Step-by-Step Concrete Crack Repair

Cracked concrete weakens a slab and can worsen to the point where the slab requires removal.

Any poured concrete slab can become damaged over time. Changes in temperature, the ground beneath the concrete or even the installation process can lead to the development of cracks in the concrete surface. Once cracks appear, they can spread throughout the slab, causing greater damage that can require full replacement of the concrete. Using a step by step approach in concrete repair will ensure that your repairs last--not only halting the spread of the cracks, but extending the useful life of your concrete as well.

Things You'll Need

• Crack chaser blade
• Wire brush
• Water hose
• Epoxy gel adhesive
• Putty knife
• Epoxy Resin
• Concrete sealant

Instructions

1. Clear the crack in the concrete by removing any debris and dirt present.

2. Route out the edges of the crack to create smooth sides for the concrete patch to adhere to. Use a crack chaser blade to even the edges of the crack, and level the depth of the crack to between three-quarters of an inch and one inch. Cut the sides of the crack vertically, making it wider at the bottom than at the top. The wider bottom will lock the concrete patch into place within the crack.

3. Clear out the cut concrete in the crack and then wash the crack out with the water hose. Allow the crack to dry completely before applying the patch.

4. Place a layer of epoxy gel adhesive to the sides and bottom of the crack using a putty knife. The adhesive helps to create a bond between the existing concrete and the concrete patch. Allow the adhesive to dry slightly until it's tacky to the touch without being wet.

5. Inject the crack with epoxy resin using a tube of resin with a nozzle tip. Place enough resin to fill the crack completely, slightly overflowing the surface. Use a putty knife to scrape away excess resin, leveling the resin with the surrounding surface.

6. Allow the epoxy resin to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions and then sand the surface of the crack smooth and even with the surrounding concrete.

7. Apply a layer of concrete sealant to the repaired crack to waterproof it.

Tips & Warnings

• Gloves, safety goggles and a face mask should be worn during the repair process.

References

• Concrete Repair
• How to Repair Concrete
• Standard Procedures for Injecting Epoxy Resins into Cracked Concrete

Resources

• FixConcrete.org