How To Repair A Concrete Crack

There's nothing worse than an unsightly crack in yourconcrete. Cracks in your concrete can be caused from sideways expansion, poor drainage conditions, or soil settling beneath the concrete. The crack can grow into a larger crevice, or spread if not taken care of. This can cause a very expensive repair later down the road, so it's best to take care of it before then. See below for steps on how to repair a crack in your concrete yourself:

Tools And Materials Needed For The Job:

• Circular saw with diamond blade
• Chisel
• Bucket
• Dust mask 
• Trowel
• Concrete mix
• Latex modifier
• Concrete re-surfacer

Step By Step Directions:

1. Cut A Groove On The Sides Of The Crack

Using your circular saw with a diamond blade, cut a 1/2 inch deep groove in your concrete along both sides of the crack. Be sure to wear your dust mask while using the saw, as there will be a lot of dust kicked up by the saw. Use a fan to help blow the dust outside, if you are working in a garage, and ventilate the area if working in a basement.

2. Chisel Out The Concrete

Use the chisel to take out the cracked concrete pieces. Remove the pieces and then vacuum out the area thoroughly with a shop vacuum to be sure all of the pieces are out. Having a fresh surface will allow the new concrete to bond properly.

3. Fill The Opening

Mix your concrete in a bucket, using directions the manufacturer suggests, and add in the latex modifier. Pack the concrete evenly into the opening using a small trowel, and leave a 1/2 inch of head space. Compare the concrete amount with the concrete already in place to be sure you have 1/2 inch of the original height left. Let the concrete set for a few days before moving on to the next step.

4. Spread On The Re-surfacer

Add water to the re-surfacer mix to get it the consistency of pancake batter. Pour the concrete re-surfacer mixture into the crack, and smooth it out using a rubber squeegee. Try and feather out the edges as much as possible to get the best possible appearance.

Repairing cracks in your concrete can be done yourself, however, for much larger cracks, or for cracks that leave your concrete uneven, you may need to call a professional to get the job done for you. You may have an underlying problem that needs to be taken care of.