How to Fix Concrete Cracked by Rusting Rebar

Rebar consists of long steel rods that are often inserted into wet concrete to add support until it dries. The rebar is often removed later, which creates rod holes in the concrete surface. If the rods remain in place, they can rust over time and shift, which exerts unwanted pressure and occasionally cracks. Repairing the concrete cracks requires that you clean the crack thoroughly and then insert a special patching material that bonds to the remaining solid concrete.

Wire brush
Dust mask
Safety glasses
Right angle grinder
Shop vac
Epoxy thixotropic paste
Two-part epoxy patch
Sand (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Scrub the entire length of the crack using a wire brush to dislodge any loosened debris from the surface. Scrub the rebar remove any loose rust from the surface.
- 2
  Wear a dust mask and safety glasses and plug in a right-angle grinder. Place the blade of the grinder vertically into one end of the crack and turn the tool on. Pull the grinder along the entire length of the crack to expand it to at least 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide. If desired, you can also cut off any exposed portion of the rebar using the grinder.
- 3
  Set the grinder aside and plug in a shop vac. Vacuum out the crack thoroughly to remove all traces of dust and loose particles. These particles will interfere with the patching process if not removed.
- 4
  Open a tube of epoxy thixotropic paste, also called epoxy primer, and insert a bead into the base of the crack until it fills by half. Wait approximately 15 minutes to allow the primer to cure completely.
- 5
  Insert a two-part epoxy patch into the crack until it fills it completely.

How to Apply Joint Compound to the Edges of the Ceilings & Walls

How to Knock out Holes in a Blanco Sink

General Home Repair