There are a number of different factors that can cause your concrete driveway or garage floor to crack. This may include shifting of the ground underneath, an extreme fluctuation in the temperature between hot and cold, too much weight having been applied, and numerous other things as well. Not only is cracking in the concrete an unsightly thing, but it can also be relatively dangerous as well. Someone can trip over a wide crack, for example, and injuries may occur as a result. Anybody that has ever fallen onto pavement from a bicycle or skateboard knows how much it can hurt to fall on concrete. Hitting a surface that is so hard can cause broken bones, severe concussions or worse.
If the ground has moved or shifted beneath the concrete, and the concrete is cracking as well as becoming uneven, then this event can become even more hazardous in nature. Should a car be driven over such an uneven surface, especially while traveling at a fast speed, undercarriage or tire damage may be caused, for example.
If it possible for concrete cracks to be repaired without you having to go to all the trouble of replacing the entire driveway or the entire walkway. The cracked area should first be cleaned up, making sure that you are removing all loose bits of concrete. Use a strong hose to blast away the concrete using water to make sure that the new concrete will adhere more strongly.
Next, what you should be doing is applying a layer of concrete over the damaged area. What you can do is use a trowel in order to smooth the layer of concrete down. Before the first layer of concrete has been allowed to dry fully, you should apply a second layer of concrete coating. At this point you should make sure to inspect the area, filling in any missing spots accordingly. If you desire, you can apply a clear sealant in order to afford your concrete can additional layer of protection, which may mean less cleanings in the future.
If you do not feel comfortable with the idea of fixing your own concrete, or if you are lacking in the proper tools, then what you can do is bring in a professional concrete contractor. It may be cost effective to redo the entire surface if you are bringing in an expert, as larger jobs tend to be more cost effective than smaller and more detailed jobs. Make sure to get an estimate for both of these levels of service in order to determine which will best suit your needs.
If your concrete is cracked or no longer level, you need to repair it as soon as possible. Not only is it unsightly, but it is also bad for cars to drive on and people to walk or bike on. If you are unsure about the steps necessary, there is no harm in asking for help from a professional.
Photo Credits: pareeerica
Originally posted 2009-06-15 05:32:02. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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