DIY vs. Professional Concrete Crack Repair
When faced with cracks in concrete surfaces, the temptation to fix them yourself can be strong. DIY concrete repair kits offer a quick and seemingly cost-effective solution. However, professional crack repair is often the best choice for ensuring long-lasting and effective results.
At Groundworks, we’ve seen what can go wrong with DIY crack repair. Our concrete repair experts have the knowledge and the resources to handle this issue properly. From accurately diagnosing the root cause of the cracks to using high-quality materials and advanced techniques to address them, professionals bring a level of skill and assurance that DIY methods simply can’t match.
In this article, we’ll explore why trusting your concrete crack repairs to professionals can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
3 Common DIY Crack Repair Mistakes
Here are three popular installations many homeowners have attempted and why they don’t work:
1. Improper Mixing
When concrete is not mixed correctly, either by using the wrong proportions of water, cement, and aggregates, or by not blending the ingredients thoroughly, the resulting mixture can lack the necessary strength and durability.
Too much water can make the concrete overly porous and prone to cracking and shrinking, while too little water can prevent the concrete from bonding properly, leading to weak spots.
2. Poor Preparation
Failing to properly prepare the space can severely impact the quality of DIY concrete repair, leading to ineffective and short-lived results.
Proper preparation includes cleaning the area thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, and loose particles that can prevent the new concrete from adhering properly.
Neglecting this step can result in poor bonding between the old and new concrete, causing the repair to crack or separate over time.
3. Inadequate Curing Time
When concrete is not properly cured, it dries too quickly, which can result in shrinkage cracks as the surface contracts before it has fully set.
This rapid drying can also cause the concrete to lose strength and durability, making it more susceptible to future cracking and wear. Without adequate moisture and temperature control during the curing process, the repaired area may fail to bond effectively with the existing slab, ultimately worsening the original damage.
DIY Concrete Repair Hazards
Repairing your cracked or sunken concrete with DIY solutions poses a variety of risks, including:
- Does Not Address the Root Cause: DIY repairs may not address the root cause of the cracks, such as soil compaction or washout issues, leading to recurring problems.
- Substandard Materials: DIY kits may use lower-quality materials compared to professional-grade options, affecting the durability and longevity of the repair.
- Inconsistent Results: Incorrect mixing of repair materials or improper application techniques can result in weak, uneven, or ineffective repairs.
- Safety Risks: Mixing and pouring cement is a difficult task without proper training and protective equipment. Injury can occur from working with heavy tools and materials.
- Potential for Additional Damage: Improper repairs may exacerbate existing issues or cause new problems, leading to more extensive and costly repairs in the future.
While it may be tempting to fix your damaged concrete yourself with at-home repair, the downsides of this approach far outweigh the positives. It’s best to consult with a concrete repair professional to restore the affected surfaces.
Is DIY Crack Repair Cheaper?
While the upfront cost of fixing your cracked concrete surfaces yourself might seem lower, the math quickly gets more complicated than you think. DIY materials like self-leveling concrete kits, mixing and pouring tools, and protective safety equipment can often be expensive. Additionally, without professional experience, there’s no guarantee that your DIY fix will provide lasting protection from future damage. Further repairs can be a costly investment, while one-time professional concrete repair offers long-term stability for your cracked or sunken concrete.
Poly Foam Injections: Trust the Experts
Rather than waste time and money with ineffective DIY repairs, consider lifting your cracked or sunken concrete with polyurethane foam injections from Groundworks. This advanced method repairs cracked concrete by injecting dense foam beneath the surface through small drilled holes. The foam expands rapidly once injected, filling voids and gaps, and lifting the concrete back in place. As it cures, the foam hardens and forms a stable base for the slab, addressing both minor cracks and larger issues.
Poly foam injection is a precise and effective fix for damaged concrete surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, and patios. Professional technicians have the expertise to accurately assess the extent of damage and apply the foam in a controlled manner, ensuring an even lift. By addressing the root cause of the damage, this can significantly enhance the repair’s durability and performance, offering a more reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution compared to DIY methods.
Benefits of Professional Concrete Repair
Expert concrete repair from Groundworks offers several benefits, such as:
- Advanced Tools and Techniques: Our team brings extensive knowledge and cutting-edge equipment to accurately diagnose and resolve issues with precision.
- Swift and Effective Repairs: Skilled professionals use their experience and specialized tools to carry out repairs quickly and efficiently, minimizing the impact on your daily life.
- Flexible Financing Options: We offer a variety of payment plans, including convenient financing options, clear and upfront pricing with no hidden costs, and competitive interest rates.
- Robust Warranties: Benefit from our comprehensive, nationally-backed, and transferable warranties, ensuring long-term protection for all installations we complete.
Contact Groundworks for Reliable Concrete Repair
Though it may be tempting to fix your cracked or sunken concrete yourself, if you want lasting, effective repairs, the concrete pros at Groundworks are your best choice.
Our team has the tools and the know-how to lift your concrete with precision and care, providing lasting support and durability.
Contact us today to get started with a free inspection and a no-obligation concrete repair estimate.
DIY Concrete Repair FAQs
PolyRenewal concrete lifting is a permanent solution for uneven, sinking concrete. The eco-friendly polyurethane foam gently lifts slabs, fills gaps, and stabilizes the soil beneath, providing a reliable and lasting solution for your home.
The effectiveness of concrete lifting in repairing cracks varies based on the severity of the damage. For minor cracks, the lifting process can significantly diminish their visibility. In some cases, the elevation of the concrete may be sufficient to completely close small cracks.
However, when dealing with extensive or severe cracks, lifting alone may not be adequate. In such instances, complete replacement of the concrete section might be the only viable solution to fully address the problem.
It depends on the method selected. Polyurethane foam injection addresses the soil instability or voids under the slab by stabilizing the soil beneath it.
Related Resources
Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Groundworks does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.