I've got a nasty crack in my kids' slide ( see image ).
I think the slide is plastic and I'm sure the crack will only grow if used.
Is there a way to repair this?
Best Answer
Replace it. The integrity is now compromised. Do not risk child safety over cheap plastic.
No adhesive, epoxy, resin or anything like that will return the original strength of the slide and any ideas involving screwing backing plates in sound good, but once you start drilling holes or screwing through things you are going to weaken the slide in multiple areas to try to save another and risk making it worse.
It may be disappointing for your child and they may have to wait before you can replace it but that's better than a trip to A and E.
Can I get an Amen?
Sorry about your slide, it looks like a good one too.
I worked concrete one summer while I was in high school, but I'm no expert and it was a long time ago. That being said, here's what I would try:
I'd give both of your solutions a shot first. However, if you end up completely destroying the two chips, I'd try to pour a new corner. Drill two holes into the corner of the foundation and dowel into it with a few inches of 3/8" re-bar. After you've hammered in the steel, form up the corner and pour the concrete.
Also, this forum includes discussion about how to repair similar cracks.
This website also explains a bit more about this type of foundation crack:
Brick that is laid directly in contact with concrete foundations can cause angular cracks like this in the top 12 - 16 inches of a foundation. These cracks are caused by the brick expanding and pushing the outer corner of the foundation with it. The cracks are not major structural problems.
It is often pointless to repair them as the next time it gets hot, a crack will likely appear in your repair material.
Depends on how old your house is. If it's at least 5-10 years old or so, it's probably finished settling and installing new tiles would likely fix the problem permanently.
Best Answer
Replace it. The integrity is now compromised. Do not risk child safety over cheap plastic.
No adhesive, epoxy, resin or anything like that will return the original strength of the slide and any ideas involving screwing backing plates in sound good, but once you start drilling holes or screwing through things you are going to weaken the slide in multiple areas to try to save another and risk making it worse.
It may be disappointing for your child and they may have to wait before you can replace it but that's better than a trip to A and E.
Can I get an Amen?
Sorry about your slide, it looks like a good one too.