The first step is measuring crack width and checking for movement. Marietta’s seasonal temperature swings cause concrete to expand and contract, and a crack that is still moving needs a flexible sealant, not a rigid filler. Clay-heavy soils common in the area can also shift under slabs, so the installer checks crack depth before deciding on a repair approach.
Hairline cracks up to 1/8 inch wide are sealed with a polyurethane sealant that stays flexible through seasonal movement. Wider cracks are chased with a crack-chasing blade to clean the edges, fitted with a foam backer rod to control fill depth, then packed with a patching compound and troweled flush. Spalled areas get a bonding agent applied before the patching compound so the repair does not pop loose under foot or vehicle traffic.
Water intrusion is the main reason to act quickly on open cracks. Water entering a crack in a Marietta driveway or patio freezes, expands, and widens the crack each season. Once the repair material has cured, the installer checks the surface is flush and confirms the crack is fully sealed before the job is closed out.