How To Repair Large Cracks In Concrete Patio in a Hour

Large cracks on your concrete patio floor not only look bad and reduce the curb appeal of your home, but they can also cause tripping hazards and make your outdoor living space a dangerous zone. If these cracks are not repaired on time, they might, over time, damage the patio surface completely and make it unsuitable for use.

However, repairing these cracks on the concrete is as easy and quick as it can get. All you need to know is the right technique and have the right products around. Below, we have discussed the steps of repairing large cracks in a concrete patio so that you can fix them right now before damaging the entire floor.

But before jumping into the detailed discussion about how to fix a large crack in a concrete patio, have a quick project overview and also list the tools and material needed for the project for better estimation.

Repair Large Cracks In Concrete Patio- Project Overview

• Estimated Time Required: 45-50 minutes
• Required Skill Level: Beginner
• Estimated Cost: $10 – $50

Remember that the time needed and estimated cost might vary depending on the dimension of the crack.

Repair Large Cracks In Concrete Patio- Tools and Materials You Need

As it is a DIY project, you would need more than a few tools and materials to repair the cracks in your patio effectively. Below, we have listed these items so that you can keep them handy before fixing the cracks and breaks.

A Step By Step Guide To Repair Large Cracks In Concrete Patio

Now that you get an idea about the whole repairing project and also have everything needed in hand, it’s time to actually learn how to repair a large crack in a concrete patio.

Step 1: Widen the Crack

Even though it might seem impractical to widen the already large crack, enlarging it would actually help the patch materials to stick better and ensure long-lasting durability. For the widening process, first, put on your safety glasses and hearing protection to protect your eyes and ears perfectly. Then chisel the patio crack with a masonry chisel and a hammer to enlarge the crack precisely and also to remove any loose materials from around it. Try to create a V-shape and maintain a width-to-depth ratio of 2:1 to make sure that the patching materials don’t chip off anytime soon.

Step 2: Clean The Crack

After you are done widening the patio crack, don’t forget to clean the surrounding. A clean canvas would not only make the repair look smoother but also last longer than usual.

To remove all the dirt and debris from the concrete patio [around the crack], brush off the area vigorously with a wire brush. In addition to removing all the dirt and dust, the wire brushing would also loosen any smaller particles on the floor for a total clean-up.

Now that everything is loose and clean, wash off the entire area with a pressure washer [you can also use a garden hose with a spray nozzle] and let it dry a bit. You can work on the wet surface too, however, make sure that there are no pools of water on the patio. It won’t let the materials stick actively.

Step 3: Prepare The Concrete Patching Material

When you are done preparing the cracked area on your patio, it’s time to mix the repairing material perfectly.  While getting the materials ready, follow the manufacturer’s directions to a T for the best result. If it is not mixed properly, there are high chances that your repairing work won’t be as perfect and durable as you would have hoped for.

Step 4: Apply The Concrete Patching Material

Now that you have everything ready and everything handy, trowel the mixture into the crack to repair it in no time. Apply a bed of the compound onto the crack and flatten it in conjunction with the rest of the surface. Use a normal putty knife to do the job. This will ensure a smoother outlook and help you to hide the repair work from the prying eyes. Also, while troweling the mix, make sure that it reaches deep down the crack and repairs it from the inside.

Step 5: Let It Rest And Cure

Once you have applied and flattened the repair mix on the patio crack, let it rest and cure for at least 24 hours before using it. The curing time will allow the product to sit properly on the concrete and reduce any chances of any cracks or breakages in the near future.

However, make sure to sprinkle water on it daily so that the mixture hardens up quickly and completely.

After the curing is done, you can paint the surface or leave it as it is to match the rest of the patio.

Repair Large Cracks In Concrete Patio- A Few Tips and Tricks

Let’s discuss a few useful tips and tricks to make your crack-repairing process even easier and more successful.

• Clean the patio at least once a week to remove dirt, dust, grass clippings, and fallen leaves. This practice will not only help you to maintain the look of your outdoor living space but also prevent any grass or weed to grow through the fine crack in the concrete and result in larger gaps.
• When your patio floor suffers from larger cracks, make sure to seal and repair them before the chilly season. The chilly weather can widen the crack even further making it dangerous for you.
• If, for obvious reasons, you couldn’t fix the cracks on time, and snow hits the ground, wait for it to melt naturally to start the repairing process. Ice melting solutions and de-icers have the potential to damage your concrete patio severely.
• During the curing period, consider covering your patio with a patio cover. It will prevent moisture and rainwater from damaging the freshly-repaired concrete and cure it perfectly.

Wrapping Up

Even though hiring a professional would save your time and effort, it would also cost you more. But with our in-detail guide and your efficiency, you can fix the crack yourself without digging deep into your pocket. All you need to do is follow each step carefully, and voila, you have a brand new patio floor ready for your upcoming parties and gatherings.

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