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Repair & Maintenance

Curated byQUIKRETE®21 cardsUpdated Aug 2026
Cast Concrete Projects
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Cast Concrete Projects

This document provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for various DIY cast concrete projects, including bookends, anchors, decorative plaques, boat launching ramps, chimney caps, downspout splash guards, and garden edging/curbing. It outlines the specific QUIKRETE products, tools, and techniques required for each project, emphasizing proper form construction, pouring, curing, and finishing for durable and aesthetically pleasing results.

Damp-Proofing Concrete and Masonry
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Damp-Proofing Concrete and Masonry

Damp-proofing concrete and masonry walls, particularly basements, is detailed using QUIKRETE® Heavy-Duty Masonry Coating. The process involves identifying dampness sources, repairing leaks, thorough surface preparation, and specific instructions for mixing and applying the coating in multiple layers.

Plaster Hardcoating
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Plaster Hardcoating

QUIKRETE® Patching Plaster can be used to create a smooth or textured hardcoat surface on drywall or existing plaster, with instructions covering surface preparation, mixing to a creamy consistency, and application techniques using a trowel or brush. The process emphasizes applying a thin coat (1/16" to 1/8") and finishing quickly before the plaster sets, with tips for avoiding lumps and practicing application for optimal results.

Preparing Surfaces for Carpet, Resilient Flooring and Tile
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Preparing Surfaces for Carpet, Resilient Flooring and Tile

The document provides detailed instructions for preparing floor surfaces using two QUIKRETE products: Fast-Setting Underlayment and Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer. It outlines surface preparation, required tools, mixing ratios, and application techniques for repairing and leveling concrete and wood floors before installing new coverings.

Regrouting and Replacing Tile
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Regrouting and Replacing Tile

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for both regrouting existing tile and replacing damaged tiles. It details how to remove old grout, apply new grout, remove old tiles and adhesive, set new tiles with mortar, and then grout the new installation, along with a list of required tools and materials.

Repairing Badly Pitted and Chipped Concrete Surfaces
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Repairing Badly Pitted and Chipped Concrete Surfaces

The document provides a detailed guide for repairing pitted or chipped concrete surfaces, outlining necessary tools, materials, and specific QUIKRETE products for different damage depths. It includes step-by-step instructions for site preparation, mixing and applying repair materials, finishing the surface, and offers best practices for successful concrete repair.

Repairing Blacktop
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Repairing Blacktop

The document provides detailed instructions for repairing blacktop surfaces, specifically addressing chuckholes and cracks. It outlines the necessary QUIKRETE® products, tools, and step-by-step application methods for each repair type, along with best practices for optimal results.

Repairing Chimneys
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Repairing Chimneys

The document details DIY instructions for repairing chimneys, covering repointing crumbling brick joints, mending cracks and holes in the chimney cap, and repointing loose flashing. It provides step-by-step guidance for each repair, including lists of required tools and materials, and tips for achieving best results.

Repairing Concrete Walks
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Repairing Concrete Walks

The document details two primary methods for repairing damaged concrete sidewalks: full section replacement for severely broken areas, and repositioning for intact slabs that have shifted or heaved. Both approaches address issues like tree root uplift, impacts, and freeze/thaw cycles to restore the walk's level and integrity.

Repairing Concrete
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Repairing Concrete

The document details methods for repairing various types of concrete damage, from minor cracks and fractures to larger holes and surface overlays on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. It provides step-by-step instructions, required tools, and specific QUIKRETE products like crack seal, repair caulk, quick-setting cement, vinyl concrete patcher, sand mix, and latex cement for each repair scenario.

Repairing Drywall and Plaster
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Repairing Drywall and Plaster

Repairing cracks and holes in drywall and plaster is detailed using QUIKRETE® Patching Plaster, emphasizing its slow setting time and no-shrinkage formula. The guide offers specific step-by-step instructions for preparing surfaces, applying plaster in layers for cracks, and using wire mesh or paper backing for holes, followed by sanding and finishing techniques.

