foundation crack along concrete walkway
#1
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foundation crack along concrete walkway
The base of the foundation that touches the concrete walkway has a crack. I was thinking of just packing some concrete or caulking some polyurethane sealant in there, but I'm not sure which is best. Any suggestions would be a great help. Thanks!!
#2
Looks like 8x16 concrete blocks that have been parged with more concrete. The block was probably loose and wasn't properly repaired before it was parged. I would probably just caulk it for now. That sidewalk should not go underneath the parging. It should be ground back so there is room for each to expand and contract, and the gap filled with a polyurethane expansion joint sealant, like Loctite S10. If you get frost during winter months, the sidewalk will heave and take the cement that is resting on it along for the ride.
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tar between the cracks?
I noticed some homes have this black stuff covering their cracks between the foundation and outside. Is that tar? Would that be better to use than a polyurethane expansion joint sealant since some of the cracks are larger than 1 inch.

#6
No its not better. But it does have the potential to make a bigger mess.

For wide joints, you can tool the polyurethane sealant with a putty knife and paint thinner. Always use foam backer rod for deep cracks. That way the sealant will bond to only 2 surfaces, bridging the gap... and the foam will be able to shrink/stretch.

For wide joints, you can tool the polyurethane sealant with a putty knife and paint thinner. Always use foam backer rod for deep cracks. That way the sealant will bond to only 2 surfaces, bridging the gap... and the foam will be able to shrink/stretch.