How to Patch Sidewalks

Significant sidewalk damage can occur if one crack is not repaired.

Cracks in a sidewalk that aren't repaired cause significant structural damage over time. Concrete pores soak up moisture which freezes and thaws during inclement weather, resulting in more damage. In some instances, the damage is so significant that replacing the sidewalk is the only option for the homeowner. Patching cracked areas, as soon as possible extends the life of the sidewalk and saves the homeowner money.

Things You'll Need

• Cold chisel
• Hammer
• Concrete patch (optional)
• Portland cement
• Fine sand
• Gravel
• Trowel
• Plastic

Instructions

1. Enlarge the crack in the concrete. Place a cold chisel at a 45-degree angle to the top edge of the crack and tap it with a hammer. This process, known as undercutting, removes more material from the foundation of the crack leaving the surface intact. By undercutting the concrete you are creating a channel that is wider at the bottom; this channel acts as an anchor for the new patch material.

2. Power wash the crack to remove dust and debris. Soak up standing water in the crack to prevent curing problems with the new path material. Additionally, you can brush on a cement adhesive to the surface of the crack to improve the adhesive ability of the concrete patch.

3. Mix the concrete patch using the manufacturer's recommendations. To repair smaller cracks you can purchase a premixed concrete patch. Concrete patch can be made by mixing one part Portland cement to two-and-a-half parts of clean, fine sand. Add three parts gravel to the mixture to repair cracks larger than 4 inches wide.

4. Scoop the patch mixture into the crack. Fill the crack completely and tamp the patching material tightly. Drag the edge of the trowel along the crack to smooth out the patching material.

5. Allow the concrete to set for two hours. Cover the crack completely with plastic to prevent the patch from curing faster than the manufacturer's recommendations. Leave the plastic over the patched area for five days. Lift the covering once daily and mist the area with a water hose. This prevents the cement from curing too fast.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact a cement contractor to determine the need for complete sidewalk replacement if significant damage is noticed.

• Mist the concrete patch frequently on hot days to reduce the chances of the cement curing too fast.

• Concrete patch should not be mixed to a "soupy" consistency.

• Wear protective clothing, glasses and gloves when working with concrete; concrete dust is an irritant.

References

• Oregon Ohio: How to Repair Sidewalks