How to repair cracks in a concrete driveway:
- Chisel out the crack to create a backward-angled cut, using a cold chisel and a hammer.
- Clean loose material from the crack using a wire brush, or a portable drill with a wire wheel attachment.
- Apply at thin layer of bonding adhesive to the entire repair area using a paint brush. ...
- Use crack filler to fill the crack. ...
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 .
Should I resurface, repair, or replace my concrete driveway?
When it comes to fixing a driveway, your two options are generally either resurfacing it or replacing it entirely. However, there is a third option: patching it with a little extra concrete where necessary. If there’s only one hole or a surface-level crack, patching the concrete could be your best bet.
What is the best filler for cracks in concrete?
- Concrete crack sealants and caulks are the most common product used to fill cracks in concrete. ...
- Quick-setting cement, just as it sounds, is a concrete mix that sets fast. ...
- Patching compounds are an attractive alternative to quick-setting cements as they tend to come premixed. ...
How do you fix big cracks in concrete driveway?
0:002:59Concrete Driveway Crack Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf your crack is more than a half an inch deep you want to use a filler rope in this and this isMoreIf your crack is more than a half an inch deep you want to use a filler rope in this and this is just a foam caulking.
Can badly cracked concrete be repaired?
3:394:53Concrete Surfaces Crack Repair - Sherwin-Williams - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSaw blow out any loose particles. Then apply the sealant. If you're not using a self-levelingMoreSaw blow out any loose particles. Then apply the sealant. If you're not using a self-leveling sealant. You may need to tool the sealant to properly fill a wider horizontal crack.
How do you fill large gaps in concrete?
Fill the crack with urethane caulk, similar to what you would use for driveway caulk. It works perfectly as a concrete expansion joint sealant. Snip the opening of the tube at a 30-degree angle, making the opening the same size as your gap.
How do I fill a large crack in my driveway?
1:162:22How To Fill Asphalt Gaps and Cracks - Ace Hardware - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing a caulk tube of crack filler. This is a good idea if you just have maybe one or two cracksMoreUsing a caulk tube of crack filler. This is a good idea if you just have maybe one or two cracks that are probably less than an eighth of an inch wide. And an eighth of an inch deep.
Can you repair cracks in a concrete driveway?
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.
How much does it cost to repair cracks in concrete driveway?
Concrete driveway repairs cost $300 to $3,000 for fixing cracks, resurfacing, replacing sections, or leveling. Concrete resurfacing costs $3 to $7 per square foot. The cost to repair cracks in a concrete driveway is $5 to $10 for sealant and $8 to $12 for pre-mixed patching compound to cover 3 SF.
How do you fill a 4 inch gap in concrete?
Dig a 4-inch wide trench along the sides of the slabs from the crack or gap closest to the house all the way down to the street or sidewalk. This trench should be a deep as the slabs are thick. Fill the trenches on either side of the driveway with small, rounded pea gravel (the size of marbles or peas).
How do I fill a large gap between my driveway and garage?
5:367:21How To Fill A Gap Between Garage Floor And Concrete DrivewayYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSealant.MoreSealant.
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.
How do you fix alligator cracks in driveway?
3:5510:36HOW TO FIX ALLIGATOR CRACKS ON ASPHALT SURFACES - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipArea mastic patches typically take longer to cure out so you want to make sure.MoreArea mastic patches typically take longer to cure out so you want to make sure.
Can you use polymeric sand to fill driveway cracks?
Sweep the polymeric joint sand into the cracks between the pavers as you would with other materials. It is recommended that you do this three times to ensure that all of the joints are properly topped off. This will increase weed, insect and water protection.
Is it better to resurface or replace concrete?
Again, if the answer is yes, replacement is the best option. If it's merely a worn or chipped surface, commonly referred to as delamination, then repair is a viable option.” Concrete will eventually wear out, adds Layne. “Over time, the elements will cause the concrete to break down.
Should you replace cracked concrete?
For slabs in poor condition, replacement is often the only option. So, if your patio is badly cracked or crumbled, or if it has significant settlement, concrete repair may be off the table. In addition, slab replacement may be necessary if your cracked patio threatens the integrity of your home foundation.
Is concrete resurfacing a good idea?
But when the problem is just superficial cracking, discoloring, or minor chipping or spalling, resurfacing is a very good option. It's a project that just about anyone can tackle, and it's a lot more affordable than replacing the concrete slab.
How difficult is it to repair concrete?
You can make simple concrete repairs yourself, but it will require some knowledge, a few tools and a strong back. Concrete is heavy, and mixing it is hard work.
Determining The Size Of Cracks In Your Driveway
First, it is important to understand what type of cracks you are dealing with in your driveway to determine if repairing it is a job that you can handle on your own or if it is best to call in professionals.
