Most driveways and patios develop a crack or two in the concrete over the years. These can be caused by everything from tree roots and movement of the soil to freezing and thawing cycles in the winter. Rather than breaking up the slab and pouring a new one, you might want to consider repairing it using Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer.

Start by using a pressure washer to remove any mold, mildew, and dirt. After wetting down the slab, a special masonry cleaning solution is added to the reservoir on the pressure washer and sprayed on the surface.

pressure washer

Once the cleaner has been applied, a high pressure nozzle is attached to the washer and the surface is thoroughly cleaned. Be sure to clean out the cracks out as well, removing any dirt or loose concrete so the patching material will adhere to the concrete.

high pressure nozzle

Next, mix up enough Quikrete® Concrete Resurfacer with water in a five-gallon bucket to fill the cracks.

Quikrete® Concrete Resurfacer

A mixing paddle chucked in a ½” drill makes preparing the patching material easy.

thick concrete poured in cracks

Make the mixture a thick consistency, and pour in on the cracks.

concrete smoothed over cracks

Use a flat edge trowel to force the mixture deep into the cracks.

rubber squeegee

Then smooth out the surface.

resurfacer

After allowing the material to dry overnight, a much thinner batch of resurfacer is mixed up. Before applying it, wet the concrete down to prevent it from drying out too quickly.

Once everything is ready, the resurfacer is spread on the slab using a rubber squeegee. Getting a nice even coat without lap mark can take a bit of practice.

concrete resurfacer

When the resurfacer starts to set up, a broom with an extended handle can be used to give the fresh concrete surface texture and prevent it from becoming slippery when wet.

The resurfacer can handle foot traffic after it has set up for about six hours, and cars can drive on it once it has cured for 24 hours. It really made this patio look new again with a whole lot less work than pouring a new slab.

Watch the video above to find out more.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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