Hard Facts about Cracks (cont.) – Patch a Large Crack in Concrete
A portland cement and water mixture is fine for foundation and walkway cracks, but use a gravel mix for repairing large cracks on driveways. A gravel mixture is made from 1 part portland cement, 2 parts sand, and 3 parts gravel. When combined, it should be the consistency of a thick paste, like peanut butter.
WHAT YOU NEED: Garden hose with spray nozzle, wire brush, chisel, hammer, safety glasses, cement adhesive, portland cement and water mixture or gravel mixture, putty knife or trowel and plastic drop cloth.
HOW TO GET IT DONE:
- Thoroughly clean the crack with the spray nozzle of your house. Brush out any remaining debris with a wire brush.
- Open the crack with a chisel and hammer. This works on the same principle as opening a crack in plaster, which I talked about earlier. This extra depth and width increases the strength of the repair job. Wear safety glasses during this procedure!
- Brush cement adhesive into the crack.
- Apply the patch mixture with a putty knife or trowel. Force the mixture into the crack as much as possible. Then smooth it off so it is level with the original concrete.
- Allow the patch to dry for about 2 hours. Then cover the area with a piece of plastic drop cloth.
- Keep the area covered for about 5 days. Lift the covering once each day and sprinkle the area with water.
*Note: If the patch is on a driveway, don’t drive a car over the patch for at least 5 days. This gives the patch time to dry and cure before carrying heavy loads.
The large crack has been fixed! and you did it youurself Barbara’s Way!