Concrete is now the most widely used man-made material in the world, however it is known to be one of the least durable. As a result, it often needs to be repaired or replaced.
Concrete is made up of cement (most commonly Portland cement), sand and water. You may also need to add some gravel if you require a thicker, fuller mixture. It is relatively easy to mix and solidifies as it dries, providing a hard-wearing surface that’s perfect for a wide variety of uses.
When applied properly, concrete can last for many years or even decades. However, for high traffic areas such as the sidewalks in your yard or in front of your house, cracks and holes often appear. As a result, it is often necessary to replace or repair the concrete. There are various methods of replacing concrete depending on the type of damage and the type of repair needed.
One of the first really noticeable problems that can appear in sidewalks are cracks that require repairing. Repairing the cracks is essential not only for the sake of appearance, but also to make the sidewalk safe for use. Concrete patches can be used to repair cracks and are a simple way of returning the sidewalk to its former glory without going to any great expense.
Repairing Cracks in Sidewalks
* Cracks in sidewalks should always be enlarged before repair. Enlarge the crack using a chisel and a hammer, ensuring you work all the way from the top to the bottom of the crack.
* Make sure that the enlarged crack is wider at the base; this is a technique known as undercutting and enables the old concrete to bind to the new.
* Ensure that all loose material is removed.
* Make use of a concrete adhesive by brushing it into the undercutting, this will ensure a better finish.
* If you are repairing only a small crack you may wish to use a pre-mixed concrete, however most sidewalk cracks will require thicker concrete so you may prefer to mix your own.
* If you are mixing your own concrete, use one part Portland cement with two and a half parts of clean, fine sand. For thicker concrete add three parts gravel to your mix.
* Pack your concrete mix tightly into the crack, ensuring that all areas are completely filled.
* As the mixture begins to set, use a metal trowel to smooth it down, ensuring an even finish.
* Allow the concrete around two hours to set and cover with plastic sheeting or boards for at least five days.
* Uncover your concrete once each day and apply water.
Following these basic instructions should ensure you end up with a sturdy repair job.
Concrete Resurfacing
If your sidewalk has a great deal of surface damage but is structurally sound, you may want to think about resurfacing.
If you are fairly confident and prepared to undertake the work yourself, you can do this with little overall expense. There are several methods and products available, however all you really need is Portland cement, medium or coarse sand and some water. Again, you can use ready-mixed cement but it may be too thin and is not advisable for badly worn concrete. Listed below are a number of tips to help you if you choose to undertake this work yourself.
* Ensure the surface is clean and free from loose debris. Use a brissle brush to sweep any fragments clear of the area.
* Clean the surface thoroughly using a high quality pressure washer where possible.
* Carefully fill in any holes or cracks.
* Dampen down the old concrete ensuring that it is completely saturated. Ensure the area is clear of any standing water.
* Apply a thin layer of cement paste to the area; this will encourage the new concrete to bond with the old.
* Apply the concrete resurfacing material and smooth.
* Allow to stand for at least six hours.
Provided that you take your time and are fairly confident with your skills, you should end up with a perfectly resurfaced sidewalk.
Using a Contractor
For those of us who aren’t too confident at DIY or who just don’t have the time to dedicate to a project such as this, there are a great deal of contractors out there who can do the work for you. It is really worth shopping around for the best contractor as poor workmanship can leave you with a real mess! There are many contractors these days so you should be able to find a competitive deal without cutting back on quality. Using outside help will always prove more expensive but it is well worth it if you don’t have the skills to do a good job yourself.
If you do decide to use a contractor, make sure you carry out some research before you give them the job. Ask to speak to previous customers and to see examples of work they have completed elsewhere. This will allow you to see for yourself the kind of finished product you’re likely to end up with.
It is also advisable to request a written quote. Most contractors will provide you with this automatically and it does help to eliminate any nasty hidden extras once the work is completed.
Where possible, always keep in regular contact with your contractor throughout the project. Make yourself familiar with the stages they need to go through to ensure a thorough job is done and make sure you keep yourself up to speed with what they’re up to. Most contractors are dependable, but there will always be the odd one who is prepared to cut corners. The more visible you are, the less likely they are to skip important steps.
Finally, make sure that you are happy with the finished product before parting with any of your cash. Inspect the work thoroughly and ask about any problems that were encountered. Resurfacing is fairly straight-forward work for an experienced contractor, but it’s always best to be one step ahead!
Latest Videos of Concrete Sidewalk Replacement Procedures:
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