How to Fill Cracks in a Concrete Driveway

Find out how to fill cracks in a concrete driveway so they don't spread and get worse. Get tips on using a caulk-like product from QUIKRETE for the job.

LESLIE: Alan in Tennessee has got a driveway that’s cracking up. Tell us what’s going on.

ALAN: Well, I’ve got a house; it’s about five years old. And the driveway has started getting some cracks in it. And I just was looking for the best way to patch them and keep it from spreading. For the past, probably, three years, every spring I put – pressure-wash the driveway and put sealer on it. But other than that, that’s about all I’ve ever done to the drive.

TOM: OK. And what’s it look like now in terms of the condition? Does it have a lot of cracks in it?

ALAN: It’s not a lot but it’s got a few that run. And some of them have started spider-webbing out.

TOM: OK. So, here’s the thing. You want to try to maintain these so they don’t get a lot worse. QUIKRETE has a caulk-like product that’s designed to fill cracks in concrete driveways.

ALAN: Right.

TOM: And it’s a good idea to use a product like that, because you know it’s going to adhere and expand and contract with the driveway. The goal here is to try to keep a lot of water from getting in there. Because as the water gets in, it will expand and then it will crack. As it freezes, it’ll expand and crack. And then of course, it’s a little bigger, a little bigger and a little bigger and that’s how it really starts to break down and break apart the driveway.

So, as those cracks start to show themselves and open up, it’s not unusual, so don’t panic; it’s pretty much normal wear and tear with concrete. But it’s also a good idea to seal them using the products that are designed just for that.

ALAN: OK. So the QUIKRETE is probably the best way to go?

TOM: Yeah. It’s called the QUIKRETE Concrete Repair. It’s a sanded, acrylic latex caulk and it’s designed specifically for crack repair. Comes in two different tube sizes: either a 10-ounce tube or a 5½-ounce tube. Not expensive, easy to apply. Gives you a really good adhesion and it’s going to stand up to the weather and most importantly, keep the water from getting into those cracks.

ALAN: Excellent. Thank you.

TOM: Good luck with that project. Thanks so much for calling us at 888-MONEY-PIT.