Cement Sidewalk Repair

Although sidewalks made of cement -- a term often used instead of concrete -- are tough, the wear and tear of weather and having people and vehicles on them takes a toll, as the concrete cracks, chips and crumbles. Small cracks are easy enough to handle, but a badly worn sidewalk demands resurfacing to restore it to a fresh appearance. The task of resurfacing a damaged sidewalk is within the reach of any intrepid do-it-yourself enthusiast, and usually requires little more than half a day's work.

Concrete repair compound
Caulking gun
Putty knife
Duct tape
Concrete mix
Five-gallon bucket
Float
Push broom
Masonry sealant
Paint roller

Instructions

- 1
  Fill any cracks in the sidewalk's surface with concrete repair compound, applied through a caulking gun. Push the compound into the crack and scrape away excess compound with a putty knife.
- 2
  Cover the expansion joints in the sidewalk with duct tape, so that you don't accidentally fill them with concrete.
- 3
  Mix concrete in a five-gallon bucket as directed by the manufacturer and pour it onto the surface of the sidewalk. While you spread a consistent layer of concrete over the top of the sidewalk with a float, have an assistant mix a new batch of concrete. Keep mixing, pouring and spreading until the sidewalk is covered. Do not cover the duct-tape-protected expansion joints.
- 4
  Add traction to the sidewalk by brushing the surface with a push broom. Pull up the duct tape immediately after brushing, before the concrete hardens.
- 5
  Allow the surface to harden for 24 hours. Coat the top with masonry sealant, applied with a paint roller.

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