When it comes to dealing with a cracked concrete surface, the common issues you face include cracking, chipping, and crumbling. These issues are not only unappealing but also unsafe since they can cause falls. Unaddressed, damaged concrete can worsen and lead to more costly repairs. Therefore, you will need concrete sidewalk repair to restore it to a safe state and appealing appearance.
In this blog, we will guide you through repairing a crack so you can once more have an unblemished and safe sidewalk. First, we will reveal which sidewalk damage requires a replacement as opposed to repairs.
Before you decide to repair cracked concrete, you need to consider whether that is the right approach. When your sidewalk has many cracks or the damage goes deep into the sub-base, you will need to replace your concrete. Meanwhile, if the damage in your concrete is small and shallow, you will need to repair your sidewalk. When you are unsure of the severity of the damage to your concrete, you should request a professional assessment.
To fix your sidewalk, you will require the following tools:
When fixing concrete, you will need the right conditions. Concrete cures stronger and faster in dry weather and temperatures around 50°F —80°F. Extreme temperatures can make finishing the concrete harder or decrease its strength.
Once you have selected a day with the right conditions, you should fix your sidewalk with the following steps:
To begin fixing your sidewalk, you should purchase a permit if your local government requires it. In Pittsburgh, whether you want to repair a residential or commercial sidewalk, you require a permit 1 – 2 weeks in advance. According to reports, this 30-day permit costs $30 for residences, and $75 (and $1 per linear foot) for commercial properties.
When you have your repair permit, you should gather your tools since you will need to do certain steps, one right after the other.
Once you have all the tools, you will need to wear goggles, ear protection, gloves, and a dust mask. Reports demonstrate that breathing in concrete dust can lead to nose and throat irritation. Prolonged exposure can raise the risk of asthma, and depending on the concrete mix, it will even scar your lungs.
When you have worn your protection equipment, you should place cones or red tape to prevent others from entering the area and being hurt.
After you have secured the area, you should cut around the crack at a depth of 3/8” – 1/2”. You should place the saw at 5° so the hole is wider at the bottom than at the top. Next, use the chisel and hammer to remove any other piece of damaged concrete still attached.
Now that you have cut away the damaged concrete, you should remove debris with a brush and vacuum.
Once you have removed the debris, you should dampen the old concrete to maximize its bond with the mix.
When the old concrete is ready, fill the hole with the concrete mix until it is higher than the old concrete. If you are repairing the edge of a sidewalk, you will also need to cover a piece of wood in motor oil and prop it against the side to ensure the concrete stays in place.
After you have filled the hole, you should remove the excess mix with a screed board.
Now that you have removed the excess mix, you should wait for the concrete to start to stiffen. For a successful sidewalk crack repair, you will need to wait until pressing a thumb against the surface no longer leaves an indent.
When the concrete has stiffened, you should use a float or steel trowel to create a smooth finish or a stiff bristle broom for a textured surface.
After giving your sidewalk your preferred finish, you should cover it with plastic to let it cure.
Finally, you should dispose of your excess concrete and damaged concrete either at a demolition recycling center or a landfill.
Professional concrete sidewalk repair services are critical to avoid any mistakes that could lead to weak concrete. With the help of PGH Concrete Masters, your sidewalks will be safe to walk on once more. Beyond repairing cracks, they can even fix uneven slabs and crumbling concrete.
Moreover, they have the expertise to stain your sidewalks to ensure that the fixed patch resembles the rest of the sidewalk. Furthermore, they will ensure your sidewalk meets city standards and that your ramps are ADA-compliant.
Now you know the steps of an efficient concrete sidewalk repair. To repair these cracks, you will need protection equipment and a few tools to remove the concrete and smooth it out. Then, it is as simple as cutting and brushing out damaged concrete and replacing it with a mix.
Though this process can be simple, a few mistakes can lead to fines from your local government and weak concrete that you will need to repair frequently. To avoid these issues, use PGH Concrete Master services to repair, rebuild, or maintain your sidewalk.
It costs $3 – $20 to replace a square foot of sidewalk. You can lower the cost by performing the work yourself. Conversely, using more expensive materials, such as quick-setting concrete, will cost more.
You can fix concrete together by using a bonding agent. You will need to apply the bonding agent on the old concrete. Then, you will pour the new concrete on it and wait for the bond to form.
A concrete slab takes 28 days to fully cure. Once the first 1 – 2 days have passed, you will be able to walk on these slabs. After a week, you will be able to use vehicles over them.
Pgh Concrete Master specializes in crafting durable, high-quality concrete solutions, transforming visions into solid reality with expertise and precision. Your satisfaction is our concrete commitment.
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