Asked on Jul 26, 2019

How to fix cracks in the concrete by the steps (pic)?

Bea
by Bea

There’s a separation crack that I need fixed

  7 answers
  • Luke Luke on Jul 26, 2019

    Looks to me like that isnt a crack but separation of two layers. Cold chisel off layer. "Key" out crack. Patch with vinyl additive mix. Ignore Kathy, that's hogwash

    • See 1 previous
    • Luke Luke on Jul 29, 2019

      William, you're right. My apologies. I'll say if OP wants it done right, anything that comes in a tube will not only look bad but *will* ultimately fail.


      I would first investigate the drainage issue that caused this. Extending all downspouts 6' or more away and downhill from home should suffice, but leaving the root of the issue unchecked is asking for further problems.

      After that, use a wire brush and angle grinder (or manually) and scour the entire area and surrounding.

      Key out crack with cold chisel to 1/4"

      Vacuum area

      Wet area down to *Field capacity* Otherwise you will not achieve a proper bond with patch

      Apply the patch with vinyl additive. Get the dry stuff and only mix enough water to spread as needed. More water=more weak.

      If you want to be thorough, cover it with dampened newspaper and allow it to slowly dry over the course of a few days. This "cures" the concrete patch and prevents new cracks.


      Unless OP fixes the drainage issue, again, nothing will work. Start there. And again, don't forget to wet the area down. That's very important.


      Hope this makes up for the snide remark, good luck

  • Mona Blake Mona Blake on Jul 26, 2019

    Menards, Lowes and Home Depot all carry a crack fixer.

  • Dee Dee on Jul 26, 2019

    Home Depot has a concrete skim cover.

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Jul 26, 2019

    I would use a cold chisel and hammer to open up the crack more and then either use concrete caulk of a liquid concrete filler.

  • William William on Jul 26, 2019

    Separation on stairs from slab. Slab is sinking. Looks like there was a patch job o the slab and where the slab and crack meet. Chisel away any of the cement around the crack. Fill the crack with concrete mortar repair in caulk tube. Needs to be flexible since the walk slab is sinking.

  • Luke Luke on Jul 29, 2019

    William, you're right. My apologies. I'll say if OP wants it done right, anything that comes in a tube will not only look bad but *will* ultimately fail.


    I would first investigate the drainage issue that caused this. Extending all downspouts 6' or more away and downhill from home should suffice, but leaving the root of the issue unchecked is asking for further problems.

    After that, use a wire brush and angle grinder (or manually) and scour the entire area and surrounding.

    Key out crack with cold chisel to 1/4"

    Vacuum area

    Wet area down to *Field capacity* Otherwise you will not achieve a proper bond with patch

    Apply the patch with vinyl additive. Get the dry stuff and only mix enough water to spread as needed. More water=more weak.


    Unless OP fixes the drainage issue, again, nothing will work. Start there. And again, don't forget to wet the area down. That's very important.


    Hope this makes up for the snide remark, good luck

  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Feb 17, 2021

    Hi Bea, You can fill wide cracks with concrete crack filler in a caulk tube. Then you can resurface the slab.

    https://www.quikrete.com/athome/video-resurfacing-concrete-slabs.asp