How to repair damaged concrete patio

Equipment / Tools

Materials

1. Widen the Crack

   Widening the crack and creating a V-shape will help the patch materials stick better. While wearing safety glasses and hearing protection, place the edge of the masonry chisel into the crack at a 45-degree angle. Tap the back of the chisel lightly with the hammer to force it about 1/4-inch into the crack. Continue to follow the crack as you tap, being careful not to chip out large sections of concrete. Try to maintain a width-to-depth ratio of 2:1 at all times.
   

2. Clean Out the Crack

   With the wire brush, vigorously brush the crack to dislodge any remaining small particles. Brush in the direction of the crack. When the brush has done all it can do, use the shop vacuum to remove the smaller debris and dust.
   

3. Add the Solid Crack Filler

   Assess the depth of the crack. If the crack is deeper than 1/4-inch, fill in the necessary sections to bring it up to a 1/4-inch depth. 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. One hand holds the funnel, while the other hand holds a small amount of sand and slowly drops it into the funnel. This method has the advantage of being very inexpensive and allowing you to vary the height of the crack filler as you go.

   Another option is to force a closed-cell backer rod into the crack. Three-quarter-inch backer rod is designed to fit into 1/2-inch cracks. Force the backer rod into the crack as much as you can with your fingers. Cut off the backer rod when you reach higher areas that do not need filler. 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.
   

4. Apply the Concrete Crack Filler

   Cut off the end of the applicator tip. Shake the crack filler container if necessary. Some crack fillers will separate, so squirt a small amount of filler onto a piece of cardboard until thicker filler emerges. Force a bead of the filler into the crack, slowly drawing it along and making sure that the filler fully settles into the crack before moving on.
   

5. Flatten the Filler

   If there are areas that fill the crack from side to side and are flat, they will not need additional tooling. For high areas, draw the putty knife in the direction of the crack to flatten the filler. For areas that appear low or have pockets, add more filler in those areas and then immediately trowel them down with the putty knife.
   

6. Let the Patch Cure

   Let the patch material cure for at least 24 hours before use or before painting or surfacing.
   

Concrete Patio Crack Repair and Maintenance Tips

Winter is harsh on all exterior materials, including concrete patios. 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. Unless you expect to be walking through the patio and safety is a concern, the best option for the concrete may be to let the snow and ice melt naturally.
• Snow shovels with metal wear-strips can damage concrete. Sweep the concrete with a push-broom or purchase a snow shovel that has no metal that will come into contact with the concrete.
• Spalled concrete that flakes off in thin horizontal pieces should be patched immediately. 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 the patio not only minimize damage to the concrete, but also help you enjoy your patio in the off-season.
• Do not build or install a firepit that comes into direct contact with the concrete patio. If the firepit is at ground level, do not place it on the patio. If the firepit is elevated, make sure that the elevation is sufficient to prevent thermal damage to the concrete.

When to Call a Professional

Cracks that are 1/2-inch wide or less can usually be repaired on a do-it-yourself basis. For wider cracks and missing or tilted concrete, consult a mason or other concrete repair professional.