Repairing Cracks in Concrete

First, the crack will need to be cleaned out thoroughly with a wire brush in order to get rid of any loose stones, sticks, and other debris. As much dirt as possible should also be removed using either a broom like brush or water hose. Next, the crack will need to be washed with concrete cleaner. It is recommended that the cleaner you use is of the same brand as the compound you will be using to patch the crack.

Once cleaned with the concrete cleaner, let the work area dry. Deep floor or ground cracks should be filled with sand until the crack is about 1/4" deep. Apply the crack sealer by pouring in enough to make a layer 1/4" deep Allow the sealant to dry overnight. After drying, pour another layer 1/4", let dry, and another until level with the floor or ground level. Scrape or sand down any sealant that breaches the surface for a pleasant finish.

How To Repair Larger Cracks In Concrete

First, the crack will need to be shaped so that the bottom is wider than the top. This can be done using tools such as a hammer, pick, sledge hammer, etc. Having a wider bottom will help keep the patch tightly in place. With a chisel, remove and loose spots. These could possibly weaken the bound that the sealant will make will the interior walls of the crack. For cracks 1/2" and deeper, a bonding adhesive made by the same company that makes the patch you are using should be coated into the crack. Allow the adhesive the dry before proceeding with the application of the patch.

However, with cracks 1/2" and less, set a vinyl patch into the crack. Mix as instructed by the directions on the bag and trowel the crack with a 1/4" layer. If more layers are needed, allow the patch to dry for as long as required. This could be multiple days. Then apply a new layer before finally troweling the last layer making it even with the surface.

For even deeper cracks, using the directions on the bag prepare a sand mixture then trowel it in the cracks until it is at surface level. The patch on cracks normally has a watery sheen soon after being completed. After the sheen dries, you can use a piece of wood to smooth up the surface. This will also give it a texture similar to the rest of the concrete.