(MCT)—A reader said there was a 20-foot crack running across her 15-year-old concrete patio that had been repaired with caulking. She asked if she should have the patio repoured.
Another reader, who has been in residential construction and building supplies for 45 years, wrote that any 200-square-foot patio that has lasted 15 years with only one crack means the patio was built right in the first place, but with one exception.
“The crack tells me the original builder did not put in the correct expansion joints. Thus, the crack is the concrete’s need to make its own expansion joint.
“Rather than dig up a concrete pad that is still very serviceable, consider painting the concrete with a high quality concrete paint. That will cover the caulk line and make it all blend together.
“If the caulk line has failed, clean out the caulk and replace it with a high quality silicone or other sealant made specifically for concrete.
“You can make it blend in with a coat of paint that will also extend the life of the concrete pad. With minor maintenance, this concrete should be good for another 15 years.”
©2012 The Philadelphia Inquirer
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