Concrete Flatwork Repair and Resurface, By Stu Silverman

You're looking at the concrete flatwork on your driveway, walk, patio, garage, carport - or even indoor flatwork - and it looks old and weathered. It may even have some cracks. The good news is that, depending on the damage, it can be repaired. The bad news is that some common conditions like cracks will leave a highly visible patch. Of course, the alternative is to resurface the slab, but often the cause of the damage must be addressed first.

Filling cracks quickly prevents further damage

One of the most common concrete repairs is filling cracks. If you notice a crack in your concrete flatwork, you should take action quickly. This will help prevent further damage, especially if the crack is outdoors. Even more so if there is water penetration. And still more if there is a chance of freezing and thawing, which can cause significant damage.

Cracks can pose a tripping hazard for people walking by - and concrete is a hard surface to fall on! Cracked concrete simply doesn't look nice. Indeed, a crack in your driveway will diminish the overall appearance and value of your home, as will stains, chips and scaled surfaces.

Crack repairs won't look like new

Unlike with asphalt, a crack in concrete cannot be fixed to look brand new. The crack can be caulked or patched to stop water penetration, which would worsen the condition, but the repair will be quite noticeable. Since concrete expands and contracts, filling a crack with a hard substance is not recommended. It is best to use a patching product with lots of elasticity, to prevent the crack from reappearing.

It is important that your contractor finds the root of the problem and doesn't just fill the cracks. Poor drainage can cause excessive water in the soil to expand and crack the concrete. If the problem isn't addressed, more and more cracks will appear until the damage is too severe and the entire slab needs to be replaced. Similarly, an uneven base may cause more damage down the road, although this problem requires extensive work.

Small cracks can lead to crumbling

Tiny cracks in concrete that are not repaired allow moisture in, which can lead to larger cracks or crumbling. Caulking the small cracks with siliconized latex caulk allows the concrete to expand and contract, yet seals the area from moisture, preventing further damage. Once crumbling has occurred, the concrete can be patched, for a safer, more attractive environment.

It is important that your contractor finds the root of the problem and doesn't just fill the cracks.

Sealers can help prevent damage

When wet concrete freezes, the water that has been absorbed into the concrete expands, which can cause cracking, scaling and spalling, or chipping of the surface. Road salt used in snowy areas can also contribute to these types of damage. A concrete sealer can be used to protect the surface against water absorption and salt penetration. For best results, sealers should be applied every 6 to 12 months - more often in harsher climates and for cheaper sealers. If you're tempted by an inexpensive sealer, remember, you get what you pay for.

If the base of your concrete slab is in good shape but there's significant surface damage, you may want to consider resurfacing all or part of the slab. If, however, there are structural issues, such as extensive cracking, drainage problems or if the base or sub-base is faulty, it is time to consider replacing the concrete entirely. And while you're at it, you may want to consider finishing your concrete floors with decorative finishes.

Read about Installing Concrete Floors, Driveways, Patios, etc.

Read about Decorative Concrete Finishes.