Many home foundations and walls develop non-structural cracks as they settle over time. These cracks can be unsightly and if not sealed can result in energy loss and moisture transmission. Sealing these non structural cracks in concrete is an easy project to complete for any skill level as with any concrete repair, proper attention to crack preparation is essential to achieving a successful result.
Using a chisel and hammer widen the crack to a minimum of one-quarter inch and breakaway any deteriorating concrete. The edges of the crack should be vertical or beveled in an inverted V. Then, remove any loose material with a brush. For vertical cracks less than one-half inch wide and for cosmetic repairs, the best option is to use a textured acrylic caulk.
QUIKRETE Textured Acrylic Concrete Repair Caulk is designed to match the color and texture of the concrete surface. Concrete Repair can be used on vertical or horizontal surfaces and dries to a firm, durable material. To apply concrete repair, simply cut the nozzle tip on an angle with a utility knife, to match the width of the crack and load the tube into a standard caulk gun.
Slowly draw the gun down the crack, forcing a bead of concrete repair caulk deep into the crack. Concrete Repair can be tooled with a trowel to match the concrete surface (texture), immediately after placement. Concrete Repair will begin to form a skin in about twenty to forty minutes and will harden completely
in one to two hours depending on temperature, humidity and crack depth. QUIKRETE Concrete Repair is a water-based product and can be cleaned up easily with a damp cloth.
Project Instructions
When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves. QUIKRETE Concrete Repair or QUIKRETE Self-Leveling Polyurethane Sealant may be used.
Step 1
Widen the crack using a chisel and hammer to a minimum of ¼ inch and break away any deteriorating concrete (the edges of the crack should be vertical or beveled in an inverted “v”).
NOTE: for vertical cracks less than 1/2-inch wide and for cosmetic repairs, the best option is to use a textured acrylic caulk.
Step 2
Remove loose material with a brush.
Option A: QUIKRETE Concrete Repair
Step 3a
Cut the tip of the QUIKRETE Concrete Repair nozzle on an angle with a utility knife to match the width of the crack and load into a standard caulk gun.Step 4a
Slowly draw the gun down the crack, forcing a bead of Concrete Repair caulk deep into the crack.TIP: Concrete Repair can be tooled with a trowel to match the surrounding surface immediately after placement. It will begin to form a skin in about 20 to 40 minutes and will harden completely in 1 to 2 hours.
Option B: QUIKRETE Self-Leveling Polyurethane Sealant
Wear eye protection and waterproof gloves when working with polyurethane sealant.
Step 3b
Cut the tip of the nozzle at an angle with a utility knife matching the width of the crack and insert the tube into a standard caulk gun.NOTE: For cracks or joints over 1/2 inch, a Backer Rod should be placed in the crack before applying the sealant.
Step 4b
Move the nozzle slowly along the length of the crack, allowing the sealant to settle.TIP: this may require an additional application, which should be done immediately so that the two applications will mend into each other.
Step 5b
Excess sealant should be cleaned up immediately with a commercial solvent or a citrus-based cleaner.TIP: polyurethane sealants are temperature sensitive and should not be used when temperatures are below 50 degrees.
Shopping List
- 10.oz QUIKRETE Concrete Repair (caulk)
Or
10 oz QUIKRETE Polyurethane Concrete Crack Sealant - Qt. QUIKRETE concrete and asphalt cleaner
- Wire brush
- Caulking gun
- Scrub brush
- Chisel
- Hammer
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
For more project ideas just like this, visit QUIKRETE.com.
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