Solid solutions for protecting concrete
Q: My concrete driveway is in pretty good shape, and I’d like to keep it that way. Do you have any tips on protecting concrete from the elements? — Joe L., Palm Bay, Fla.
A: Keeping concrete clean and in good repair can extend its life by many years. Adding protective sealants can help this durable material hold fast in all kinds of weather.
Fill control joints in the driveway with concrete repair caulk, which prevents water from accumulating in them and damaging the concrete. A clear concrete sealer creates a water-resistant barrier on the surface of the driveway and can even keep it looking cleaner, as today’s acrylic-based sealers don’t attract dirt. Some sealants also help newer concrete driveways and walkways cure more evenly. If you want to paint your driveway a particular color, use a paint specially formulated for concrete or masonry.
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Q: I have a few small holes in my concrete sidewalk that are probably a result of a few years of wear and tear. Any tips on fixing them? — Sara G., Mobile, Ala.
A: Small holes can be patched fairly quickly by first removing the debris, smoothing out the damaged area and filling with a patching compound. Debris can be removed with a brush and then the jagged edges of the hole either ground away with a masonry-grinding disc (attached to an electric drill) or chipped away with a cold chisel and hammer. The grinder or chisel should also angle the cuts downward and away from the center of the hole. This will keep the patching compound from being knocked back out of the hole later.
Once the hole is prepared, apply a thin layer of concrete bonding adhesive, to ensure a strong bond between concrete and patch, and then trowel in a quarter-inch layer of vinyl-reinforced patching compound. (Note: Bonding adhesive and patching compound can usually be found close together — even packaged together — at home-improvement stores.) Smooth out the layer and let it set for 30 minutes, then add another layer of compound. Repeat until the hole is filled to just above the surface of the sidewalk. Feather out the compound until it is level with the surrounding surface, then allow it to dry and cure.
If you have several holes to patch, it’s more efficient to grind them all out first and then patch.
Home Tip: Repair cracks and holes in masonry as quickly as possible to prevent them from becoming larger and more costly to fix.