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Outdoor · Free DIY Guide

How to Patch a Crack in Concrete

  • Time: 1 hour + cure
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Steps: 5

Small cracks let water in, and Chicago freeze-thaw winters make them grow. Seal them in dry weather above 50°F.

Tools & materials

  • Wire brush
  • Shop vac
  • Concrete crack filler or sealant (self-leveling for flat surfaces)
  • Backer rod for cracks over 1/4 inch
  • Putty knife

Step by step

  1. Step 1

    Clean the crack with a wire brush and vacuum out loose debris and dust.

  2. Step 2

    For cracks deeper than 1/2 inch, push foam backer rod in to fill the depth.

  3. Step 3

    Fill the crack with the sealant, slightly overfilling.

  4. Step 4

    Smooth it with a putty knife so it sits flush with the surface.

  5. Step 5

    Keep foot and car traffic off it for the cure time on the label.

When to stop and call ProFix

If you see any of these, stop and call us:

  • The slab has heaved, sunk or the crack is wider than 1/2 inch
  • Cracks are in a foundation wall with water coming in
  • Large areas are spalling or crumbling

Not in the mood to DIY? A ProFix pro can handle it for you in Chicago Metro and Dallas–Fort Worth, with a written price before work starts.

Related guides

These guides are general information for simple repairs. You're responsible for your own safety and for following local codes and your lease or HOA rules. When in doubt, stop and call a licensed professional. All DIY guides

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