How to Repair a Crumbling Concrete Driveway

Learn how to repair crumbling concrete driveways with this step-by-step guide. Find out how to prepare the area, use different types of concrete mixes, add texture, protect your countertop with sealants and dyes.

How to Repair a Crumbling Concrete Driveway

When it comes to repairing a crumbling concrete driveway, proper preparation is essential. Start by removing any crumbling waste and anything that may hinder the mortar adhesion process, such as grease, paint or oil. Pour enough dry concrete mix into a 5 gallon bucket to repair any cracks and damaged areas. Sand mixture or concrete resurfacing, which does not contain gravel, can be used for small areas.

For larger or deeper areas, use a standard concrete mix containing gravel. When the concrete starts to set, use a broom with an extended handle to give the surface a little texture. If you are unsure of the structural integrity of your entrance, consult a professional for assessment and recommendations for repair. Wear a respiratory mask and goggles to keep concrete dust in the air at bay, and sand the entire surface in several passes with a hand grinder equipped with diamond pads.

Protect the new look of your countertop with a sealant such as Quikrete's Concrete & Masonry Waterproofing Sealant, and apply a penetrating dye like Quikrete's Penetrating Concrete Dye to enhance the natural beauty of your countertop with one of a variety of rich shades. Use a utility broom to add texture that will prevent concrete slabs from becoming slippery when wet. Diligence in maintaining or replacing worn areas in concrete is crucial to its overall strength and longevity. Instead of tearing up concrete and starting over, you can often save money by repairing your driveway, as long as the concrete is structurally sound.

Improper preparation of subgrade, poor concrete mixing or shrinkage during curing are factors that can cause cracks and result from improper initial installation of a driveway. This colored concrete driveway was streaked and faded due to weather exposure and improper maintenance. Fixing a crumbling driveway is pretty simple with great products and a solid understanding of the process. As cool to the touch as they are to the eye, concrete countertops offer a modern yet sturdy work surface for the kitchen, a space where concrete will inevitably succumb to stains and scratches over time.

The Concrete Rejuvenator is made with Portland cement and a unique blend of polymers and additives that give it greater strength and durability. Spray the cleaner onto the concrete surface with a low-pressure nozzle following the instructions on the container. In this project, the concrete driveway was dyed in a warm walnut shade to accentuate existing cracks and give it a rich leather-like appearance. Diligence in maintaining or replacing worn areas in concrete is crucial to its overall strength and longevity.