How to Repair a Crack in a Cement Sidewalk

Tree roots growing under a cement sidewalk can cause the sidewalk to crack.

Cement sidewalks shrink naturally when they dry and if not reinforced properly they can crack. Cement sidewalks also crack from temperature changes, over floating and problems with the original mix. Sometimes cement cracks because of settling of the earth under the sidewalk. If settling is causing the cracking, then the cracks may reappear if settling is still occurring. A cement mix or cement patch can be used to repair the cracks.

Things You'll Need

• Eye protection
• Cold chisel
• Sledgehammer
• Wire brush
• Rag
• Cement patch
• Trowel

Instructions

1. Put on eye protection and tap a cold chisel with a sledgehammer to make the bottom of the crack wider than the top.

2. Clean out the crack with a wire brush and brush away dust and debris with a rag.

3. Mix a cement patch following the manufacturer's instructions. Force cement patch into the bottom of the crack with a trowel.

4. Fill the crack with the remaining cement patch until the crack is flush with the surrounding area.

5. If the cement patch requires curing, then cure the repaired area by following the cement patch's manufacturer's instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• For a textured surface, run a whisk broom over the patched area to create grooves.

References

• "Ultimate Guide To Home Repair and Improvement"; Creative Homeowner; 2006
• "Home Improvement 1-2-3"; The Home Depot; 2003