How to Do it With Marshalltown Tools

Concrete Tips and Techniques
Small Repairs

Modern technology has created several adhesive compounds that are ideal for cement repairs. Among them, Latex cement is the most commonly used. It has two ingredients, a powdered cement and latex liquid. Blend these two agents thoroughly for a quick hardening solution for concrete repair. Follow the detailed instructions on the package, or for rebuilding chipped corners and filling wide cracks, use a thicker mixture.

Vinyl patching cement needs only to mixed with water. Its strength is much greater than ordinary Portland cement and it is resistant to temperature variations.

Newest of the chemical bonding agents is Epoxy cement. It's virtually impregnable, but much more expensive than the others. Mix the emulsion and hardener together. Then add the cement. All three ingredients are included in the Epoxy kit. Epoxy will bond to practically anything, even steel.

In whichever method you select, the preparation is always the same. A clean surface is needed. Scrape away all loose or crumbly concrete. Brush away all dust or debris. Driving a few masonry nails into the opening will also give the patching materials something to adhere to. If you use the newer compounds, follow directions. If you use a Portland cement and sand mixture, be sure the surface is moistened before inserting the mixture. After patch has set up sufficiently, smooth off with a finishing trowel.