Repairing Guides

how to repair broken concrete driveway

by Alexandra Goldner Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • If you have a lot of cracks, you may prefer to use dry concrete mix or concrete patching compound instead. ...
  • Put the mix (or compound) in a large bucket and add water as directed on the label. A mixer paddle attached to a heavy duty, low-RPM drill makes mixing easier.
  • Pour the wet mix into the cracks and use the pointed end of a trowel to press it in until it's level with the rest of the driveway. ...
  • Let the new concrete dry as indicated on the label before you drive or walk on it.

How to Resurface a Concrete Driveway
  1. Remove debris. If a crack is less than a quarter-inch, it's a prime candidate for simple resurfacing. ...
  2. Wash the driveway. Wet down the driveway with a pressure washer. ...
  3. Mix concrete and water. ...
  4. Fill the cracks. ...
  5. Let dry. ...
  6. Resurface. ...
  7. Prevent slips. ...
  8. Watch the video above to learn more!

Full Answer

How to repair and resurface a cracked concrete driveway?

  • Use kneepads to cushion your knees if you have to kneel to make a lot of repairs.
  • To use the driveway as soon as possible, choose a rapid or fast-set crack filler.
  • Some concrete patching compounds will harden in a few hours, but it make take days or a week for other kinds to cure and dry. ...

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How do you resurface a concrete driveway?

  • Look for a power washer with a fan tip that reaches 3500 PSI to clean your concrete slabs.
  • If you don’t have access to a power washer, you can get an attachment for your garden hose.
  • Cleaning your concrete makes the resurfacer adhere better.

What are my options for repairing a concrete driveway?

  • Many concrete crack fillers, sometimes called masonry crack fillers, are designed for cracks up to 1/4-inch wide. ...
  • The use of a concrete backer rod is recommended for cracks wider than 1/4-inch, since these cracks are usually deep. ...
  • Before you apply the new filler, break up any old concrete patch materials with a hammer or masonry chisel .

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How to fill cracks in a concrete driveway?

  • Prepare the sealant bottle as per manufacturer’s instructions (usually, shake well then snip off the nozzle
  • With a steady hand, follow the line of the crack with the nozzle, gently squeezing out the sealant
  • Go over the line with a putty knife, smoothing the ribbon of sealant into the surrounding concrete

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How do you fix a messed up concrete driveway?

2:215:16How To Repair Concrete | Pro Tips For Repairing Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply the same bonding product to the broken edges of the side wall making sure to get into all ofMoreApply the same bonding product to the broken edges of the side wall making sure to get into all of the crevices mix. Up your concrete patch with water and add some of the bonding product to the mix.

What can I use to fix broken concrete?

Using a Chisel, Make the Crack Wider at the Bottom than the Top. ... Clean Out the Debris with a Stiff Fiber or Wire Brush. ... Fill the Crack with Patching Mix (also know as Vinyl Concrete) ... Address Any Pop-Outs. ... Wet the Surface and Apply a Concrete Bonding Agent. ... Pack a Small Amount of Anchoring Cement into the Hole.

How do you fix crumbled driveway?

Use asphalt paste patch that contains fine aggregate to fill small holes and gaps along curbing. Mound the repair above the surface the way crews do on roads. They let car tires reduce the speed bumps and gradually compact the mix. You can use a heavy metal tamper, or the end of a 2-by-4 to pound the patch nearly flat.

Is it OK to pour concrete over existing concrete?

You can put new concrete over old concrete. However, unresolved issues with your old concrete, such as cracks or frost heaves, will carry over to your new concrete if not taken care of. In addition, you must pour it at least 2 inches thick.

Can you patch concrete with concrete?

3:034:13How to Make Thin Repairs to Damaged Concrete with QUIKRETEYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a margin trowel or putty knife to thoroughly stir a concrete patching compound. Before applyingMoreUse a margin trowel or putty knife to thoroughly stir a concrete patching compound. Before applying it to a clean dry concrete surface spread.

Can you repair a crumbling concrete driveway?

You can repair and resurface your spalled concrete in any number of ways. You can buy products that apply a very thin coating on the concrete.

Can I repair my driveway myself?

Fortunately, you can still repair this problem yourself with an asphalt patching product, such as Asphalt Patch and Pothole Filler (available from Amazon). This type of product is packed into the pothole to fill it and match the existing driveway.

Why is my concrete driveway disintegrating?

Too much water can wash away the soil supporting your concrete. Too little and it can cause the soil to shrink. And when water freezes and thaws over and over and over and over again, it can cause the surface of your concrete driveway to crack, pit, and crumble.

Can you repair broken concrete driveway?

Fortunately, filling cracks in a concrete driveway is a simple and relatively inexpensive DIY project. Cracks can usually be filled and repaired if the rest of the driveway is in good shape and it was installed properly in the first place.

Can crumbling concrete be repaired?

The Cure for Crumbling Concrete Steps As long as the steps are structurally sound—meaning, they’re not spalling, flaking, or broken all the way through—you can repair most surface issues. If your patch is thicker, build the vinyl concrete patcher up in ¼ inch applications.

How do you reattach a broken concrete?

Spread a heavy layer of Loctite Metal And Concrete Epoxy on the surfaces to be joined and press the broken piece into position, leaning a heavy block against the repair until the epoxy sets. Leave undisturbed for 24 hours.

Can you put concrete over old concrete?

You can put new concrete over old concrete. However, unresolved issues with your old concrete, such as cracks or frost heaves, will carry over to your new concrete if not taken care of. In addition, you must pour it at least 2 inches thick.

Can old concrete be resurfaced?

Concrete resurfacing is a way to make damaged or dated concrete look new again. A concrete coating is applied over the old surface, offering a variety of color, texture and pattern options. This type of decorative refinishing can be done on driveways, patios, pool decks and even indoor floors.

