Last Updated on January, 2025
Have you ever looked at your concrete driveway and wondered how to banish those annoying cracks that are ruining its curb appeal?
If YES, don’t sweat it too much.
You can easily fix those cracks with a few tools and a bit of know-how, and this article will give you a go-to guide to repairing those damaged areas.
Keep reading to find out how to repair your cracked concrete driveway.
Quick Summary
- Properly preparing the concrete surface by thoroughly cleaning it is crucial before repairing any cracks. This includes using a pressure washer or garden hose to remove debris and ensuring the surface is dry.
- The method for filling cracks varies based on their size. Small cracks can be filled with concrete filler, while larger cracks may require a backer rod and pre-mixed concrete. The appropriate tools and materials, such as a caulking gun and a trowel, are essential for effectively sealing the cracks.
- After filling the cracks, it’s important to smooth the surface and apply a finish to ensure a uniform texture. Regular maintenance, such as sealing the surface annually and addressing any new cracks promptly, can prevent further damage and prolong the life of the driveway.
Steps to Repair Cracks in Your Concrete Driveway
Below is a step-by-step guide to repairing your concrete driveway’s damaged areas.
Step 1: Prepare the Concrete Surface
Prepare the concrete driveway for repair by cleaning it thoroughly. Use a pressure washer to remove debris, mould, loose concrete, and mildew from the crack and the surrounding concrete.
First, clean the driveway surface with a degreasing cleaning agent to remove mould and plant stains. Use the low-pressure nozzle of the pressure washer to apply the cleaning agent.
Next, use the high-pressure nozzle and clean the area with water. Let the surface dry completely before moving to the next steps.
If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can hire one or use a garden hose instead.
DIY Tip: A mixture of bleach and water can remove stains from your concrete driveway.
Step 2: Fix the Backer Rod Mix Concrete
You must mix concrete with water to a suitable consistency to fill the cracks.
For small surface-level cracks, you can use a concrete resurfacer or a sand mix without gravel, but to repair deep cracks, you need a standard mix with gravel.
Use a backer rod to fill cracks wider than half an inch. Remember, the diameter of the backer rod must be slightly larger than the diameter of the crack.
Step 3: Fill Cracks With the Caulk
Now, it’s time to fill the cracks with the concrete sealer. The filling method varies depending on the size of the crack.
For small half-inch wide cracks:
For small cracks, you can use concrete filler or a cement mixture. Don’t use caulk or crack fillers for hairline cracks, as they will peel away with time.
Method 1: Use a caulking gun to add concrete filler or masonry crack elastomeric filler. Use a pointing trowel and push the filler into the cracks.
Method 2: Mix one part cement with three parts sand and add water to make a paste. Next, add cement and water to make cement paint.
Apply the thin paint and add the cement and sand mixture. Spread it evenly to blend with the entire driveway.
Medium cracks (¼-½ inch):
You can use a pre-mixed mortar or vinyl concrete patching compound for medium-sized cracks.
After cleaning the cracks, pour the patching compound into them. Use a putty knife and press it lightly. Pour more if necessary. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to fill the cracks properly.
Large cracks (more than ½ inch)
If the crack is more than ½ inch deep and ⅛ inch wide, it’s considered a large crack. You can use a concrete backer rod and pre-mixed concrete to repair large cracks.
Push the backer rod into the crack with a putty knife, then add the concrete above to fix the cracks.
Smooth the surface with a trowel and cover it with a plastic sheet to keep it moist for a few days. Finally, apply a sealer using a paint roller or a sprayer to seal the concrete crack.
The backer rod prevents the surface from sinking back over time and reduces the filler required to fill the crack.
If you apply caulk to repair cracks, cut the caulking tube point with a sharp knife. The opening must be the same size as the crack.
Apply caulk until it covers the crack completely. If you are applying self-levelling caulk, first cover the edges of the crack with non-sag caulk.
Step 4: Smoothen Out the Caulk and Let it Dry
You must smooth out the caulk or the concrete mixture to match with the rest of the driveway surface.
If you use concrete, remove the excess concrete using a trowel and smooth out the surface.
If you use non-sag caulk, spray soapy water and then rub the caulk with your fingers. Avoid pushing the caulk onto the rest of the driveway, as it will be hard to remove it, and it might look untidy.
Step 5: Finish Up
You must do a finish-up to get a textured finish. You can apply a thin coat of resurfacer concrete and even it on the entire concrete driveway using a rubber squeegee.
If you are a seasoned DIY enthusiast, you’ll be able to apply the resurfacer without lap marks, but if you are a beginner, you will need practice to do this properly.
When the concrete starts to set, run a broom with an extended handle over the surface to gain more texture. This will prevent the surface from becoming slippery when wet.
