Top Site Net Features | Register | Login

DIY Guide: How To Fix Cracked Concrete Pad For AC Compressor

If you have a split AC, you might be using a concrete pad to support the compressor unit. This pad keeps the unit above the dirt outdoors and prevents it from sinking into the soil due to its weight. But concrete surfaces are susceptible to developing cracks due to snow, heat, rain, expansion of soil, etc. These cracks can cause dirt to blow into the condenser unit or tilt the condenser unit displacing its pipes and wires. If you notice them, you can purchase a replacement compressor pad from an air conditioning repair in Port St. Lucie or fix the crack on your own. If you decide to fix the crack, the materials, and process you need to follow depend on the size of the cracks.

Fixing Large Cracks

If you notice wide cracks with a few pieces chipping off the surface then you need to do this

Tools & Materials Needed

You need a hammer, chisel, caulking gun, trowel, vacuum, broom, wire brush, concrete patch, water hose, water, trowel, sealer, gloves, and safety glasses. You can find these tools and materials at a hardware store or online at affordable prices.

Steps needed

  1. Disconnect the compressor from the outdoor power unit and the indoor AC unit, then place the compressor on a hard surface to prevent dirt from entering it.

  2. Widen the crack and dislodge lose chips with a chisel and hammer.

  3. Remove the debris with a wire brush. Clean the crack with a brush or vacuum. You can connect the vacuum to the outdoor power outlet. You might need to use a water hose to pressure clean the debris. Be sure to remove pools of water from the crack with the vacuum.

  4. Mix the concrete patch as instructed by the manufacturer.

  5. Apply the patch into the crack with a trowel until it reaches the surface. Use the trowel to remove all air pockets in it and to smoothen it.

  6. You can use a wire brush to match the patch’s texture with the rest of the surface.

  7. Let the patch cure as instructed by the manufacturer and apply a sealer over it.

Fixing Small Cracks

If you notice small cracks like a hairline, here’s what you need to do:

Tools & Materials Needed:

You need a caulking gun, foam backer rod, putty knife, concrete patching compound, water, sealer, trowel and screwdriver. You can get these at a hardware store or online at affordable prices.

Steps needed

  • Before starting, disconnect the compressor from the outdoor power unit and the indoor AC unit, then place the compressor on a hard surface to prevent dirt from entering it.

  • Clean the dirt in the crack with vacuum and brush. You can connect the vacuum to the outdoor outlet.

  • If the crack is narrow and shallow, prepare the concrete patching compound as instructed and apply it to the crack with a caulking gun or putty knife. Then, smoothen the surface with a putty knife or trowel. Then cure it as instructed by the manufacturer and apply sealer.

  • If the narrow crack goes deep, use a foam backer rod slightly larger than the crack, Fit the rod into the crack with a screwdriver up to a quarter-inch deep. And fill the crack with the concrete patch after preparing it as instructed. Then, smoothen it, let it cure and apply a sealer.

With these steps, your concrete pad should be as good as new. Once the surface is dry, you can put the compressor back on it and connect it to the outdoor power outlet. It shouldn’t take more than a day. If you find all this effort too much, then you can contact an air conditioning repair in Port St. Lucie to check if they sell pre-fabricated pads and replace the concrete pad with it. These pads are affordable and easy to install. Depending on the material, they can last very long despite exposure to outdoor elements like sunlight, snow, etc.


About This Author


Brittany WolfeBrittany Wolfe
https://www.reddashmedia.us/
Hi, I am Brittany. I am a writer, illustrator
Joined: October 21st, 2019
Article Directory /

Arts, Business, Computers, Finance, Games, Health, Home, Internet, News, Other, Reference, Shopping, Society, Sports