How To Replace Your Crack Filler
Concrete sidewalks are poured with lines in between the slabs. These lines are pressure cracks, and they are instrumental in preventing the concrete from cracking. They basically enable the concrete slab to move around a bit without cracking or putting stress on the middle of the slab. Concrete is bound to move and shift around because the soil underneath it can be constantly shifting.
Water can seep into the cracks and affect the consistency of the soil, which can cause it to shift around even more. This is why the space in between the cracks is usually filled with some sort of rubbery substance. Over the years, this substance can deteriorate and fall out of the crack, making it vulnerable to water damage again. You might need to reapply crack filler to waterproof the space and prevent weed growth. This article describes how you can do this.
Cleaning and Prepping the Crack
The first thing you need to do is remove the existing crack filler and any dirt or weeds growing out of it. The best tool for this job is just a large flat head screwdriver or chisel. By applying pressure and scraping out all of the loose debris, you can usually do the majority of the job with ease.
The only thing is to worry about is if there is a hole or cavity underneath the crack. This is actually very common, and it could be the cause of your problem. If this is the case, you want to use dirt to fill in the crack. You can pour dirt directly in the crack until it reaches the bottom of the concrete slab. Otherwise, if you just pour crack filler directly in, it will sink into the cavity and be wasted.
Applying New Crack Filler
Concrete crack filler is a liquid solution, and it is easiest to use if you buy the squeezable tubes. You essentially squeeze the liquid into the crack and wait for it to dry. You have to keep an eye on the liquid as it dries to make sure that it doesn't sink too much. Squeeze it into the crack until it's about 1/4" below the concrete. If you are worried about debris and dirt blowing into the crack filler as it is drying, you can cover the crack temporarily with a white piece of tape duct or masking tape.
For more concrete tips, contact companies like Crackerjack Mud Jacking Inc.
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