Concrete driveway cracks and damage - How do you fix them?

A concrete driveway is a major investment that adds value and curb appeal to your home. Concrete is susceptible to cracking and damage over time from factors like weather, ground movement, and heavy vehicles driving on it. Repairing cracks and damage in concrete as soon as they appear is important to prevent further deterioration of your driveway. With the right materials and techniques, repairing concrete driveway cracks and damage is a do-it-yourself project.

Assessing the damage

Start by thoroughly inspecting your concrete driveway and making note of any problem areas. Look for cracks, chips, pits, stains, and any areas that are uneven or sinking. Note the locations and take measurements, so you know how much repair material you need. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas near garages and along the centers and edges of the driveway, as these are the most prone to damage. Cracks need to be classified as either dormant or active. Dormant cracks are superficial and show no signs of worsening or moving. Active cracks are larger, let water in, and continue to grow wider or longer over time. Knowing if a crack is active or dormant will determine the repair method.

Cleaning and preparing the concrete

Proper cleaning and prep work makes a big difference in how well concrete repairs blend and hold up. Start by sweeping away dirt and debris with a stiff broom. Use a concrete degreaser to remove any oil or grease stains. Scrub heavily stained areas with a concrete cleaner or mild muriatic acid solution. Power wash the entire driveway to remove all loose particles and expose the bare concrete. Let the driveway fully dry for at least 24 hours after power washing before applying any repair products. The concrete should be dry, clean, and free of any wax, dirt, or oily residues.

Larger cracks and settlement damage

Cracks wider than 1/4 inch or any sections that are sinking or uneven require patching with ready-mix concrete. Use a rotary hammer with a wide flat bit to cut out and undercut the damaged section at least 1 inch deep. Sweep and vacuum away all concrete dust and debris. Mist the patch area lightly with water before applying concrete. Mix concrete per package directions and pour into the patch, slightly overfilling. Tamp down and smooth it off flush with a trowel. Cover the patch with plastic and allow the concrete several days to fully cure before driving on it.

Resurfacing options

If your concrete driveway is riddled with extensive cracking and repairs are no longer feasible, resurfacing may be your best option. Resurfacing involves pouring or laying new concrete material over the original layer.

Concrete resurfacing – Uses special concrete mix poured over the old driveway and troweled smooth.
Concrete overlay – Poured at least 2 inches thick once old concrete is scarified or textured.
Stamped concrete overlay – Textured and stamped with patterns and colors to mimic brick and stone.
Asphalt overlay – Asphalt covers primed concrete driveways Sydney to create a new driving surface.
Pavers – Interlocking concrete pavers installed over a bedding sand layer over old concrete.

With the right materials and techniques, repairing a damaged concrete driveway is a manageable project for most DIYers. Keeping up with routine maintenance and addressing problems early on will add many more years of life to your concrete driveway.