Choosing A Compound To Repair Driveway Cracks
If you want to be able to use your driveway as quickly as possible, you will want to look for a fast-set or rapid crack filler. Some concrete patching compounds can harden in just a couple of hours, while others could take several days or even a week to fully cure and dry.
When To Call The Professionals
If your driveway has jagged cracks that are more than an inch wide or are noticeably higher on one side than the other because of sinking or heaving, it is best to call in the professionals. If your driveway’s surface is cracked all the way through and you are seeing signs of instability, it may be unsafe to continue using your driveway.
Reach Out To The Northern Virginia Driveway Experts
Get in touch with the concrete experts at Dirt Connections for help with all of your concrete driveway paving needs. We can help with everything from making simple repairs to existing concrete driveways to leveling, widening and carrying out full driveway replacements.
Summary
Dirt Connections was started with one goal in mind: providing quality residential and commercial construction services to clients on time and on budget. Reach out for more information on how we can support your next project. For your convenience our estimates are free and by appointment. Call 703-940-9949 for a free estimate today!
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 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.
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 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.
How to repair a hairline crack in concrete?
Very small cracks, such as hairline cracks, can be repaired using a vinyl concrete patching compound applied over the crack and then smoothed with a putty knife or trowel. For hairline cracks, applying repair caulk or crack filler over the cracks usually is not effective, as the caulk tends to peel off of the surface over time.
How to clean a crack in a car?
If desired, clean the crack with a pressure washer or a garden hose and spray nozzle. Remove all water and debris from the crack with a wet/dry shop vacuum or a brush. Work carefully to remove all dust and grit from the crack. It's OK if the surfaces are wet, but there should be no pools of water.
What is patching compound?
Patching compounds typically are mixed with water and applied with a trowel. They have a texture similar to grout and can be smoothed and textured to blend with the surrounding area. However, the color of the patch will look like new concrete and will not match the old concrete.
Why Do Cracks Appear on Concrete Surfaces?
Cracks on your driveway can come about due to several reasons. These include tree roots beneath the driveway, serious physical impact, weight overburdening, and standing water. But no matter what might be the reason, you should act as soon as you notice something’s wrong.
What to Watch out For
Some cracks are actually purely cosmetic and do not indicate any underlying issues lurking beneath your driveway. These hairline cracks happen during the curing process of the concrete and usually appear shortly after the concrete is completely dry. If they do not get worse over time, they are most likely harmless.
Polyurethane Foam Injections
At Foundation Recovery Systems, we recommend polyurethane foam injections for any soil settlement issues causing cracks and other problems with your driveway. This durable solution is also very quick to install. It takes less than a day and you can use your driveway within the hour of our specialists wrapping up work on your property.
The Aftermath
Repairing a cracked driveway is much less messier than removing it and laying a new one. By paying attention to these problem signs, you can act on time and call your local experts before things get out of hand. Professionals at Foundation Recovery Systems are your safe bet.
Why is your concrete cracking?
Before fixing your concrete, it’s a good idea to inspect your driveway and its surroundings to discover why your concrete is cracking. You can either hire a local experienced contractor who is well versed in this type of work, or you can do the inspection yourself if you know what to look for.
How do you fix cracks in a concrete driveway?
If the crack in your concrete is fairly thin (about 1/8 inch), it may be something you can handle yourself. If it’s wider than that, you may want to contact a contractor to make sure there’s not a larger issue with the stability of your concrete.
How do I fix a large crack in my driveway?
For cracks that are 1/2 inch or larger, additional steps need to be taken. Before filling cracks, one of the following should be placed into the crack:
Is driveway crack repair a DIY project?
While it’s possible to fix cracks yourself, it’s essential to do the research necessary to make the repairs correctly.
Driveway crack repair: Before and after
You fixed the cracks in your concrete driveway. Now what? Although it’s a relief to get those cracks filled, homeowners are often left with a new issue: concrete with an inconsistent look.
What is the best driveway crack filler?
With the right concrete driveway crack filler, you can hide unsightly cracks from sight and prevent them from getting bigger. So, what to use to fill cracks in your driveway? Here are some different types and their qualities so you can get an idea of what will work best for you.
How to smooth out cracks in a concrete floor?
Make the mixture a thick consistency, and pour in on the cracks. Use a flat edge trowel to force the mixture deep into the cracks. Then smooth out the surface. After allowing the material to dry overnight, a much thinner batch of resurfacer is mixed up.
Why does my concrete crack?
These can be caused by everything from tree roots and movement of the soil to freezing and thawing cycles in the winter. Rather than breaking up the slab and pouring a new one, you might want to consider repairing it using Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer.
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 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.
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.
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, ...
