Material/technique for exterior crack sealing
TomKzz
| Posted in General Questions on
Greetings,
I am looking for recommendations on what product or material to use to seal up cracks that I noticed between the stone wall of my house and the concrete porch slab (see photos). It looks like someone used concrete or mortar before but this has obviously separated over time. I’m hoping to use something that is DIY friendly and blends in / looks like it was meant to be there.
I‘d also like to seal cracks between patio stones and the foundation wall (no photo). Assuming a different product should be used for this?
Thanks!
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Replies
tkzz,
I don't think there was ever mortar there, they just didn't finish the slab very well where it met the slab when they poured it. That shrinkage crack may move seasonally. I'd chip or grind off the excess and use colour matched caulking.
"slab" by sashco is super easy to work with and water based. its almost just a sanded big stretch if you've ever used that. does not cure hard, stays super super rubbery.
https://i.imgur.com/fh01m0y.jpeg
thats where my brick meets the sidewalk, the bottom row of 'mortar' was a large gap that weeds liked to grow out of. don't have any pictures but i also have a similar stone facade and nearly identical concrete buildup from the initial pour.
https://i.imgur.com/zRlWV7g.jpeg made prep way easier.
Thanks both! Sounds like caulking will be the way to go.
Nice looking work there, CS55. That's basically the result I'm hoping for.
I'm not sure if I can get Sashco Slab but there should be other similar options available here (Canada).
Trying to understand the prep tool you shared, do those sanding plates fit into a machine of some type?
I recognize those attachments. They fit onto an oscillating multi-tool.
oops, yeah its for an oscillating tool/multi tool. a small chisel + hammer is also useful for build up, then smooth out as desired with the multi tool.
an angle grinder can work, but its pretty easy to mar the concrete/facade. especially with curvy stone like that.
dap has a textured latex concrete sealant, not sure if available in canada.
theres a million options out there, just search for textured outdoor caulk for concrete/masonry use. if you don't care about the textured aspect then theres even more options. just be sure to get something meant for cracks with some flexibility and vacuum with a brush + clean well with a wet rag before using anything.
Great thanks @shedworkshop and @CS55 for the info. I just found a Milwaukee M12 (lighter duty) oscillating multi tool on sale. Might be a good opportunity to get this, since it seems like it would be useful for other tasks. What do you think?
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/milwaukee-tool-m12-12v-lithium-ion-cordless-oscillating-multi-tool-tool-only-/1000692741
tkzz,
I'd buy whichever cordless oscillating tool you already have batteries for. There isn't much difference between the big brand models.
Makes sense. I have the M12 impact driver so this would be the cheapest way to get an oscillating tool for me!