Concrete Cracks - Small Repairs

Repairing those cracks in walls, steps, or flat surfaces. Some of the easiest jobs with concrete don't even need concrete to be mixed to repair them. If you have cracks that let water into the areas around your foundation or inside your walls you can fix them with a mortar mix available in caulk tubes.
You can go to your home improvement store and buy some mortar and concrete repair that squeezes out of a caulk gun to fix cracks and mortar joints in concrete. It is easy to use and dries to a flexible textured surface that looks like real mortar mix.
You use a caulk gun, which costs less than 10 dollars. You can also get mortar repair for a fireplace that is resistant to heat. You simply squeeze out a line between the cleaned out cracks and fill with the mix. This takes some experience to get the hang of, so don't give up.
When finished filling the crack, press the release to stop the product from being released from the tube. Use you finger, the same as for caulking, dipped in water to smooth over your work, and voila, done.
The stuff costs about 5 dollars a tube. Mixtures are also available in squeeze tubes for application. This works in much the same way as the other mortar repair. You simply cut open the top of the bottle and remove the inner seal. Then squeeze the stuff into the cracks that need filling.
For small jobs I would buy the tubes of caulk like mortar repair and for larger jobs like many cracks in the driveway or sidewalk I would use the $15 to 20 option of the crack filler.
Most cracks can be filled with caulk type filler; larger cracks can be filled with ready mixed concrete. Basic tools are all that are required. A 5 gal pail can be used to mix batches of cement and inexpensive trowels are all that is necessary for finishing. Your home building supply company will assist you in determining how much concrete you require and might even recommend the best product suited for your particular needs.
The homeowner can accomplish most concrete repairs. Choose the right product for the repair you are making and consult with the experts before beginning job. This article is supplied by Napoleon Home Inspections and is for information only, always consult an expert before beginning do-it-yourself projects.