What does spalling concrete look like?

Spalling concrete can look like round or oval depressions along surfaces or joints. Spalling tends to be most common in cold climates when de-icing chemicals are applied or when seasonal freeze-thaw cycles damage the concrete.

How much does it cost to fix crumbling foundation?

Crumbling Foundation Repair Costs More severe or extensive crumbling can be a sign of improper drainage or rapid soil movement. Once the underlying problem is corrected, average foundation repairs cost can be anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000 depending on how much damage your foundation has suffered.

How long does it take for a concrete driveway to cure?

No waiting up to 30 days for a new concrete driveway to cure and harden. A beautiful, new driveway for far less cost than demolition and replacement. Concrete Craft can have your ugly driveway repaired, restored, or resurfaced in a matter of days so you can get on with the more important things in life. And, we won’t damage your yard ...

How to contact Concrete Craft?

As a local business owner in your community, we care about your complete satisfaction. Call 866-813-3699 today or go online to www.concretecraft.com to find the Concrete Craft location nearest you and request a FREE consultation. You can trust Concrete Craft to deliver on the promise of the driveway of your dreams.

What is concrete overlay?

Concrete overlays can be stained, stamped, and hand-carved in faux finishes like flagstone, cobblestone, Ashlar slate, and Roman slate for the exquisite look of real stone. Real stone molds and hand-applied stain colors result in finishes that look natural and authentic.

What is decorative concrete overlay?

If your driveway needs a whole new look, a decorative concrete overlay will create a new finish that covers minor surface damage like cracks, imperfections and discoloration. The overlay creates a durable finish and long-lasting bond with the original concrete that will not chip, crack or peel. Concrete overlays can be stained, stamped, and hand-carved in faux finishes like flagstone, cobblestone, Ashlar slate, and Roman slate for the exquisite look of real stone.

How much does it cost to rip out a cracked concrete driveway?

Ripping out and replacing your cracked concrete driveway could cost several thousand dollars. If several slabs have cracks, the project may run quite a bit higher. And keep in mind, this repair approach is only cosmetic – the soil voids will remain in place, so the cracks may come back. Polyjacking is less expensive than concrete removal ...

What is lift right concrete?

A slabjacking company like Lift Right Concrete can raise the surface and restore its structural stability – saving you from the huge expense of removal and replacement. Slabjacking is a simple repair and doesn’t require much labor, so the service comes at a budget-friendly price. What’s more, slabjacking is an incredibly effective way ...

Can you slabjack in Utah?

Cracks in concrete only get worse over time, and if you end up with extensive damage, slabjacking might not be an option. When you’re ready to repair cracked concrete on your northern Utah property, turn to the slabjacking experts at Lift Right Concrete.

Can you slabjack a concrete driveway?

But, don’t put off slabjacking repair for very long.

Is polyjacking cheaper than concrete?

Polyjacking is less expensive than concrete removal and replacement, and it effectively restores a solid soil foundation under the driveway. However, as we mentioned, the polyurethane foam is rather pricey, which can put the repair out of reach.

Is slabjacking as effective as polyjacking?

Slabjacking is just as effective as polyjacking, but the expense is much more affordable. The cement slurry used during the slabjacking process comes at a fraction of the cost of polyurethane foam, so the repair is surprisingly reasonable.

What does it mean when a driveway crack is uneven?

What you want to watch for are cracks that are wider than one inch and are uneven, meaning they’re not located in a control joint but rather in the plane of the driveway. These could indicate an underlying structural problem, especially if the surface of the driveway is higher on one side of the crack than the other.

What are cracks in concrete called?

Very fine surface cracks, sometimes called “crazing, ” are an indication that the surface of the concrete dried too quickly when it was poured. While unsightly, these cracks in a concrete driveway do not indicate underlying structural problems. As long as the rest of your driveway is sound (no heaving, sinking, or crumbling), you can replace those tiny cracks with a smooth concrete surface by applying a high-quality resurfacing product, such as Quikrete’s Concrete Resurfacer. This cement-based product contains polymer modifiers and additives that are designed to form a durable and permanent bond with the existing concrete.

How often do you cut concrete joints?

When large slabs of concrete are poured, the contractor either forms or cuts joints every eight to 10 feet, with the goal of limiting any shrinkage cracks caused during the curing process or by future slab movement. In this way, cracking is hidden deep within the joints so the smooth surface of the driveway is maintained.

What happens if a control joint cracks?

Unfortunately, a control joint may widen and separate over time, creating a gap that detracts from the overall look of your driveway—and it could get worse.

How wide should a crack be before applying sealant?

Before you apply the sealant, you’ll need to do a little prep work, including widening the crack with a hammer and chisel in spots where it’s less than ¼ inch wide and brushing away any crumbling bits of debris.

How do I clean a concrete slab?

STEP 1. Remove all the loose, crumbling, cracked, and broken pieces of concrete first. You can do this by lightly grinding like we do or by using a good pressure washer, 3500 psi or more. If you grind like we do, lightly pressure wash the concrete afterwards to remove all the dust & debris leftover by grinding. STEP 2.

What is a resurfacer used for?

They're mostly used to resurface concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios, porches, and pool decks. If you're choosing, I'd go with what's most local to you. They all have a quick turnaround time.

Is Portland cement the same as sand?

Well, they're all made basically the same. They all have a special blend of Portland cement, sand, polymer modifiers and other additives that are designed to be very flowable, shrinkage compensating, high bonding strength, and go down very thin.

Can you broom a concrete driveway?

For larger areas, you'll have to do it in sections so you can broom each section as you're resurf acing it. Most concrete driveways have sawed or hand tooled joints. Use these as your "sections" and do one at a time.

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