The Local Toronto Guide to Fix Concrete Cracks
You may not be surprised to see cracking concrete when you look outside. Cracked concrete is common, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it.
Whether you’re dealing with damaged driveways, crumbling sidewalks, or compromised pool decks, understanding how to properly fix concrete cracks is crucial for maintaining your property’s value and safety.
This guide explores various concrete repair methods, highlighting why some solutions offer better long-term results than others.
Identifying Concrete Cracks
Concrete cracks manifest in various forms across different surfaces throughout Toronto properties. Common locations and appearances include:
- Driveways: Often displaying spider-web patterns or long horizontal cracks, especially near the garage
- Sidewalks: Typically showing linear cracks that run parallel to the path
- Pool Decks: Frequently exhibiting circular cracks around drains or corners
- Basement Floors: Usually presenting as hairline cracks or more severe structural fissures
- Garage Floors: Commonly developing cracks near support columns or entryways
Causes of Concrete Cracks
Several factors contribute to concrete deterioration in Toronto’s unique climate:
- Freeze-thaw Cycles: Toronto’s harsh winters cause water within the concrete to repeatedly freeze and expand.
- Soil Settlement: The city’s varying soil conditions can lead to uneven support beneath concrete surfaces.
- Poor Initial Installation: Improper mixing, curing, or finishing during installation can predispose concrete to cracking.
- Heavy Loads: Vehicle traffic and excessive weight can stress concrete beyond its capacity.
- Tree Root Intrusion: Growing root systems can exert pressure on concrete surfaces from below.
Effective Concrete Crack Repair Methods
Some concrete crack repair methods are more effective than others. While we list several options below, let’s start with what does work to ensure safe and stable concrete surfaces.
Polyurethane Injection
Polyurethane injection is the most advanced solution for concrete crack repair in Toronto. This method involves injecting expanding foam underneath problematic concrete, offering several advantages:
- Expands to fill the entire void beneath concrete
- Creates a waterproof seal
- Minimally invasive installation
- Remains flexible to accommodate future ground movement
- Works effectively in Toronto’s extreme temperatures
- Provides long-lasting structural support for concrete surfaces
While concrete leveling with polyurethane injection does not actively repair concrete cracks, it often closes the cracks. When Groundworks crews install this method, we seal the cracks once the concrete has been properly stabilized.
Traditional Methods and Their Limitations
You also have other concrete crack repair options, but it’s important to note that they are no match for polyurethane injections.
Caulking or Sealing
While seemingly convenient, caulking provides only a temporary fix:
- Surface-level solution that doesn’t address underlying issues
- Deteriorates quickly in Toronto’s climate
- Requires frequent reapplication
- Doesn’t prevent water infiltration
Mudjacking
This traditional concrete leveling method has significant drawbacks:
- Adds excessive weight to already compromised soil
- Temporary solution that doesn’t address underlying causes
- Material can wash away over time
- Not suitable for Toronto’s freeze-thaw cycles
Concrete Resurfacing
While providing a fresh appearance, resurfacing often fails to solve the root problem:
- Doesn’t address underlying structural issues
- New surface can separate from old concrete
- Susceptible to the same cracking patterns
- Short-term cosmetic solution
Concrete Replacement
Complete replacement, while sometimes necessary, isn’t always the best solution:
- Extremely costly and disruptive
- Doesn’t prevent future cracking
- Requires extensive demolition
- Weather-dependent installation
The DIY Concrete Repair Dilemma
The appeal of DIY concrete crack repair is understandable. However, attempting to fix concrete cracks without professional expertise often leads to disappointing and costly outcomes.
Store-bought concrete repair products lack the professional-grade quality necessary to withstand Toronto’s harsh climate. These solutions typically consist of basic patching compounds or simple epoxies that don’t penetrate deeply enough into the crack to provide lasting repair. Even when applied correctly, these materials often fail to bond properly with the existing concrete, leading to separation and deterioration within months of application.
Failed DIY repairs can also complicate future professional repairs, as patch jobs typically must be removed before proper repairs can begin, adding time and expense to the professional repair process. This means homeowners essentially pay twice: once for DIY materials and again for professional services.
Most importantly, DIY solutions rarely address the underlying causes of concrete cracks, including soil settlement, water drainage issues, or structural problems. This leads to a cycle of recurring issues. What might seem like a simple surface crack could actually indicate a significant problem requiring immediate professional attention, and applying a superficial fix might inadvertently delay essential repairs.
Trust Groundworks For Lasting Concrete Repair
Cracking concrete doesn’t have to be an ongoing problem. Knowing your options is crucial, but it’s equally important to properly fix concrete cracks with lasting solutions.
Ensure your concrete surfaces remain stable, safe, and attractive by choosing a professional Toronto concrete repair service like Groundworks, which specializes in polyurethane injection. Our experience and customer reviews speak for themselves. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and no-obligation repair estimate.
Concrete Crack Repair FAQs
A concrete void is a space or gap beneath a concrete slab. These voids compromise structural stability and strength, leading to concrete cracks, uneven surfaces, and other structural issues.
Yes! Concrete repair enhances property safety, appeal, and value. Over time, weather, heavy loads, and poor initial installation cause concrete deterioration. Neglect worsens this deterioration and leads to increased repair costs. However, DIY fixes often lack the proper materials, resulting in temporary solutions that may exacerbate the damage.
PolyRenewal™ injection stabilizes and lifts concrete slabs by addressing the underlying cause of damage with eco-friendly, high-density polyurethane foam. This method provides a lasting solution to settling concrete, restoring the integrity of floors and foundations while being minimally invasive and environmentally conscious.
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Disclaimer: By “concrete leveling,” we mean the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of our PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Groundworks does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.