Let the repaired area completely dry for about 6 to 24 hours. You must wait at least 6 hours before walking on the surface, and 24 hours before driving on it.
If you have applied caulk to the crack, sprinkle sand over the wet caulk for texture. The drying time will be mentioned in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Other useful guides:
Tools and Materials Required to Repair Cracks
Before starting the repair, you must prepare the tools and materials.
The following are the tools you will need:
- Pressure washer for cleaning the surface.
- A leaf blower or broom to remove leaves and debris.
- Heavy duty low RPM drill with mixing paddle for mixing the concrete mixture.
- Caulking gun to apply caulk.
- Backer rod to fill the crack.
- Wire brush for finishing.
- Rubber squeegee.
- Hand gloves for protection.
Below are the repair materials that you will need:
If you are using concrete to fill cracks:
- Cleaning solution.
- Dry concrete mix.
- Water.
- Resurfacer.
If you are using caulk to repair cracks:
- Concrete caulk.
- Soapy water.
- Dry sand.
Tips to Follow When Repairing a Cracked Concrete Driveway
Follow the below tips for an effective and efficient driveway repair.
- Avoid using mortar or concrete patches to seal the driveway.
- Level the driveway if it’s uneven before sealing the cracks.
- Before applying it to the whole driveway, perform a sealant test in a small area.
- Seek professional help if necessary.
Safety Precautions to Follow When Repairing Cracked Concrete Driveways
The materials should not touch your skin or eyes as the chemicals can cause skin irritation and injuries. Here are some safety precautions to follow:
- Wear eye masks.
- Wear gloves to prevent the materials from contacting your skin.
- Wear a dust mask to avoid respiratory problems due to dust inhalation.
If you accidentally touch any chemicals or anything gets into your eyes, rinse the area with water immediately and seek medical attention.
Why Does Concrete Crack?
Concrete cracks when the tension exerted on it is higher than it can withstand. This can happen due to many reasons:
- Premature drying. This is the most common cause of concrete cracking, and it usually occurs when the concrete is in its plastic state.
- Excessive weight on the concrete surface due to heavy vehicles.
- Expansion of the concrete due to extreme heat.
- Expansion of concrete in cold weather. Water seeps into the concrete and freezes in cold weather, causing it to expand.
- Damage due to sharp objects such as the frost heave.
Why is it Important to Repair Concrete Driveway Cracks?
You must repair cracks in your concrete driveway as soon as possible. If you don’t, the cracks can become deeper and more prominent, leading to other problems.
Water seeps into the concrete crack and freezes in the cold weather. This freeze-and-thaw cycle can crack the concrete further.
Dirt and dust can get into small cracks, creating habitats for insects. Moreover, weeds will start sprouting up. Weeds can make the cracks deeper as their roots spread everywhere.
Cracks in concrete cause drainage problems. It can cause water to flow towards the foundation of your home. This builds up hydrostatic pressure, leading to mould on the walls, chipped paint, etc.
When Should You Repair Concrete Cracks?
A concrete crack can vary from small hairline cracks to deep ones. You must start repairing the cracks when you see any of the below signs to prevent further damage.
- Multiple deep cracks that are wider than ¼ inch.
- Appearance of potholes in the driveway.
- Sinking of certain parts of the driveway.
- Drainage problems.
If your driveway is 30 years or older, you must consider repairing it.
How to Prevent Driveway Cracks?
- Water clogging is a common cause of concrete cracking. Therefore, maintain a proper drainage system and ensure water doesn’t seep and collect in the concrete driveway.
- Regularly monitor your driveway and repair any cracks promptly.
- Keep your driveway clean by removing dirt, debris, and leaves.
- Seal the resurface annually to prevent water from seeping in.
- If you notice any holes, patch them up as soon as possible.
- Remove any trees and weeds growing on your driveway, as the roots can create cracks in the concrete.
When to Seek Professional Help?
Repairing the cracks in your driveway by yourself is a cost-effective solution. However, you will need to call a professional in certain situations.
If you are unsure how to repair the crack properly or are not good at DIY repair work, it’s better to call a professional.
Suppose you complete the driveway repair and the cracks appear again after a week or a month, this means it’s an active crack that needs professional attention. You must call a repair service under these circumstances.
Final Thoughts
You must repair your driveway cracks at the initial stages to prevent larger cracks from forming and further damage. Clean the damaged areas thoroughly before filling the crack with concrete or caulk.
Apply a finishing to get a smooth, even texture all over the driveway. Regular maintenance will reduce large driveway repairs and make it last longer.
Follow all safety precautions and use the right material when performing driveway repairs. Seek professional assistance when required.
