Cracked driveway and tools used for concrete crack repair, featured in a spring home improvement post

Concrete Crack Repair: How to Fix Sidewalks & Driveways

It’s that time of year: the snow’s gone, the hose is out… and your driveway is showing signs it needs concrete crack repair.

The good news? Most small cracks are easy to fix—and this DIY-friendly guide walks you through the tools, fillers, and best practices to do it right.

What Causes Concrete Cracks?

  • Freeze/thaw cycles — moisture expands and contracts
  • Poor drainage — water pools under the slab
  • Shifting soil or tree roots
  • Time and traffic — it just happens

Cracks that are under ½” wide and not actively lifting are prime DIY candidates for concrete crack repair.

Step-by-Step Concrete Crack Repair (DIY-Friendly)

Step 1: Clean the Crack

Start by removing dirt, debris, and any loose concrete.

You’ll need:

  • Wire brush or stiff broom
  • Shop vac or leaf blower
  • Optional: pressure washer for deep prep

We like the Wire Brush Set and RIDGID 12 Gal Shop Vac for driveway cleanup.

Step 2: Widen & Shape (If Needed)

For narrow hairline cracks, use a cold chisel and hammer to open up the crack slightly. This helps the filler bond better.

Pro tip: aim for a shape that’s wider at the bottom than the top (called an “inverted V”).

Step 3: Apply Crack Filler or Patch

There are two main types:

Liquid Crack Filler (For ¼” or smaller)

  • Comes in squeeze bottles or cartridges
  • Self-leveling, flexible, great for hairlines

We use Sikaflex Self-Leveling Sealant for fine cracks—it flows easy and bonds strong.

Concrete Patch Compound (For wider or deeper cracks)

  • Mix with water or buy pre-mixed
  • Use a trowel to smooth and feather
  • Good for larger driveway or patio cracks

Dap Ready-Mix Concrete Patch and Quikrete Vinyl Concrete Patch are solid go-tos.

Don’t Skip the Backer Rod

When you’re filling deep or wide concrete cracks, backer rod is essential. It helps control caulk depth, prevents three-sided adhesion, and gives your sealant the flexibility it needs to last. Without it, caulk can sag or crack — especially in larger joints.

Step 4: Tool It Smooth + Let It Cure

Smooth the filler with a putty knife or margin trowel. Follow the manufacturer’s dry time—usually 2–8 hours before foot traffic, 24+ hours for vehicles.

Step 5: (Optional) Seal the Area

If you want extra protection, use a concrete sealer after the patch has cured. This helps keep water out and prevents future cracking.

We recommend Foundation Armor AR350 Sealer—it’s clear, easy to apply, and enhances color too.

Recommended Tools + Supplies

❌ What to Avoid

  • Latex caulk – not flexible enough
  • Unprepped cracks – filler won’t bond
  • Filling without cleaning – debris weakens the repair
  • Ignoring trip hazards – raised cracks = bigger safety issue

✅ Final Tips

With the right tools and materials, you can knock out concrete crack repair in a single afternoon. It’s one of the easiest ways to preserve your curb appeal—and avoid bigger fixes down the line.

  • Don’t patch in direct sun—shade the area if needed
  • Wear gloves—sealant gets sticky fast
  • For major cracks or shifting slabs, bring in a pro

Before you call a pro, here are more simple DIY fixes that you can actually tackle yourself.

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