How to Repair a Concrete Patio

Cracks in concrete can be fixed by removing the cracked portion and applying a concrete patch.

No one wants to find cracks in their concrete patio. But cracks and fractures can happen to the best concrete patios. Sometimes extreme weather conditions can cause concrete to warp. Also, if a heavy object is dropped on the patio, damage can occur. However the cracks occurred, the good news is they can be fixed with a few tools and compounds that can be purchased from any hardware store.

Things You'll Need

• Stone chisel
• Shop vacuum
• Latex bonding agent
• Paintbrush
• Vinyl concrete patching compound
• Trowel
• Plastic tarp

Instructions

1. Take a stone chisel and carefully chisel away the concrete around the damaged area. Use the chisel at an angle toward the inside of the crack. The goal is to make the inside of the crack wider at the bottom than on the top. This will help when later patching the area.

2. Use a shop vacuum to suck up any debris that is inside or around the crack. It is important to make sure the surface is clean before using any compounds.

3. Cover the edges of the hole with a latex bonding agent. The agent can be spread around the edges with a paintbrush. Use only a small amount of the bonding agent or enough to cover the area with a thin layer. Allow the agent to get sticky. This will take approximately 30 minutes.

4. Mix a batch of vinyl concrete patching compound. Use a trowel to place the compound in the bottom of the hole. The compound should be applied in layers between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch thick. Add the first layer and let it dry. Then add subsequent layers until the compound has reached the top of the crack. Make sure that each layer dries before adding another layer.

5. Once the crack is filled with patching compound, spread another layer of the compound over the top of the hole and over the edges. Use a trowel to evenly spread the compound over the entire surface of the concrete. For the next week, the patched area must be covered with a plastic tarp so that is can dry properly.

Tips & Warnings

• For concrete patios with large cracks, substitute the stone chisel with a reciprocating saw. A reciprocating saw can be used to cut out large portions of damaged concrete. The process for fixing the cracks in the cement will remain the same. Just remove the large portion of concrete with the grinder, apply the bonding agent and patching compound, and protect the area with a piece of plastic.

References

• "The Complete Guide to Patios: Plan, Build and Maintain"; Philip Schmidt; 2007
• "Start-To-Finish Patios"; Ortho; 2004