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How to Repair Concrete Cracks
Use one of these two methods to fix cracks before they become major repairs.
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How to Repair Concrete Cracks Step-by-Step
How to Repair Concrete Cracks Step-by-Step
Tools
- Wire- or stiff-bristle brush
- Caulk gun
- Trowel
- Putty knife, broad knife
- Goggles
- Gloves
When cracks develop in concrete, they’re unsightly. And if you ignore them, they can become major problems that are time-consuming and expensive to fix. Here are two ways to repair cracks in driveways, garage floors, patios, sidewalks and other concrete surfaces. All you need are a few simple tools and the right patching materials.
NOTE: For your safety, wear eye protection and gloves when repairing concrete.
Small Cracks
Step 1: Clean Them Out
To repair small cracks in places like concrete sidewalks, driveways, garage floors and patios, use a wire- or stiff-bristle brush to clean loose debris from crack. Or carefully blow out debris with a shop vac or leaf blower.
Step 2: Apply Sealant
Fill narrow cracks and gaps with a concrete sealant such as DAP Textured Concrete Filler & Sealant, using a caulk gun. Not only is it waterproof and paintable, but it’s also textured to provide a seamless blend with most concrete surfaces. And DAP Textured Concrete Filler & Sealant stays flexible to prevent cracking or loss of adhesion. It fills cracks up to ½ inch wide by ½ inch deep (for deeper cracks, insert backer rod material into the crack first).
Step 3: Tool, if Necessary
Use a wet margin trowel or wet flexible putty knife to gently tool the sealant immediately after applying, if the area needs smoothing and leveling. If the repair is exposed to the elements, anchor a piece of plastic loosely over it for 24 hours to keep it dry.
Large Cracks
Step 1: Clean Them Out
To repair large cracks (more than ½ inch wide), clean out loose debris with a wire- or stiff-bristle brush. Or carefully blow out debris with a shop vac or leaf blower.
Step 2: Clean the Surrounding Area
Scrub off any oil or grease several inches around the area and rough it up using a stiff-bristle brush and a solvent such as mineral spirits. Rinse well. Or use Rust-Oleum Cleaner & Degreaser.
Step 3: Apply Patching Material
Fill in the area to be repaired with DAP Ready-Mixed Concrete Patch. It resists oil, grease and salt, and dries to a concrete-gray color. It also can be used to patch holes or glue together broken pieces of concrete. Using a flexible putty knife, broad knife or trowel, press it into place (to remove any air) and feather the edges on the surrounding surface. If the repair area is deeper than ½ inch, apply the patch in ¼-inch layers, for a maximum depth of 1 inch, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. If desired, patched areas can be painted with latex paint after two to four hours or with alkyd paint after 24 hours, depending on humidity and temperature.
BONUS TIP: If you want to paint concrete after patching, clean the surface with Rust-Oleum Cleaner & Degreaser, and spot-etch it with Rust-Oleum Clean & Etch. Paint with Rust-Oleum Concrete and Garage Floor Paint. This self-priming acrylic paint with a satin finish can be used indoors and outdoors. It requires only one coat and resists fading, chipping and stains, even when exposed to sunlight, weather, hot tires or chemicals.
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Recommended Products
Product Recommendations
DAP AMP Self-Leveling Concrete Polymer Sealant
DAP AMP Advanced Modified Polymer Self-Leveling Concrete and Masonry Sealant offers a weatherproof, waterproof seal, usable on wet surfaces, with fast drying in just one hour, meeting ASTM standards for both interior and exterior horizontal applications.
View Product
Textured Concrete Premium Elastomeric Latex Filler & Sealant
Premium Latex sealant formulated with a textured finish to seamlessly blend with concrete surfaces while offering outstanding flexibility and strong adhesion for a durable and long-lasting repair.
View Product
DAP Ready-To-Use Concrete Patch
Repair concrete cracks with our ready-to-use Acrylic-Latex Concrete Patch. Fiber reinforced for durability, it's perfect for indoor and outdoor fixes.
View Product
POLYURETHANE Construction Sealant
Premium one-part, moisture-curing, non-sag elastomeric commercial-grade polyurethane adhesive sealant provides a long-lasting, flexible and durable seal for exterior gaps, joints and cracks.
View Product -
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