Quikrete Concrete Patch Repair' title='Quikrete Concrete Patch Repair' />Simple Fixes for Worn Concrete. Photo istockphoto. Concrete is one of the most durable construction materials around, but faulty installation, everyday wear and tear, exposure to chemicals, and even the hazards of extreme temperatures can all take a toll on concrete surfaces. If your concrete is starting to look a little rough around the edges, take heart You can probably fix it Whether the problem is spalling on a concrete slab, scratches on a countertop, or crumbling edges on steps, you can often restore the concrete to its former good looks using the right techniques and quality repair products. Keep reading for DIY solutions to five of the most common superficial concrete problems. Photo quikrete. com. The Cure for Crumbling Concrete Steps. Crumbling or chipped step surfaces, edges, or corners can really detract from your homes curb appeal. You dont have to put up with the rundown look of chipped, damaged stairs. Shop Quikrete RTU Concrete Patch 865035. Day Return Guarantee. We want you to be fully satisfied with every item that you purchase from www. Shop quikrete 32oz acrylic concrete patch in the concrete mortar repair section of Lowes. Repair Products 2 Online Shop Extra Postage 3 Leather Vinyl Repair Kits 5 Fabric Upholstery Kit 6 Carpet Repair Kit 7 Vinyl Floor Tile Repair. How to Patch a Cinder Block Foundation With Quikrete. Im not an expert, Im just doing this on my own home. For the maximum filling of cracks a low. Shop quikrete 10lbs vinyl concrete patch in the concrete mortar repair section of Lowes. Simple Fixes for Worn Concrete Concrete surfaces are built to last, but sometimes you need to intervene to make sure they stay as goodlooking as they are hardworking. Quikrete Concrete Patch Repair' title='Quikrete Concrete Patch Repair' />As long as the steps are structurally soundmeaning, theyre not spalling, flaking, or broken all the way throughyou can repair most surface issues. If youre dealing with cracks and chips, count on the polymer resins in Quikretes Vinyl Concrete Patcher to generate a tough, durable bond with the existing concrete and even out the surface. The patcher can be spread over clean and sound chipped surfaces to a thickness of inch, and its smooth consistency makes it easy to feather out with a trowel and blend with the rest of the steps surface. If your patch is thicker, build the vinyl concrete patcher up in inch applications. See this handy video for the technique. Restoring crumbling step edges to their former crisp and sharp contour appearance requires a different product altogether Quikretes Quick Setting Cement. When mixed with Quikretes Acrylic Fortifier, this product yields a flexible semisolid mixture you can shape, mold, and sculpt to each steps exact edge. If making repairs shallower than one inch, adding the acrylic fortifier to the quick setting cement will increase bonding strength. Follow the tips in this video to prep the concrete surface and create new edges with ease. Photo istockphoto. Resurface a Spalling Driveway. Are you finding flakes and pits in your outdoor concrete This effect, called spalling, often occurs in concrete that was poured too wet at installation, but such factors as prolonged snow exposure, repeated use of chemical ice melting products, or persistent dripping of water in one place such as under a garage eave or beneath a spot that lacks gutters can also cause this type of surface damage. Fortunately, though spalling is definitely an eyesore, it wont actually compromise the structural integrity of your driveway, sidewalk, or patio. Quickrete/Professional/Division%203%20Concrete/Maintenance%20of%20Concrete/prod_1241-60-350x350.gif' alt='Quikrete Concrete Patch Repair' title='Quikrete Concrete Patch Repair' />You can get rid of it by smoothing Quikretes Concrete Resurfacer over the rough, damaged surface. Concrete Resurfacer is manufactured from Portland cement and a unique blend of polymers and additives that give it extra strength and durability. And its tough enough to drive on, to boot For the best results, divide large driveways into smaller areas working one section at a time makes it easier to apply and control the resurfacing product. Clean the existing surface with a power washer, then mix the resurfacing product using a heavy duty drill and paddle bit, then spread it on evenly with a long handled squeegee following these tips from the pros. You can use a utility broom to add texture that will keep the concrete slabs from becoming dangerously slick when wet. Photo istockphoto. Eliminate Countertop Scratches and Stains. As cool to the touch as they are to look at, concrete countertops offer a trendy yet tough work surface for the kitchena space where the concrete will inevitably succumb to stains and scratches over time. Should any of these superficial flaws appear on your countertop, the best way to restore the surface is simply to grind it down, then restain and reseal it. Lucky for you, stains and scratches rarely penetrate deeper than the top layer of a concrete countertop, so you dont have to remove too much of the surface to get rid of them. Wearing a respirator mask and protective eyewear to keep the airborne concrete dust at bay, sand the entire surface in several passes using a handheld grinder fitted with a series of diamond grinding pads. Crack Battlefield 3. Work in graduated grits, beginning with a 5. Next, apply a good penetrating stain like Quikretes Penetrating Concrete Stain to the sanded surface to enhance the natural beauty of your countertop with one of a variety of rich hues. Protect your countertops fresh new look with a sealer like Quikretes Concrete Masonry Waterproofing Sealer, which will prevent damage from acidic spills, such as vinegar or lemon juice. A sealed countertop is likely to develop a warm and inviting patina, which most homeowners love, over its first few months. Finally, once the sealer is dry, get your countertop ready for meal prep by finishing with a layer of glossy, food safe wax, such as carnauba. Photo quikrete. com. Image?eid=9075000000009wk&feoid=Body&refid=0EM500000000ECf' alt='Quikrete Concrete Patch Repair' title='Quikrete Concrete Patch Repair' />Replace Worn Patio and Driveway Expansion Joints. Expansion joints are set in large expanses of concrete to prevent the surface from developing cracks as sections shift imperceptibly over time as a result of temperature fluctuations or soil movement. Quikrete Concrete Patch Repair' title='Quikrete Concrete Patch Repair' />If, however, these joints were never sealed, or if the old sealer has since hardened, crumbled, or pulled away from the concrete in spots, the joints cannot do their jobs. Once damaged, these spaces can allow water to seep under the concrete surface, which increases the risk of soil movement and can result in cracks. You can prolong your patios lifespan by removing the old sealant, cleaning the joints, and applying new sealant. As with all concrete repairs, the surface must first be cleaned of dirt, debris, and grease. For hard to remove stains on exterior slabs, use Quikretes Concrete and Asphalt Cleaner, which is applied with a stiff brush and then rinsed off with a hose. Cut away hardened sealant from expansion joints using a utility knife. If any of the expansion joints are inch or wider, insert a compressible foam backer rod into the joint first to prevent sealant from sagging between slabs, leaving approximately inch of space above for the sealant. After the joints have been cleaned and prepped, squeeze Quikretes Self Leveling Polyurethane Sealant into each joint using a standard caulk gun. When youre ready to get started, review this video for a close look at every step in the process, from prepping the joints to applying the new sealant. Photo quikrete. com. Plug Leaky Basement Walls. Lateral pressure from the soil outside can cause basement walls to develop cracks over time. More than just unsightly, these cracks also increase the risk of groundwater seeping into your basement. As long as the cracks are small inch or less and the wall isnt showing signs of structural failure, you can reduce the likelihood of winding up with a wet basement by sealing the cracks immediately with Quikretes Hydraulic Water Stop Cement. When mixed according to the instructions and applied as shown in this video tutorial, the cement takes on a putty like consistency that can easily be pushed and molded into the cracks. The material expands, locking it into place permanently.