How to Patch A Concrete Driveway

Introduction: All concrete driveways require a bit of maintenance after years of constant use and exposure to the elements, and eventually just about every homeowner will find it necessary to patch their concrete driveway in some manner. As the concrete in a driveway ages it becomes prone to cracks that when left unattended grow into large crevices and even into potholes that can become quite deep and wide.

While to patch a concrete driveway is not difficult to do yourself, it is always best to address driveway issues quickly before they expand into the scope of a major repair that may need professional intervention which can be extremely expensive in some instances.

Step 1: The tools necessary to patch a concrete driveway are somewhat basic - a wheelbarrow to mix concrete in, a trowel, a shovel, a broom, a small hammer and chisel and either a garden hose or pressure washer. The first step is to decide what type of concrete mix you want to purchase, either premixed concrete or Portland cement that you mix with sand yourself.

While making your own concrete using Portland cement usually lasts longer than the ready made concrete mix it can be made improperly resulting in a weak repair. So for the purpose of this article it will be assumed that you have purchased the ready mix variety of concrete.

Step 2: Inspect your driveway for cracks and loose concrete, and using your chisel and hammer remove small pieces of concrete that are loose. Sweep the entire driveway thoroughly and then rinse the concrete driveway using a pressure washer or garden hose.

Mix your concrete inside of the wheelbarrow in moderate sized batches so that it will be used before it dries, and use your trowel to fill existing holes and cracks in your concrete driveway. Make certain to take your time and smooth the new concrete mix in a level manner to make a neat and professional looking repair, and when finished remember to clean your tools well before storing them away.

Step 3: The day after you patch a concrete driveway spray the entire driveway with water lightly using a garden hose so the drying process is more gradual, as this will prevent new cracks from appearing. It's always a good idea to wait at least two to four days before driving on the concrete repairs so that the new concrete has had a chance to harden before being tested.

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