How to Repair Flaking Concrete
Climatic changes are often nothing short of hell on a surface made out of concrete. Usually concrete when subjected to a few freeze-and-thaw cycles starts to flake and needs to be repaired immediately to prevent excessive damage. Repairing flaking concrete is easy but you will have to spend a fair amount of time. Check out some simple techniques to help you repair flaking concrete and save a bundle of money in the process.
Things Required:
– Long handle spade
– Pressure washer
– Patchcrete concrete repair material
– Ardex patching and smoothing compound
– Roller
– Trowel
Instructions
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1
Use a long handle spade to peel up as much of the flaking concrete as possible. Continue until a major portion of the loose concrete has been removed. At this point, you will need to pressure wash the area you are repairing. Water pressure will act to get rid of leftover concrete flakes. Be as thorough as possible while pressure washing the area being repaired because it will ensure that your repair work lasts longer. Allow time for the concrete surface to dry completely before you move on to the next step.
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2
Read instructions on the back of the Patchcrete bag and accordingly prepare the mixture. Fill mixed Patchcrete in to concrete voids and smooth it out using a trowel. Make sure that the repaired area is at the same height as the rest of the surface. Lightly feather the Patchcrete while it is still wet into the old concrete by running over the repaired surface with a wet sponge. Wait overnight for the Patchcrete to dry completely.
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3
Patched areas can be seen standing out like a sore thumb. There is only one possible way to fix this. You will need to apply a uniform overlay, or slurry so that the concrete surface looks even once again. Be sure to use the correct amount of water for mixing the Ardex. You will have to refer to instructions written on the Ardex bag to determine the right water quantity for mixing it properly. Pour prepared Ardex onto the surface you are repairing in small sections.
