repairs to small areas with a chipped or damaged surface,
QUIKRETE Vinyl Concrete Patcher or QUIKRETE Concrete Patching Compound are
recommended.
QUIKRETE Vinyl Concrete Patcher is a cement-based repair material that is
enhanced with a special exterior grade polymer resin
that has strong bonding properties. Vinyl Concrete Patcher can be applied from
one-quarter inch
down to a feather edge. To mix Vinyl Concrete Patcher,
add about 10 ounces of water per five pounds of material. The dry mix should be
added into the mixing water.
The proper water ratio is an important factor in achieving a successful repair.
The more water that is added during the mixing process, the weaker the bond
strength and compressive strength will be.
Using a margin trowel, mix the Vinyl Concrete Patcher for 3 to 5 minutes.
After a lump-free consistency is achieved,
allow the mix to sit, undisturbed, for about five minutes.
This will provide time for the polymer to fully activate.
Prior to applying, stir the Vinyl Concrete Patcher once more.
Additional water may be added in small amounts to achieve a putty consistency.
Dampen the repair area with water.
Enough water should be used to saturate the surface. Although, any standing
water should be removed.
Vinyl Concrete Patcher should be built up in layers, using a margin trowel.
The first layer should be pressed into the repair area, using firm trowel pressure.
Smooth the surface of the patch so that it is level with the surrounding concrete.
Avoid adding water to the surface of the patch. The additional water can cause
surface color inconsistencies
and a weakened surface. The repair area should be protected from foot traffic
for 24 hours and vehicle traffic for at least three days.
For non-structural, small, aesthetic repairs to concrete,
QUIKRETE Concrete Patching Compound is an easy to use alternative.
Concrete Patching Compound is a pre-mixed,
ready to use acrylic latex formula that blends with the color and texture
of the surrounding concrete. Use a margin trowel or putty knife to thoroughly stir
Concrete Patching Compound, before applying it to a clean,
dry concrete surface spread and texture the concrete patch to match the
surrounding concrete.
Wet the trowel to achieve a smooth finish. For patches or cracks
over one-quarter inch thick, Concrete Patching Compound should be applied in
multiple layers,
allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.
Concrete Patching Compound will begin to form a skin
in about 20 to 40 minutes and will harden completely in one to two hours,
depending on the temperature, humidity and patch depth.
Concrete Patching Compound should only be applied when temperatures are between
50 and 90 degrees.