What to Do for a Cracked/Chipped Concrete Driveway

Hairline Cracks

• Very thin hairline cracks that are less than 1/4 inch wide can be patched using a mixture of Portland cement and water. Before applying, moisten the cracked surface for several hours to prevent the concrete from absorbing the water in the Portland mixture. Blend the water and Portland to create a thick paste when you're ready to patch and apply the mixture to the crack using a putty knife, forcing as much of the paste as possible into the crack. Smooth the surface so that it is level and let the patched area dry for about two hours. The patch will have to be covered for about five days to allow the mixture to cure properly.

Large Cracks

• Cracks wider than 1/4 inch must be repaired with a gravel mix of one part Portland cement, two parts sand and three parts gravel. This makes a stronger patch material than a sand one to ensure that the crack doesn't reopen once weight is applied to it. Before applying the patch, use a hammer and chisel to open and undercut the crack, enlarging it to a minimum depth of 1 inch. Undercut the crack by making the bottom of the crack wider than the top. This increases the strength of the patch. As with fine crack repair, cover the finished area with a piece of plastic or wood for about five days, sprinkling a bit of water once each day onto the patch to ensure that the patch cures properly.

Chips and Holes

• Over time, chips or pieces of concrete can break away from the corners or edges of your driveway. These can be repaired with a latex or epoxy cement patch which can be found at any hardware store or with a gravel mix. Build the patch up 1/4 inch at a time, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next to ensure a strong, permanent patch. Large chips or holes at corners may require a mold to hold the mixture while it dries.

Replacement

• Concrete surfaces deteriorate over time no matter how much attention and care you give to prevent damage, and sometimes patching is only a temporary fix for a larger problem. Concrete driveways that are crumbling along the edges, with long cracks or holes throughout the surface, or that collect water on the surface of the concrete, should be replaced. Noticeable dips or heaves in any part of the surface is another indicator that your driveway is beyond patching or minor repairs.