Concrete surfaces can be damaged over time due to a variety of factors, such as lateral expansion, poor drainage conditions, or sedimentation of the soil beneath the concrete. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to repair cracks in concrete surfaces. For narrow cracks in concrete 1/8 inch wide or less, an epoxy compound or latex-based formulation can be used to seal each crack. For larger cracks or chipped concrete edges, mortar mixes are the best choice, as they fill and seal cracks.
If your driveway, patio, or other concrete surface has cracks, they can often be repaired with a concrete repair mix available at home centers and online. Options include epoxy compounds, latex patch material, and mortar mixes. To fill small cracks, such as fine cracks, a vinyl concrete patch compound can be applied over the crack and then smoothed with a spatula or trowel. For larger cracks or chipped edges, a mortar mix is the best choice.
To apply the mortar mix, add water to the repaver mix to get the consistency of pancake batter and fill the crack with it. Once the crack is filled, it should be left to dry for 24 hours before being subjected to any weight. In some cases, repairing cracks in concrete may be a simple DIY project, while in others it may require a professional concrete contractor to correct the damage. In extreme cases, the concrete may need to be removed and replaced.
No matter what type of repair is needed for your concrete surface, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that the job is done correctly and that the repair will last for years to come.
