FLAKY OR CRACKED CONCRETE STEPS?
HERE’S WHAT TO DO
Spring is around the corner and it’s time to evaluate whether the harsh winter weather and constant foot traffic may have damaged your concrete steps. For construction professionals and homeowners alike, concrete has always been appealing due to its superior durability, but continuous exposure to harsh elements can slowly weaken the concrete. A good maintenance practice is to take a few minutes to evaluate your outdoor steps every Spring, as you may not realize that the concrete could be suffering from superficial to widespread structural damage. With quick attention to any concrete imperfections, you can reverse the damage and keep your stairs looking as good as new.
FIX SUPERFICIAL FLAWS
When you first spot imperfections, they may be cosmetic, such as light flaking or spalling, staining and craze cracking. Fortunately, these are easy to repair if you correct them before they become a serious problem. Superficial concrete flaws can result from weathering, foot traffic wear, or even poor installation.
Fortunately, cosmetic concrete flaws are now easier to fix. You can tackle the repairs yourself by using a high-performance concrete resurfacer, such as Rapid Set ® NewCrete. It resurfaces imperfect or worn concrete and gives your concrete a like-new look and a renewed lease on life. Then, after just two to three hours, your concrete will be smooth, blemish-free and ready for foot traffic.
REPAIR EXTENSIVE DAMAGE
If the damage to your concrete is more severe and widespread, make repairs a top priority. Structural damage should be repaired sooner rather than later. Harsh weather can accelerate the condition of deep chipping, wide cracking, and crumbling sections. Don’t delay Ð if ignored, these areas can deteriorate to the point where repairs are not possible and a total replacement would be the only option.
When you have more severe damage, look for a material meant for extensive repairs. Rapid Set ® Cement All ® is a multipurpose construction material that will provide superior adhesion to your damaged concrete and can be used whether your repair requires a skim coat or a four-inchthick application. It allows you to shore up failing concrete on your own, and to do so easily and quickly. Cement All sets in 15 minutes and is ready for traffic in one hour.
Additionally, you can always use Cement All and NewCrete as a tag-team remedy to repair all the defects in your concrete steps.
WHERE TO FIND THESE PRODUCTS
Rapid Set Cement All and Rapid Set NewCrete can be found at The Home Depot.