Our warm, dry summers are a perfect time to inspect and repair cracked driveways, patios and service walks. Here are some tips that will help you to make your home safer this summer.
- Check for cracks. Those less than ¼-inch can be sealed using concrete crack filler. Pressure-wash the cracks free of all debris and let them dry. Then apply concrete crack filler to the cracks. Overfill them slightly, as the filler will suck back into the crack slightly as it cures. This will last 3-4 years. For a more permanent fix, and for all cracks bigger than ¼-inch wide, use one of the mortar mixes you can mix up in a bucket or wheelbarrow and apply with a trowel.
- If concrete has settled or heaved and trip hazards have developed you have several options. You can have a company mud-jack settled concrete back up into place. They put a nozzle under the dropped slab and pump liquid mortar and sometimes limestone under the slab to hydraulically raise it back up. Another option for trip hazards is to mark them with bright yellow paint so they eye is drawn to them and feet can adjust to them.
- Check for trees that have roots that are heaving or breaking up your patio, driveway, or service walk. Consider having them removed if they are doing this type of damage.