The aisles of home improvement stores contain a wealth of concrete crack fillers, patch kits, and other products that are advertised as the best way to repair cracked concrete. But which one is right for the job? To determine this, The Spruce spoke with a variety of experts, including contractors and homeowners who use the product, as well as researchers from the Association of Home Sealant Manufacturers. We also consulted dozens of customer and third-party reviews. Finally, we took into account the cost, ease of application, versatility, durability, and value. This helped us choose the best concrete repair products for both DIY and professional use.
There are some types of concrete cracks that require immediate attention from a professional. For example, if the cracks are wide and deep enough to let water seep through, the resulting water damage could lead to further weakening of the concrete and possible collapse. Other types of cracks can be repaired with a concrete caulk or filler for small cracks, or a concrete patching compound for larger ones. The right product for the specific crack type, its exposure to weather extremes and moisture, and the cause of the crack should be taken into consideration when choosing a concrete repair product.
Some cracks don’t need to be repaired at all. However, even small hairline cracks concrete crack repair company near me can detract from the appearance of the concrete and make potential home buyers nervous, especially if they indicate a structural problem. They can also pose tripping and other safety hazards and create a hospitable environment for pests. Homeowners should consider whether their cracks are worth the investment of hiring a concrete contractor to repair them.
A concrete contractor can perform a variety of repairs to damaged concrete, from repairing small cracks to replacing whole sections of the slab. It’s important to find a concrete contractor with a good track record and a solid understanding of the different issues that can affect the longevity of a concrete project. Some of these issues include the stability of the ground beneath the concrete; the makeup of the concrete mixture and workmanship in its construction; and environmental factors like temperature changes, water intrusion, and freezing temperatures.
A qualified concrete contractor can help home owners identify the issues that may be affecting their concrete, and offer advice on how to prevent future damage from occurring. For example, if a concrete slab is on a slope, a concrete contractor can recommend control joints to slow down the movement of the ground and prevent the slab from collapsing. Likewise, if the concrete was laid in a rushed manner without adequate steel reinforcement, or on frozen, unstable, or eroded ground, this can also increase the likelihood of cracking. By taking these things into consideration, a homeowner can avoid unnecessary costs and headaches when hiring a concrete contractor to perform repairs.