How to Fix Small Concrete Cracks: a DIY Guide

Here in Indianapolis, winters can be rough on concrete, so cracking is a common occurrence. Not only can cracking be dangerous if tripped on, it can also be a liability if you’re wanting to sell your home. Not surprisingly, we hear the following a lot: “My concrete is cracked. Help!”

If your concrete is cracked, repairs are possible. In fact, small cracks can often be taken care of yourself if you’re a DIY-er. If your crevices are more substantial, we recommend calling a professional (like us).

Here are 9 quick and easy instructions to help you fix small concrete cracks:

Here’s what you need: hammer, chisel, margin trowel, wire brush, jointer tool, brush or leaf blower, hydraulic cement, small container (like an old butter container), plastic bucket, sand, water.

1. Use a hammer and chisel to enlarge the crack. (It seems counterintuitive, we know.)
2. Ensure that fresh cement will adhere by undercutting the crack or creating a u-shape.
3. Use a brush or leaf blower to clean out the crack.
4. Take a small container (such as an old butter container) to measure your hydraulic cement (and later your water).
5. Put the hydraulic cement in a plastic bucket, where you will mix in the water with a margin trowel.
6. Place the hydraulic cement into the crack ½ inch at a time. It will dry quickly, so work fast!
7. If you have a deep horizontal crack, add sand within ½ inch of the top of the crack.
8. Use a jointer tool to shape the hydraulic cement.
9. Take a wire brush or margin trowel and clean off excess cement.

…and there you have it!

Still stumped? Give us a shout. We love doing this stuff, and we’d be happy to take care of it for you.