Easy Concrete Crack Filler: Make Repairs in Minutes!

It’s inevitable — seasonal changes and freeze-thaw cycles cause concrete to crack. Fortunately, there’s an easy concrete crack filler that makes surfaces look as good as new.

About Cracks in Concrete

Concrete is one of the most durable building materials available, but because of its rigid nature, exterior concrete develops cracks.

Some of the reasons include:

• Shrinkage
• Ground movement
• Excessive loads
• Temperature changes

Once a crack develops, it’s important to seal the crack from water to prevent further damage.

Flexible sealants are the best solution for concrete cracks subjected to continual slab movement. This is because they still work when concrete shifts.

It’s a fact of life: If you’ve got concrete surfaces, you need concrete crack filler.

So, keep Quikrete Advanced Polymer Concrete Crack Sealant and a caulking gun in your workshop or garage. This sealant, which works on horizontal or vertical surfaces, does more than improve your concrete’s appearance. It’s permanent, flexible, and helps prevent water and ice damage.

What You’ll Need

• Quikrete Advanced Polymer Concrete Crack Sealant
• Protective eyewear
• Waterproof gloves
• Caulking gun
• Utility knife
• Wire brush
• Margin trowel or putty knife
• Microfiber towel

Tip: Always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves when working with concrete repair products.

How to Repair Cracks in Concrete

1. Widen the crack. Use a cold chisel and hammer, or grinder, to widen the crack at least ¼-inch, if needed. The crack’s edges should be vertical or beveled in an inverted “V” shape. This allows the caulk to enter the gap that needs sealing.

2. Clean the crack. Use a wire brush to remove any dirt, debris or concrete dust from the crack. It’s important to remove anything that would prevent the repair material from adhering to the concrete.

3. Cut the tip. Use a utility knife to snipthe tip off a tube of Quikrete Advanced Polymer Concrete Crack Sealant. Cut at a 45-degree angle, making the opening wide enough to fill the crack.
This sealant’s textured formula works on cracks up to 1 inch wide and remains flexible once it dries, so it won’t crack. Its texture helps it blend in with the surrounding concrete.

4. Apply the concrete crack filler. Use a caulking gun to apply the sealant into the crack. If you don’t have one, you can buy one at your local home improvement center for just $6. Position the tip of the caulking tube on the concrete crack, pull the trigger on the caulking gun, and slowly draw the nozzle down the crack.

5. Smooth it out. Grab a trowel and smooth the sealant immediately after application. This will ensure it fills the crack evenly. Time is of the essence because concrete crack sealant starts to form a skin in about 20 to 40 minutes. It hardens completely in 1 to 2 hours — depending on temperature, humidity, and crack depth.

6. Let cure. If you want to paint the surface for a fresh, finished look, wait two hours before applying water-based latex paint. The typical curing time for concrete crack sealant is three to seven days.

That’s it! Once you’ve applied the concrete crack filler and let it cure, you can enjoy your concrete surfaces without worrying about unsightly cracks and gaps.