How to Repair Cracks in Concrete

Don't let winter's chilly embrace wreak havoc on your driveway. Let's repair those annoying cracks and restore your curb appeal with a pinch of DIY magic. In just four simple steps, you'll transform your concrete surfaces and bid farewell to any burgeoning problems. Get ready to conquer the cracks.

Step 1: Roughen the Edges of the Crack

If you’re ready to breathe new life into that cracked concrete, start by sculpting the edges of the damage with a wire brush or cold chisel. This creates an irresistible surface for the filler to cling to, ensuring your repairs look flawless and last for ages.

Step 2: Clean out Dirt and Debris

Roughening the edges of the crack will create some dust and debris that needs to be removed. Fear not, a trusty masonry brush, a thick-bristled paintbrush, or even a trusty shop vacuum are just what you need to swoop in and clear the stage. With a squeaky clean work surface, you're all set to fix those cracks like a true concrete artist.

Step 3: Measure the Depth of the Crack

If that annoying concrete crack is no deeper than ½ inch, you can jump right into filling up that crack in step four. But, if the crack is deeper than ½ inch - first, grab some sand or a backer rod, which is made for filling gaps like this and can be found at most hardware stores, and fill it up, leaving just ¼ inch towards the surface for the filler to work and get those cracks looking good again.

Step 4: Fill the Crack with a Concrete Crack Sealer

Once you have roughened the edges of the crack, cleaned the area, and measured the depth of the crack, you are ready to add a concrete sealer. This product is available at your local home center. As you make the repair, be sure to closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the package. You will want to slightly overfill the crack because the sealer will shrink as it dries.

Best Weather to Repair Cracks in Concrete

As you plan your concrete-repair project, remember Mother Nature's unpredictable ways. To ensure the sealer sets like a charm, choose a dry day when there isn’t any rain in the immediate forecast and repair concrete cracks when the temperature isn’t too hot or cold. Extreme temperatures and moisture will prevent the sealer from properly setting.

Maintaining your outdoor surfaces is crucial to keeping your home looking fabulous. While small cracks in your concrete may seem like a minor issue, neglecting them can lead to bigger headaches down the road. Luckily, with just these four simple steps, you can easily repair those cracks and avoid costly repairs. So, grab your tools, and let's get started on giving your surfaces the TLC. You deserve a high-quality home free of little issues that cause big headaches. Discover stunning home designs with More Life Built In® and check out Pulte's new home communities today!