Over time and exposure to the elements, damaged 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 repairing damaged concrete is proper surface preparation. A solid, clean surface is necessary so that the repair material can permanently bond to the damaged concrete 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 damaged 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.
Project Instructions
When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves. QUIKRETE Vinyl Concrete Patcher or QUIKRETE Concrete Patching Compound may be used.
Step 1
Clean the surface of the damaged concrete area by removing any loose material such as dirt, oil, or grease and unsound or flaking concrete.
TIP: unsound or flaking concrete can be removed by using a hammer and chisel or with a masonry grinding disk and a portable drill.
Step 2
Scrub and clean the surface of the damaged concrete area with a stiff bristle brush.
Step 3
Thoroughly rinse the repair area after cleaning.
Option A: QUIKRETE Vinyl Concrete Patcher
Step 4a
Mix Vinyl Concrete Patcher by adding about 10 ounces of water per 5 pounds of Vinyl Concrete Patcher (the Vinyl Concrete Patcher should be poured into the mixing water).NOTE: the more water that is added during the mixing process, the weaker the bond strength and compressive strength will be.
Step 5a
Mix the Vinyl Concrete Patcher for 3 to 5 minutes using a margin trowel. After a lump-free consistency is achieved, allow the mix to sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes.Step 6a
Prior to applying:
- Remix the Vinyl Concrete Patcher; additional water may be added in small amounts to achieve a putty consistency.NOTE: it is important not to add more water after the material has begun to set.
- Dampen the repair area with enough water to saturate the surface (any standing water should be removed).
Step 7a
Apply the patcher in layers using a margin trowel; the first layer should be pressed into the repair area using firm trowel pressure.Step 8a
Smooth the surface of the patch so that it is level with the surrounding concrete (avoid adding water to the surface of the patch).Step 9a
The repair area should be protected from foot traffic for 24 hours and vehicle traffic for at least 3 days.
Option B: QUIKRETE Concrete Patching Compound
(Use for non-structural, small aesthetic repairs to concrete; should only be applied when temperatures are between 50 and 90 degrees.)
Step 4b
Stir Concrete Patching Compound using a margin trowel or putty knife.Step 5b
Spread and texture the concrete patch to match the surrounding concrete.NOTE: for patches or cracks over ¼-inch thick Concrete Patching Compound should be applied in multiple layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. For a smooth finish, wet the trowel.
Step 6b
Concrete Patching Compound will begin to form a skin in about 20 to 40 minutes and will harden completely in 1 to 2 hours.
Shopping List
- QUIKRETE Vinyl Concrete Patch
Or
Qt QUIKRETE Concrete Patching Compound - Qt QUIKRETE Concrete and Asphalt Cleaner
- Chisel
- Hammer
- Wire brush
- Margin trowel
- Scrub brush
- Measuring pail
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
For more project ideas just like this, visit QUIKRETE.com.
Leave a Reply