Have you ever looked at your Los Angeles driveway to get distracted by large cracks? It is unattractive, untidy, and can give way to crumbling. You long to make it well-maintained again because who wants scraggly fissures in their driveway?
Concrete is the foundation of your driveway. If it cracks, then it is likely that it will break more. Many things cause outdoor concrete to crack. If you act soon and arrange to have a concrete driveway repair Los Angeles, your driveway will last longer, and you can save on repair jobs.
Steps on How to Repair Large Cracks on Concrete Driveways
Repairing large cracks on your concrete driveway is a necessity. You don’t want the cracks to expand and make the damage worse.
Cracks on concrete surfaces need to be dealt with immediately. Read on for the steps to make your cracked driveway like new again with concrete driveway repair in Los Angeles.
Inspect the crack to see if it is indeed a large crack.
Check the extent of the crack and the existing damage. Measure the fissures using a tape measure or a ruler.
Minor or hairline cracks are often repaired without professional services. Repair options include stained concrete, concrete overlays, and concrete coatings.
If you need to repair the driveway with overlays, follow these steps:
- Clear away any debris in the area. Use a pressure washer or plain sponge with soap and water. Let it dry.
- Seal off the minor cracks with a patching compound. Wipe off the residue with a damp rag or sponge.
- Next, pour the overlays evenly on the surface. Let the coating dry for at least 24 hours.
- Apply concrete sealing to make your driveway more durable.
If the crack is larger than ¼ inch, it is time to take action and repair it.
When cracks are of this size, they need to be repaired by a professional right away. The cost to repair concrete driveways is around $5 to $7 per square foot without rendering any driveway resurfacing Los Angeles.
If it needs an overlay, it will cost an additional $3 to $7. If the texture is intricate, the cost can go up. A driveway repair in Los Angeles is less expensive than a total replacement.
To get an estimate, you’ll need to provide the following:
- Size or length of the driveway
- Level of surface preparation
- Type of driveway repair, resurfacing, or refinishing method used
- Other services rendered, like concrete staining or custom scoring
Repairing large cracks in driveways using Epoxy Resin and Hydraulic Cement
One way to repair a large crack in your concrete driveway is by using epoxy resin.
It is a simple and durable material that is easy to maintain and is available in numerous finishes.
To use epoxy resin to repair driveway cracks, follow the procedure on the product label. Before applying the epoxy resin, clean the area and remove gravel, dirt, dust, and debris.
Another way to fix a big crack is by using hydraulic cement.
Hydraulic cement is used to repair cracks in concrete structures such as driveways. You must clean off the excess dirt and debris before you apply hydraulic cement.
- How to use epoxy resin and hydraulic cement for driveway crack repair
- If you decide to use epoxy resin, clean out the cracks first with a wire brush and vacuum away any debris that could get in the way of the repair process.
- If you opt for hydraulic cement, mix it with water until it forms a thick paste before filling up the cracks entirely and allowing it to dry overnight.
- Let the area dry for 24 hours.
No matter which method you choose, always give the repaired area 24 hours to cure before walking or driving on it!
Your newly-repaired driveway must be thoroughly dried before people can walk on the surface. If you use the surface too soon, it can damage your concrete driveway or compromise its strength.
Conclusion
You must seek professional services to fix large cracks in your driveway. They are licensed, bonded, and insured for your security. Whatever major driveway repair you need, you can be sure that you are in good hands.
