Concrete Crack Repair
- Use a small sledgehammer and chisel to undercut the edges of the crack. ...
- Clean the area in and around the crack with a wire brush and broom. Wash the area with a stream of water.
- Mix vinyl patching compound as directed by the manufacturer and trowel the compound into the cracks. Tamp the mixture to remove air pockets with a tamper. ...
- Smooth the mixture with the trowel.
- When the patch has set (see manufacturer's instructions for the patch compound you're using), smooth or brush the surface to match the surrounding area.
How do I resurface my cement porch?
How to Resurface Worn Concrete
- Clean the Concrete. For surface preparation, wear heavy boots and protective glasses and blast off surface dirt with a gas-powered pressure washer that can reach at least 3,500 ...
- Patch Spalled Areas. While the concrete is damp, mix up enough resurfacer to fill any divots. ...
- Spread the Resurfacer. ...
- Trowel Out the Resurfacer. ...
How can I clean a concrete porch?
What You Need
- Clear the Patio. Remove all furniture, grills, plants, and toys from the patio. Use a broom or leaf blower to remove all loose debris.
- Mix the Cleaners. Pour one cup baking soda into a plastic bucket or bowl. ...
- Scrub, Scrub, Scrub. Allow the mixture to sit on the concrete surface for around 30 minutes. ...
- Rinse and Dry. Rinse away the cleaning solution. ...
How to resurface concrete in 4 steps?
pressure wash concrete to get steps totally clean. Pressure Wash the Concrete. Tape Off the Edges. cement needs to be consistency of peanut butter. roll on layer of bonding agent and smooth. Fill the Holes. Add a Second Coat. mix concrete to a slurry like pancake batter. Spray Water. Can you resurface concrete stairs?
What can you use to resurface a cement front porch?
What Can You Use to Resurface a Cement Front Porch?
- Resurfacing Compound. A basic concrete resurfacing compound applied to your existing porch covers cracks and imperfections, creating a renewed concrete look.
- Concrete Staining. A front porch that is in good condition with no structural damage can be resurfaced by concrete staining.
- Concrete Overlay. ...
- Interlocking Tiles. ...

Can a cracked concrete porch be repaired?
The technique for patching cracks will depend on the size of the crack. Remove any loose debris from the crack and surrounding area with a wire brush and broom before the concrete repair. Narrow cracks can be filled with a masonry concrete crack filler that comes in a cartridge designed to be used in a caulking gun.
How do you fix a big crack in a concrete porch?
0:382:01Repairing Large Cracks In Cement With Fast Setting Cement PatcherYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn thin sections of the crack it may be necessary to turn the trowel sideways to ensure the void isMoreOn thin sections of the crack it may be necessary to turn the trowel sideways to ensure the void is filled. Using the trial continue to fill the cracks applying pressure to completely fill the void.
What should I use to fill a cement porch crack?
0:512:34How to Repair Concrete Cracks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSeveral repair caulk and sealant.MoreSeveral repair caulk and sealant.
What do you do with a cracked concrete porch?
Pitiful Patio? 5 Ways to Rescue a Deteriorating Concrete PatioFill and seal common concrete cracking with a caulk-based crack repair product. ... Straighten out crumbling corners with a concrete cleaner and patching compound. ... Dress up an older, unattractive space by covering your patio with pavers.More items...•
Can you pour concrete over 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.
Why is my concrete porch cracking?
Shrinkage is a main cause of cracking. As concrete hardens and dries it shrinks. This is due to the evaporation of excess mixing water. The wetter or soupier the concrete mix, the greater the shrinkage will be.
What is the best concrete joint filler?
Epoxy and polyurea-based joint fillers are two of the most popular filler solutions. They help extend the lifetime of concrete floors and allow them to perform as intended throughout their usable years.
Should you fix hairline cracks in concrete?
A well-made concrete structure should not develop structural cracks quickly. Nevertheless, hairline cracks can be expected. Don't stress; these cracks are not a sign of bad quality and can be fixed without much effort.
What's the difference between mortar and concrete?
Basically concrete is stronger and more durable so it can be used for structural projects such as setting posts whereas mortar is used as a bonding agent for bricks, stones, etc. Concrete is a mixture of water, cement, sand just like mortar.
How do you resurface concrete cracks?
0:392:58How to Repair Cracks and Resurface Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEasy job for this application you'll want a fairly thick mixture I'm using a flat edged trial toMoreEasy job for this application you'll want a fairly thick mixture I'm using a flat edged trial to force the material down into the crack. Before I smooth out the surface.
