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Vertical concrete patch

by Jan
(San Diego, CA, USA)

Aggregate showing

Q./b> On my home's foundation wall (near the soil line), the concrete's aggregate (the rocks) is showing. The foundation is 36 years old but still in good shape except for the aggregate showing in several places. How can I repair/cover this up? Which product(s) can I purchase at one of the big box stores. Would I need to apply a bonding agent first? Would an epoxy mix be necessary? If so which one?

A. There are patching materials at the big box stores that will work. Most of them are vinyl which means there is a bonding agent in them. But there are specially made vertical concrete patch materials at concrete/masonry supply stores. They hold up much better. I like to mix it with a liquid boding agent rather than water for extra strength and less shrinkage. It does, however, make it set up much quicker so you can't mix as much at once. You will need to apply two coats over some of the deeper voids, but it is easily smeared on with a trowel.