How to Repair Cracks in Concrete

Though concrete is a durable material, it’s still prone to chips and cracks from:

• Temperature change
• Ground movement
• Shrinkage
• Heavy loads
• Uneven drying

Whether the crack is small or large, you’ll need to seal it right away before it creates a bigger issue. Because concrete does not bond to concrete, you’ll require a sealant to fill and protect the crack.

If the crack is large, it’s best to consult a professional. In many cases, you can repair cracked concrete yourself. Here are our tips for how to fix cracked concrete based on its size.

Wide Cracks

If you have a crack that’s quite large or in the foundation, it’s best to leave the repair work to a team of professionals. For more manageable cracks, you’ll just need a few basic tools to start the repair:

1. Use a hammer and chisel to widen the crack into an upside-down “V” shape.
2. Get rid of loose debris from the existing concrete by using a pressure washer, spray nozzle, garden hose or wire brush. Make sure all of the particles are removed and that there are no pools of water sitting in the crack.
3. Mix your concrete compound according to the package directions. If the crack is on the ground, it’s best to use a flexible sealant so that the concrete can shift without ruining the repair.
4. Use a caulking gun or trowel to work the mixture deep into the crack. Make sure there are no air pockets and that the repair material goes all the way to the surface.
5. Smooth out the crack with the trowel so that it blends in with the existing concrete.
6. If you want the patch to be textured, brush over the compound with a dry paintbrush.
7. Allow time for the mixture to cure.
8. Seal the crack and the surrounding area to prevent water from seeping in.
9. Paint the crack to match the surface if you’d like.

Hairline Cracks

Hairline and narrow cracks may be small, but they can become wide cracks over time. Filling these cracks takes a short amount of time and can prevent further damage to the concrete.

For hairline cracks, use a vinyl concrete patching compound and smooth it out with a trowel. You can also use a roller or squeegee to get the mixture into the crack. For narrow cracks, use a masonry crack elastomeric filler that you can apply with a caulking gun. You may need to use a foam backer rod if the crack goes all the way through the concrete slab. The rod will help make sure the sealant bonds with the concrete.

Contact Dynamic Concrete Pumping Today

Do you need a repair for your cracked concrete? If so, let the professionals at Dynamic Concrete Pumping help. We have more than 40 years of experience in concrete work, so our team can help make your floors just like new again no matter the crack size. Get in touch with us by filling out our online contact form today.