How do you rebuild a concrete porch?
0:3941:32How To Rebuild A 100 Years-old Concrete Porch, Step By StepYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you look here you could you could basically the entire thing is broken so we're going to do theMoreIf you look here you could you could basically the entire thing is broken so we're going to do the demolition remove all all the concrete.
How do you repair a sunken concrete porch?
3 Options to Repair Your Sunken ConcreteReplacing or Repairing Concrete. If your concrete has cracked dramatically, or deteriorated, it might make sense to replace your sunken slab. ... Mud Jacking. Mud Jacking is a common term for lifting sunken or settled concrete. ... Polyurethane Foam.
What is the best material to fill cracks in concrete?
Options include epoxy compounds, latex patching material, and mortar mixes. This last option works best to fill large cracks (or chipped edges), while the other products are suitable for cracks in concrete that are ⅛-inch wide or narrower.
How long does concrete last?
Installations of concrete can last hundreds of years, but sooner or later, most end up developing small cracks, gaps, holes, and crevices. If your concrete path, patio, or driveway has begun to show its age, make the necessary repairs sooner rather than later.
How long does it take for a concrete patch to cure?
Finally, smooth the patch so that it’s level with the surrounding concrete. Let it cure for about two hours, then cover the area with plastic sheeting to keep it moist.
Can cracks in concrete ruin curb appeal?
They are not only a tripping hazard, but cracks in your concrete patio, driveway, or walkway can really compromise the curb appeal of your home. You've let these imperfections linger long enough. Here's how to fix them—easily! Installations of concrete can last hundreds of years, but sooner or later, most end up developing small cracks, gaps, ...
Concrete Crack Repair
The technique for patching cracks will depend on the size of the crack.
Remove Paint From Concrete
Concrete is porous and absorbs paint well. Here are some recommendations for removing spilled paint.
How hot should concrete be for a patio?
For most patch materials, both the air and the concrete must be between 50 F and 90 F.
What is spalling concrete?
Much like peeling paint, spalling concrete tends to introduce moisture and lead to more spalling. A concrete resurfacer that pours on and spreads out with a squeegee, trowel, or broom is the best way to repair these large, shallow areas. Consider covering your patio. Solid roofing or canopies that prevent moisture from gathering on ...
What tool do you use to press a backer rod?
If you reach sections where it is difficult to press the rod with your fingers, use a blunt tool such as a paint stirring stick, since sharper tools like screwdrivers may pierce the rod. Make sure that the backer rod is firmly in place before proceeding to the next step.
Can you repair a crack in a concrete patio?
In some cases, one side of the crack rises higher than the other side—a condition called lippage that can lead to trips and falls. When cracks get out of control, the only recourse is to demolish and rebuild your patio. Cracks in a concrete patio can be repaired quickly with simple methods and inexpensive materials.
Can elastomeric filler be used on concrete?
Such elastomeric fillers have the benefit of allowing the concrete to slightly shift over time while maintaining structural stability. While the patch will always be noticeable to some degree, you can minimize its visual impact by choosing a filler that closely matches the color of your patio.
Can you use liquid crack filler?
It is not desirable to use the liquid crack filler for deep areas as this extends curing time, can result in sinking filler, and adds to the overall cost of the project. One way to add solid filler is to dispense clean sand by hand through a funnel.
Can ice melt damage a patio?
Whether your patio is cracked and in need of repair or has already been repaired, take these measures to make sure that winter elements do not damage your patio. Make sure that all cracks are sealed or remain sealed since freeze-thaw events can easily widen cracks. Ice melt, or de-icers, can potentially harm concrete.
What is the best way to patch concrete?
Use a Bonding Agent. A bonding agent comes in handy when patching concrete because it will give you an additional layer of adhesion between the old layer of concrete and the new one. They are sold in many different formats, such as spray-on or paint-on, but you can find them at any local home improvement store.
How long does it take for a drywall surface to dry before patching?
The easiest way is to take a power washer and blast the surface, but you can also use a scrub pad and then a mop to clean things up. Allow a minimum of 24 hours for the surface to dry before patching.
How to keep concrete level?
The easiest way to keep things level is to simply fill the low spots and leave the high ones. After you’ve mixed your concrete in a machine and have it ready to pour from a wheelbarrow, you can coat the work area with the bonding agent. Then, while the bonding agent still tacky and wet, fill the low, sunken spot with fresh concrete.
Can you resurface a cracked porch?
While you can resurface a cracked and sunken concrete porch, understand that it might only be a temporary solution if the porch continues to sink over time.