Repairing Leaks in Concrete and Masonry
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Repairing Leaks in Concrete and Masonry

The document provides a detailed, step-by-step guide for repairing leaks in concrete and masonry structures, emphasizing the use of QUIKRETE® Hydraulic Water-Stop Cement and other waterproofing coatings. The process involves preparing cracks by enlarging and cleaning them, applying the specialized cement, and then waterproofing the entire surface to prevent further moisture intrusion.

Repairing Steps
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Repairing Steps

The repair of damaged concrete steps is detailed, outlining required tools and materials such as quick-setting cement, bonding adhesive, and acrylic fortifier. A step-by-step guide covers preparing the damaged area, mixing and applying the repair material, and utilizing forms for larger or projecting tread repairs.

Repairing Stucco
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Repairing Stucco

Repairing stucco involves a step-by-step process for common damage like cracks and small areas, detailing necessary tools and materials. The guide covers preparing the damaged surface by removing loose material, undercutting, cleaning, and wetting, followed by mixing and applying the stucco patch, with specific instructions for deep repairs and texturing to match the surrounding finish.

Repairing Sunken Brick or Stone Walks and Patios
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Repairing Sunken Brick or Stone Walks and Patios

The document details two distinct methods for repairing sunken brick or stone paving: a simpler mortarless approach for minor ground settlement and a more involved mortared method for serious structural issues. Both repair guides include lists of necessary tools and materials, step-by-step instructions for removing and replacing pavers, and advice on identifying and correcting the underlying causes of the sinking.

Repairing with Quick-Setting Cement
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Repairing with Quick-Setting Cement

The document provides a step-by-step guide for homeowners on repairing precast concrete, statuary, and angled concrete using QUIKRETE® Quick-Setting Cement. It details the necessary tools and materials, outlines the process from preparing the damaged area and mixing the cement to applying and sculpting it, and offers tips for best results.

Restoring Concrete and Masonry Walls with QUIKWALL® Surface Bonding Cement
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Restoring Concrete and Masonry Walls with QUIKWALL® Surface Bonding Cement

QUIKWALL® Surface Bonding Cement is presented as a versatile material for restoring, beautifying, and waterproofing concrete and masonry structures such as walls, cisterns, silos, and chimneys, emphasizing its strength, durability, and water resistance. The guide provides detailed step-by-step instructions for mixing and applying the cement, including specific considerations for different surface types, crack repair, and proper curing techniques to ensure optimal results.

Resurfacing Concrete
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Resurfacing Concrete

The document provides comprehensive instructions for resurfacing old concrete using QUIKRETE® Concrete Resurfacer, detailing essential steps from initial cleaning and repair to mixing, application, and achieving various finishes. It also covers important considerations such as adverse temperature conditions, product limitations, curing guidelines, and includes a calculator to determine the approximate number of bags needed for different thicknesses and areas.

Sealing Concrete and Masonry
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Sealing Concrete and Masonry

QUIKRETE® Commercial Grade Concrete Sealer forms a tough, water-resistant finish that protects various concrete and masonry surfaces, including walks, driveways, and patios, from water, acids, oils, and other harsh elements. The guide outlines required tools, detailed steps for surface preparation and application, and best practices for achieving optimal results, such as proper mixing, drying times, and temperature restrictions.

Sealing Around Pipes
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Sealing Around Pipes

This guide details the process of sealing openings around basement pipes to prevent moisture, insects, and vermin from entering the home. It outlines steps for preparing the hole, mixing and applying QUIKRETE® Hydraulic Water-Stop Cement or Quick-Setting Cement, firming it around the pipe, and ensuring proper curing.

Tuck-pointing Mortar Jounts, Replacing Damaged Brick
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Tuck-pointing Mortar Jounts, Replacing Damaged Brick

A comprehensive guide covers tuck-pointing mortar joints and replacing damaged bricks in masonry, detailing necessary tools, materials, and the importance of proper mortar prehydration. It outlines step-by-step instructions for preparing joints, carefully removing and replacing old bricks, and repointing the new mortar for a durable finish.