Repairing broken concrete edges and corners requires a special fast-setting repair material that can be molded and shaped to match the contour of the surrounding concrete, without sagging. QUIKRETE Quick-Setting Cement, along with QUIKRETE Acrylic Fortifier, is designed specifically to repair broken edges and corners on concrete steps, curbs, slabs and walls, quickly and permanently, without the use of forms.
Preparing to Repair Broken Concrete Edges
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 can 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 quick-setting cement. Using QUIKRETE Concrete and Asphalt Cleaner, scrub and clean the surface of the repair area with a stiff bristle brush.
Understanding Products for Repairing Broken Concrete Edges
Concrete and 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. Mix quick-setting cement at about five parts cement to one part acrylic fortifier.
QUIKRETE Acrylic Fortifier is a polymer resin that improves the bond strength of the new quick-setting cement material to the existing concrete. Using a margin trowel, mix the quick-setting cement for three to five minutes, until a lump free consistency is achieved. If the mix is too wet, add additional quick-setting cement and mix thoroughly.
If the mix is too dry, add small amounts of acrylic fortifier, sparingly. QUIKRETE Quick-Setting Cement is a rapid setting material, so mix only as much as can be used in about five minutes. It is important not to add more water or acrylic fortifier after the material has begun to set. If you do, this will weaken the mix and can cause shrinkage cracking.
Applying Products for Repairing Broken Concrete Edges
Before applying the quick-setting cement, dampen the repair area with water. Enough water should be used to saturate the surface. Although, any standing water should be removed. Quick-setting cement should be built up in layers using a margin trowel. The first layer should be pressed into the repair area using firm trowel pressure.
Continue to build and sculpt quick setting cement up, so the surface of the repair is above the surrounding concrete. In about five to ten minutes, when the patch has become thumbprint hard, use the edge of the margin trowel to mold and shape the repair to match the contour of the surrounding concrete. No special curing is required under normal conditions. Although, in temperatures over 90 degrees, keep the patch damp for 24 to 48 hours with a fine water mist.
Step-by-Step Project Instructions for Repairing Broken Concrete Edges
When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves.
Step 1
Clean the surface of the damaged 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 repair area with a stiff bristle brush.
Step 3
Thoroughly rinse the repair area after cleaning.
Step 4
Mix the Quick-Setting Cement using a margin trowel by adding 5 parts Cement to 1 part QUIKRETE Acrylic Fortifier until a lump-free, putty consistency is achieved. It is important not to add more water or Acrylic Fortifier after the material has begun to set.
TIP: if the mix is too wet, add additional Quick-Setting Cement and mix thoroughly; if the mix is too dry, add small amounts of Acrylic Fortifier sparingly.
Step 5
Dampen the repair area with enough water to saturate the surface (any standing water should be removed).
Step 6
Use a masonry brush to apply a thin coating of the Quick-Setting Cement and Acrylic Fortifier mixture.
Step 7
Using a margin trowel, press the cement into the repair area using firm trowel pressure.
Step 8
Continue to build and sculpt the Quick-Setting Cement so that the surface of the repair is above the surrounding concrete.
Step 9
In about 5 to 10 minutes once the patch has become thumbprint hard, use the edge of a margin trowel to mold and shape the repair to match the contour of the surrounding concrete.
Shopping List
- QUIKRETE Quick-Setting Cement
- Qt. QUIKRETE Acrylic Fortifier
- Qt. QUIKRETE Concrete & Asphalt Cleaner
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Wire Brush
- Scrub brush
- Measuring pail
- Margin trowel
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
For more project ideas just like this, visit QUIKRETE.com.
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