Home Improvement Ideas Remodeling Advice & Planning How to Repair Cracks in a Concrete Driveway Take your driveway from broken to beautiful in a weekend with our step-by-step guide. By Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on August 16, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player A crumbling driveway is an unsightly first look for guests visiting your home. The good news is you can learn how to repair cracks in a concrete driveway in a weekend or less. Follow this step-by-step guide from contributing editor Danny Lipford that tells you everything you need to know about this process. Though concrete is a durable surface, concrete driveway repair is needed when the surface deteriorates and develops cracks over the years. Rather than going through the expense of removing the slab and pouring a new one, you may be able to repair and resurface the existing concrete driveway. Concrete cracking can be caused by tree roots and soil movement, freezing and thawing cycles in the winter, and expansion during the summer. 26 Easy Exterior Updates to Boost Curb Appeal on a Budget What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Pressure washer 5 gallon bucket Heavy duty low RPM drill with mixing paddle Flat-edged trowel Leaf blower or broom Rubber squeegee Long-handle broom (optional) Materials Masonry cleaning solution Dry concrete mix Water Resurfacing concrete Instructions How to Repair Cracks in a Concrete Driveway Wash Concrete Before concrete driveway repair can begin, it must be thoroughly cleaned. A pressure washer is a great way to remove mold, mildew, and dirt. Start by wetting down the concrete to prevent the cleaner from drying too quickly. How to Safely Use a Pressure Washer to Clean Your Exterior Surfaces Fill Cleaning Solution Reservoir Purchase a masonry cleaning solution that includes degreasing solid agents or agents that remove plant staining and mold. Add the cleaning solution to the pressure washer reservoir. Apply Cleaning Solution Spray the cleaner on the surface of the concrete using a low-pressure nozzle following the instructions on the container. Attach High Pressure Nozzle Once the cleaner has been applied, attach a high-pressure nozzle to the pressure washer. Clean Concrete with High Pressure Nozzle Clean the surface of the driveway thoroughly using the high-pressure nozzle and settings. Clean debris from cracks and remove any dirt or loose concrete. Mix Concrete for Repairs Pour enough dry concrete mix into a 5-gallon bucket to repair cracks and patch damaged areas. Sand mix or concrete resurfacer, which doesn't contain gravel, may be used if the spot to be fixed isn't large or deep. A standard concrete mix that has gravel works best for patching large or deep areas. 10 Before-and-After Garage Makeovers That Add Major Curb Appeal Check Concrete Consistency Mix the concrete with water to a thick consistency (similar to cookie dough). A mixing paddle attached to a heavy-duty low-RPM drill makes quick work of preparing the concrete. Pour Concrete on Cracks Pour the mixed concrete in the cracks and damaged areas. Fill Cracks Use a flat-edged trowel to work the mixture into the cracks. Smooth Cracks Once the cracks and other damaged spots have been filled, use the trowel to remove excess concrete and smooth the surface. How to Paint Concrete to Cover Cracks or Stains for a Fresh Start Let Concrete Dry Allow the concrete used to repair cracks and other damaged areas to dry overnight. Mix Resurfacer After the repair work is complete, it's time to apply a thin coat of resurfacing concrete over the entire driveway. Mix the resurfacer to a much thinner consistency than the concrete used to repair cracks, making it similar to pancake batter. Before applying the resurfacer, blow or sweep off any leaves or debris, then wet the surface down to keep the concrete from drying too fast. How to Properly Use a Leaf Blower Spread Resurfacer When the driveway is ready, pour the resurfacer out and spread it using a rubber squeegee, working a small area at a time. Getting an even coat without lap marks takes practice. Finishing Up When the concrete begins to set, a broom with an extended handle can give a bit of texture to the surface. This prevents the concrete from becoming slippery when wet. Allow at least six hours of drying time before walking on the driveway and 24 hours or more before driving on it.