Repairing Sidewalks

For some reason, a cracked sidewalk happens to say something to people who see it for the first time. Typically the message is that the person who lives in this home doesn't really care about how their home looks. While the truthfulness of this statement may be up to debate, what isn't really a matter of debate is that cracked sidewalks tend to make your home look shabby. Repairing sidewalks is a relatively easy task that you can do in a single weekend. All you need to do is follow these directions.

Materials:

• Concrete
• Concrete bonding agent.
• Concrete epoxy or latex patching compound
• 3 pound sledgehammer
• Cold chisel
• Pointing trowel
• Stiff-bristled brush
• Portland cement
• Mason's sand
• Metal or wooden float
• Mixing tub

Procedure:

1. Fill small cracks. If you have a crack in your sidewalk that is 1/8 of an inch or less wide, then simply place a little bit of epoxy or latex patching into the crack. As you apply it, make sure that you follow the directions as provided by the manufacturer. For larger cracks, you will need to smooth things out a bit first. Undercut the crack by using a cold chisel that is angled slightly outward. Hit the chisel with a 3 pound sledgehammer, and the bottom of the crack will be widened allowing you an easier time to work.
2. Clean the sidewalk. Thoroughly clean your sidewalk, and the crack. First sweep as much of the dust and dirt as you can, and then wash it all clean.
3. Apply bonding agent. Before applying the concrete bonding agent, scour the crack, and the area around the crack, with a stiff-bristled brush. Do this with both a dry stiff-bristled brush, and with one that is damp. Apply the concrete bonding agent according to the manufacturer's directions.
4. Apply mortar. Make the mortar by mixing together one part Portland cement, and three parts mason's sand. Add just enough water to make a thick paste. This should take you about 15 minutes, and when you are finished it will be time to apply the mortar to the crack. You need to wait the 15 minutes though to allow the bonding agent to work properly.
5. Smooth the concrete. Once you have applied the mortar to the crack using a pointed trowel, smooth it all out. Do this by using a metal or wooden float. Allow the concrete to dry and cure before letting it experience any heavy traffic.