How to fix cracked concrete pavement?

snipwhip

Hi there

We've got a crack in the pavement going along the  back of our house which look to be caused by settling in the last 20 years since it was built.. Is there a way we can seal this easily and cost effectively ourselves and smooth out the dip without doing anything major like lifting and injecting (it's a huge single poured concrete section i think)?  Thanks! 

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @snipwhip. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about fixing a crack.

It’s likely there’s not much you can do as a true D.I.Y. “fix” for that kind of issue. Since the slab has settled over 20 years, anything you do will mostly be a band-aid rather than a long-term solution.

One option would be to grind down the higher section of the concrete to create a smoother transition into the lower section. This can help reduce the severity of the step between the two areas. 

Either way, I’d suggest filling the crack itself with a structural repair mortar or cement-based filler to prevent water from getting in and making the issue worse. Then, grind or taper the surrounding area so it’s less of a trip hazard. You could then build a small cement ramp from the higher side down into the lower portion.

It won’t stop future movement, but it can make the area safer and neater without the expense of lifting or injecting the slab.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell