Summary

  • Gather all materials and tools needed to complete the driveway crack repair project.
  • Inspect cracks to determine repair needs and understand the extent of damage.
  • Remove weeds and clean the driveway thoroughly before starting to fix driveway cracks to ensure long-lasting results.

Is your concrete driveway showing some cracks? Don't worry, repairing them is easier than you think! You don't have to be a DIY expert to get it right. It isn't difficult to give your driveway a makeover when you have the right materials and techniques. Say goodbye to cracked and worn surfaces and hello to a smooth and inviting path. Not only will it boost your home's curb appeal, but it will also make it safer and potentially prolong the lifespan of your driveway.

Learn the best methods for dealing with those pesky cracks, and enjoy a driveway that looks as good as new.

Get All Your Repair Materials

Gather what you'll need to get started

cracked concrete driveway repair
Cracks in concrete driveway
Image credits: Natali Tikhonova via Shutterstock

Get all the tools and materials you need to fix driveway cracks. Once you begin the concrete driveway crack repair project, you want to complete it all at once!

  • Pressure washer (optional)
  • Stiff bristle brush
  • Primer or concrete bonding adhesive (for cracks less than a ¼ inch)
  • Concrete backer rod (for cracks more than a ½ inch wide)
  • Sealer
  • Spade or weed remover
  • Broom or leaf blower
  • Rubber squeegee
  • Protective gear (gloves, eye protection)
  • Detergent
  • Concrete or masonry crack elastomeric filler (for small cracks)
  • Vinyl concrete patching compound or pre-mixed mortar (for cracks ¼ to ½ inch wide)
  • Mason's chisel or hammer
  • Putty knife or trowel
  • Caulk gun
  • Tape measure
  • Spray bottle
  • Vinegar

Start your driveway repair project early in the day, so you will have plenty of hours of sunlight with which to fix driveway cracks.

Inspect the Cracks Carefully

Take an overview and assess the damage

cracked driveway close up
Close up of driveway cracks
Image credits: Gv Image-1 via Shutterstock

Before you jump into the repair process, take a good look at what you're dealing with. You want to have an idea of how much patching material you're going to need and get a sense of how long the project might take to complete.

  • Take a moment to inspect the cracks in your concrete driveway thoroughly.
  • Measure cracks wider than a hairline using a tape measure or ruler. The size and depth of the cracks will determine the amount and type of filler material you'll need.
  • Don't overlook more minor cracks, as these can expand over time if left untreated.

Taking precise measurements serves two purposes. It helps you purchase the right amount of repair material (reducing waste and cost) and gives you a clear understanding of the extent of the damage.

Get Rid of Weeds and Grass in Cracks

Remove all green invaders from your driveway

Grass growing in driveway crack
Close up of grass in driveway crack
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Use your spade or weed remover to remove any weeds or grass around the cracks in your way. Remove as much of the weeds and grass as possible. Once everything is pulled up, fill a spray bottle with a vinegar and water solution to thoroughly spray down into the crack. Vinegar will dry out weeds and prevent them from coming back.

If your driveway is concrete, you want to use the chisel to chip away crumbled or soft concrete around the cracks. If you haven't got a mason's chisel, a standard hammer will do. The cracks need to be wider below the surface than on top for effective driveway crack repair. Use a broom or leaf blower to remove all dust, dirt, and debris from the crack.

Wash the Driveway Completely

Clean and dry the surface of the concrete

Washing a driveway after a winter storm
A homeowner washing a driveway after a winter storm
Image credits: Virrage Images via Shutterstock

Clean the driveway before starting the process to fix concrete driveway cracks. Consider renting a pressure washer for a thorough cleaning. Pressure washers are very effective at cleaning concrete.

Exercise caution when using a pressure washer. These machines pack a punch and can be dangerous if mishandled.

  • Always wear protective gear such as goggles and gloves to ensure safe usage.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Work methodically when cleaning — either from the center out to the sides or from one side to another.
  • Always start at the top to prevent dirt from washing back onto the areas you've already cleaned.

You can still effectively clean the driveway if you don't have a pressure washer. You will need to put in a bit more work to do it, however.

Step 1

Thoroughly wet the surface with a hose, being sure to saturate the entire area.

Step 2

Sprinkle a layer of environmentally safe detergent onto the damp driveway.

Step 3

Use a stiff brush or push broom to work the detergent deep into the surface.

Step 4

Scrub the driveway thoroughly, paying attention to any stubborn stains or areas of buildup.

Step 5

Finally, rinse the driveway until the water runoff appears clear.

After cleaning the driveway, regardless of the driveway crack repair method used, wait for the surface to dry completely before proceeding to the repair stage. It will ensure that the repair materials adhere correctly and provide long-lasting results.

It's crucial to choose a dry day with no rain forecast for your driveway crack repair. Moist conditions can hinder the repair process, causing the filler and sealer to fail to set properly.

How to Fix Driveway Cracks the Right Way

The step-by-step process for cracks of all sizes

Looking down concrete driveway
Looking at concrete driveway
Image credits: Imagenet via Shutterstock

Depending on the size of your cracks, you will be using different but similar concrete driveway crack repair methods to fill in these spots in the driveway. After the loose debris is removed and cracks are cleaned out, you'll have a better idea of how large your driveway cracks are.

Fixing Small-Sized Cracks

Small cracks measure up to ¼ inch wide. These cracks can be repaired in a few steps.

  • Select: Choose a concrete filler or a masonry crack elastomeric filler that is available in tube form. Filler is easy to apply with a standard caulking gun.
  • Apply: Use the caulking gun to fill the crack carefully, ensuring complete filling. Overfill slightly. Then, smooth the surface using a putty knife or trowel to make it level with the surrounding pavement.
  • Wait: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for curing time and allow the filler to completely cure.

If the crack is in a high-traffic area or you live in an extreme weather area, using a primer or concrete bonding adhesive before applying the filler can enhance bonding and provide added strength to the repair.

How to Repair Medium-Sized Cracks

Medium-sized driveway cracks measure ¼ to ½ inch wide.

  • Select the repair material: Choose a vinyl concrete patching compound or pre-mixed mortar designed for medium-sized cracks.
  • Pour and fill the crack: Pour the prepared repair material directly into the crack, filling it from the bottom up. Use a putty knife to smooth the material, pressing down lightly to ensure proper adhesion. Add more material as needed to fill the gap.
  • Smooth and level the surface: Use the putty knife to further smooth and level the filled crack, making it flush with the surrounding pavement. Ensure the surface is even and consistent to properly fix driveway cracks.
  • Follow curing guidelines: Allow the repair material to cure for the recommended time per the manufacturer's instructions. Curing can vary depending on the specific product you have used.
  • Consider sealing the surface: To further protect the repaired area from moisture penetration, and to lessen the amount of concrete driveway crack repair you have to do in the future, consider applying a sealer over the entire surface once the driveway has finished curing.

What to Do to Fix Large-Sized Cracks

Repairing large cracks that exceed ½ inch in width and ⅛ inch in depth requires a two-step approach.

  • Insert a flexible concrete backer rod: Begin by inserting a flexible concrete backer rod into the crack. The backer rod is a filler that helps minimize the needed patching material. It also helps keep the surface level as it sets. Use a putty knife to force the backer rod into place, ensuring it fits snugly within the crack.
  • Patch above the backer rod: Proceed to patch the crack just above the inserted backer rod, following the same process as you would for a small crack. Utilize a concrete filler or masonry crack elastomeric filler, applying it with a caulking gun or trowel, depending on the consistency of the filler.
  • Smooth out the surface: After filling the crack, use a trowel to smooth out the patched area, leveling it with the surrounding pavement. Ensure the surface is even and consistent. Follow the curing time specified by the manufacturer to allow the patching material to set properly.

Seal your driveway every few years to help prevent future cracks. Sealer helps to protect your driveway against the elements, including rain, snow, and ice, which can lead to the need to fix driveway cracks!

Maintain a Smooth and Stunning Concrete Driveway

Go ahead and give your driveway the makeover it deserves.

In just a few simple steps, you can transform your cracked and worn concrete driveway into a smooth, inviting path that adds style and appeal to your home use standard driveway crack repair techniques that anyone can learn.

With suitable materials and techniques, repairing cracks is easier than you think. So, go ahead and give your driveway the makeover it deserves!