What Is Stamped Concrete & How To Repair Stamped Concrete Cracks

An increasing number of homeowners are hiring a Concrete Contractor to install new concrete driveways, outdoor kitchens, pool decks, and more because concrete is easy to clean, low cost, and ages better than a lot of other materials. Pretty much any concrete stamper who has been in business has to deal with stamped concrete cracks. This is a situation where the surface dries out before the concrete underneath. It is typically caused by a combination of wind and sun and creates a big problem for the stamper. Though it does not create any structural instability and you can easily deal with the stamped concrete crack repair.

What is stamp Concrete?

Concrete that is texturized or patterned in the shape of bricks, stone, or any other design is called stamped concrete.

Why Stamped Concrete Cracks Occurs?

The problem is that with each placement of a stamp (particularly those with a deep profile) a tension crack occurs around the edges of the stamped joints, or sometimes in the middle of a stamped stone. Although these stamped concrete cracks are usually only cosmetic they do not create any structural instability. They are unappealing and can cause a customer to balk at paying for the job. It is best to avoid surface crusting in the first place by utilizing liquid evaporation retarders.

How To Deal With Stamped Concrete Cracks Repairing?

Any concrete contractor in Denver will know exactly what to do when it comes to fixing cracks. Because the concrete is still structurally sound, it doesn’t require numerous materials and time when fixing the issue. These are products that when sprayed on the floated slab, form an invisible film that inhibits premature moisture evaporation. However, sometimes no matter what you try, difficult situations arise and you are left with surface cracks. There are a couple of ways to deal with these cracks:

1. The first is to take care of them while stamping.
2. The other is to go back another day and fill the cracks.

Both procedures are acceptable and have their places. If my crew and I have time to fix them while stamping, we prefer to do it that way. Sometimes, we are under the gun and don’t have the time to fix them while stamping. In this situation, we know we can get them later.

Tools & Materials Required To Repair Stamped Concrete Cracks:

1. Repairing While Stamping

Tools: 02-inch Fuzzy Paint Roller Brush

To fix the stamped concrete cracks, you will need to acquire a specialized tool. This inexpensive tool can be found at any hardware or paint store. It is simply a 2-inch fuzzy paint roller and frame. You can carry it in your back pocket while stamping, and whenever a crack appears, you just use the dry roller to close it up. By rolling the fuzzy roller across the crack, you can push it back together without marring the surface. Do this process softly without disturbing the shape.

2. The Next Day Repairing

Tools: Garden Hose, Cement, Pigmented Color, Trowel, wire brush, gloves, mop & sponge

To fix the cracks another day, wait until you have swept the slab and washed off the excess release agent with a garden hose. Don’t worry about being too thorough, as this is not the final cleaning. When the slab is somewhat dry, mix up a slurry of color hardener and acrylic concrete fortifier.

If your color hardener is too coarse, before mixing, remove the large sand particles by sifting through a piece of nylon pantyhose, cloth, or fine mesh screen. After mixing the slurry, work it into the cracks with either a sponge, a small hobby paintbrush, or simply a gloved finger. Use a dry rag to pat a little release agent on the patch. After the patch has been set thoroughly, finish cleaning the slab and seal it as normal.

You can also hire a good contractor to get this job done professionally.

Conclusion

Using these methods, you can repair the majority of surface crusting cracks. Although some of them may still be slightly visible, they will not be open and waiting for the customer’s criticism.