How to Repair Crack in Concrete Driveway

Let’s be real, concrete cracks happen to almost every driveway. The weather shifts, water seeps in, the ground moves, and boom… there’s a crack.

Most people ignore it. It’s “just a little line,” right? But leave it too long and that small crack turns into a big, ugly problem. Next thing you know, you’re looking at full concrete driveway repair that costs way more than a quick fix would have.

Good news! You need not to worry about a small crack or how to repair cracks in concrete driveways. You can do it even if you are not a professional.

We can help you with what tools to grab, which products actually work (including the best concrete crack filler options), and how to do it right the first time. 

What Causes Concrete Cracks?

Is it bothering you? That crack that you see in your driveway? So why does your driveway crack in the first place? It’s not just bad luck.

It could be water getting in, freezing up, then expanding. That’s what freeze-thaw does. Concrete can’t handle that kind of pressure forever.

Or the ground underneath might be shifting. If the base wasn’t packed tight when the driveway was poured, the slab moves. And moving slabs crack. Simple as that.

Heavy vehicles can also stress it out. Big trucks. Loaded vans. Over time, that weight takes a toll.

Sometimes it’s just a bad pour. Poor prep. Weak mix. Rushed job. Cheap finish. That kind of stuff shows up later.

Knowing why the crack happened helps you plan the right concrete driveway repair. It’s not just about patching the surface. A smart driveway repair stops the crack from coming back.

Types of Cracks You Might See

Not all cracks are the same. Some look scary but aren’t. Others look small and harmless, but they’re not.

Below are the types of cracks that you might see:

Hairline Surface Cracks

These are thin cracks on the top layer. They look small, but they let water in. Over time, water damage makes things worse. Fixing them early is the cheapest kind of concrete driveway repair you’ll ever do.

Wide Structural Cracks

These are deep and wide. You’ll notice uneven spots or sinking. That usually means the ground under the driveway has moved or settled. This kind of driveway repair takes more than just a quick filler.

Expansion Joint Separation

Your driveway needs space to move. That’s what expansion joints are for. But sometimes the material between slabs dries up or falls out. When that happens, water sneaks in and cracks follow.

Surface Crazing

This one just looks bad. It shows up like spiderwebs on the surface. It’s not deep, but it makes your driveway look old and worn. It happens when the concrete dries too fast or gets finished wrong.

Best Concrete Crack Fillers for Driveways

You see cracks. You want them gone. But don’t waste money on stuff that flakes off after one rain. You need the best concrete crack filler that actually works and lasts.

What makes a good concrete crack filler

It should stick tight. Move with the concrete. Not crack again when it rains, freezes, or gets hot. And you should be able to use it without hiring a crew.

Best options to try

Here’s what works well on driveways:

• Self-leveling types that fill bigger cracks fast
• Flexible caulk for narrow cracks and edges
• Polyurethane fillers that can take heat, cold, and weight
  

What to look for

Check drying time. See if it’s weatherproof. Make sure it’s easy to use. A strong concrete crack filler saves you from redoing the same crack every year.

Tools & Materials Needed for Concrete Crack Repair

Don’t overthink it. You don’t need a truckload of gear to fix driveway cracks. Just a few things to get it done right.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Safety gloves (because concrete dries out your skin fast)
  
• A stiff broom to clean loose dirt and debris
  
• Caulking gun for applying the driveway crack filler
  
• Backer rod if the crack is deep
  
• Trowel to smooth things over once the filler’s in
  
• Optional: concrete resurfacer if your whole driveway needs a little facelift
  

That’s it. Keep it simple. Most of this stuff is at any home improvement store. Or let my team at Promaster Maintenance Corp bring it and handle the work for you.

How to Repair Crack in Concrete Driveway Step-by-Step

You just need the right steps and a little patience. You don’t need to be a pro for this, just follow these steps:

Step 1: Clean the crack.

Grab a broom or a wire brush. Clear out any loose dirt, dust, weeds, or old filler. If it’s not clean, the repair won’t stick.

Step 2: Prep the deep ones.

If the crack is deep, widen it slightly. Then push in a backer rod to help support the filler and stop it from sinking.

Pro tip: Fill the crack with playground sand until all voids are filled. Tap the concrete gently and make sure it’s distributed evenly.

Step 3: Fill it up.

Take your concrete crack filler or driveway crack filler and apply it straight into the crack. Make sure it goes in fully and fills the gap.

Step 4: Smooth the surface.

Use a trowel to level it off. Make it look clean and even with the rest of the driveway.

Step 5: Let it dry.

Now leave it alone and allow it to dry completely. Keep water, people, and cars off it. Let it cure completely.

That’s it. That’s how to repair crack in concrete driveway without stress or wasted time.

For Cosmetic Damage: Resurfacing Tips

Not every problem needs a full fix. If the concrete has thin lines or a rough surface, use a concrete resurfacer.

It won’t fix deep cracks. But it covers light damage and gives your driveway a clean, new look.

Just make sure the base is solid. Clean off dirt and dust. Mix the product right. Then spread it smooth with a squeegee.

This works great for small surface cracks and light wear. Simple, fast, and it makes a big difference.

How To Tell If You Need a Pro

Some cracks are more than just cracks. If your concrete keeps splitting or the slabs are sinking, stop wasting time with DIY.

Here’s when you need real concrete crack repair:

• Cracks keep coming back no matter what you use
  
• The slab is uneven or dropping in spots
  
• You’ve got deep or wide cracks growing fast
  

That’s foundation-level stuff. You need pros who know what they’re doing. That’s where Promaster Maintenance Corp comes in.

Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Results

Want your fix to actually last? Here’s what most folks miss:

• Always clean the crack. Dirt kills the bond.
• Only fill on warm, dry days. Moisture ruins the seal.
• Reseal your driveway once a year. It blocks water and keeps it looking sharp.

These little steps go a long way. 

Conclusion: Repair Now, Save Later

Cracks in concrete don’t fix themselves. You already know how to repair crack in concrete driveway. It takes basic tools, the right steps, and a solid concrete crack filler. Skip the fix now, and you’re signing up for full concrete driveway repair later. That’s more time, more cost, more headache.

You can stop a bigger driveway repair if you fix those small cracks on time. But if those cracks keep coming back or the slab is shifting, serious concrete crack repair is needed. 

Use a trusted driveway crack filler for surface gaps. For deeper damage, go with the best concrete crack filler you can find.

Still unsure? Call Promaster Maintenance Corp, who does this every day. Fix it right. Before it gets worse.

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