Fixing a cracked sidewalk

Sun., June 22, 2008

Samantha Mazzotta King Features Syndicate

Q: Maybe it’s the weather up here, but every spring when the snow melts, I find another crack in the concrete walkway leading from my door to the driveway. How do I fix these, and can I prevent them from occurring? — Frank in Downeast Maine

A: I’m not sure if there’s a surefire way to prevent cracks from appearing in a concrete surface. Even in more temperate areas, variable weather conditions, excessive dampness or extreme drought can hasten the deterioration of concrete.

As long as the concrete is structurally sound — there are no cracks going all the way to the bottom of the concrete, and the material is not crumbling away — you can repair the surface cracks at the beginning of each warm season.

•If there are a lot of small cracks or rough patches, rather than repairing them individually, consider resurfacing the concrete to improve its overall appearance and extend the life of the walkway.

•To repair individual cracks, clean out loose material and dirt with a wire brush and a jet of water from the hose. Brush a layer of concrete bonding adhesive into the crack.

•Then, fill the crack with vinyl-reinforced patching compound and smooth out the surface. Let dry at least 24 hours.

•Resurfacing the walk takes a little more work, but costs much less than having the walk replaced. It also requires a bit more instruction than I can fit into one column, so for now, I recommend checking out home-improvement publications specifically addressing concrete resurfacing, including making cost and material estimates. This way, you can determine if the walk needs resurfacing, and whether you want to do it yourself or bring in a contractor.

HOME TIP: Allowing a concrete repair to cure properly is essential in order for the repair to last. Shield the area from direct sunlight and from rain, while allowing fresh air to circulate over the section.

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