Cracks are a common problem in concrete driveways. They can occur for various reasons, including settling of the soil underneath, shrinkage of concrete as it cures, vehicle loads that exceed its strength, poor joint spacing during installation, and environmental exposure. Left untreated, these cracks can spread and further deteriorate your driveway.

    There are several ways to repair concrete cracks, ranging from simple DIY fixes with QUIKRETE to professional services for major damage.

    The best concrete crack repair method depends on the cracks’ severity, type, and location, but I think using QUIKRETE sealers is an optimal option for DIY homeowners hoping to fix concrete driveways on their own. Here’s everything you need to know about why your concrete driveway is cracking and how to fix it using QUIKRETE sealers. 


    Why Concrete Driveways Get Cracks

    Concrete naturally shrinks as it cures, leading to tension within the slab. When this tension exceeds the strength of the concrete, cracking can happen. Some key reasons concrete driveways are prone to cracking include settling and moving of soil, poor joint control spacing, excessive vehicle loads, freeze-thaw cycles, and poor subgrade preparation. Excess water or reactive aggregate in the concrete mix can also cause cracks.


    How to Evaluate Crack Damage

    Not all driveway cracks require repair. Minor shrinkage cracks are generally expected with concrete and may not grow into serious structural issues. However, inspecting and checking the cracks is important to determine if professional repairs are warranted for your driveway.

    Consider the following when evaluating concrete cracks:

    • Crack width: Very fine hairline cracks under 1/8 inch wide may not need repair. I recommend closely watching medium cracks between 1/8 and 1⁄2 inch wide. Major cracks wider than 1⁄2 inch likely require professional repair.
    • Growing cracks: Monitor identified cracks with periodic measurements and mark the crack ends with a grease pencil. Growth over time indicates continued movement.
    • Horizontal movement: Place a rigid straightedge like a level across the crack and check for separation between the two sides. Movement parallel to the crack plane can mean the slab segments are shifting or settling unevenly.
    • Leakage: Sprinkle water over cracks during a rain-free period. Water that quickly seeps through could undermine soil support and widen the cracks over time.
    • Location: Cracks along control joints and edges are less concerning than random cracks through the middle of slab segments. Edge cracks suggest issues with site drainage or poor surrounding soil confinement.
    • Vertical displacement: Check if the edges of the crack are misaligned vertically. Significant displacement over 1⁄4 inch often indicates significant soil movement or freeze-thaw damage and increases repair urgency.
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    I suggest inspecting your driveway surface for other signs of deterioration like pitting, crumbling edges, sinking, or prominent joints that cause trip hazards. These issues may need extensive repairs beyond basic crack filling.


    Temporary DIY Concrete Crack Repairs

    For minor surface cracks up to 1⁄4 inch wide, homeowners can temporarily repair cracks with caulks or patching compounds from the local hardware store. These inexpensive products provide a quick fix but often fail after one or two years.

    Silicone and acrylic latex caulk are the easiest crack fillers to apply. They penetrate narrow cracks well but lack the durability and strength for wider repairs. Caulking also fails earlier when you apply it to moving cracks.

    Hydraulic cements are premixed cement-based products that harden when exposed to moisture. They come in pressurized cans for small repairs. Hydraulic cement is more durable than caulk but can crumble loosely over time. It works best for stationary hairline cracks.

    Vinyl concrete patchers are acrylic-based compounds with a thicker viscosity than caulks. They fill wider cracks up to 1⁄4 inch well but lack the strength and longevity of epoxy or polyurethane products. The patcher remains somewhat flexible after curing.

    Epoxy crack fillers are the most durable DIY repair product. When you mix them, they come as two-part liquids that harden into a rigid, permanent bond. Epoxies work well for cracks up to 1⁄4 inch wide in locations that don’t move excessively. DIY kits are available, but they can be challenging for beginners to mix and apply correctly.


    The Solution: Use QUIKRETE Concrete Crack Sealers

    QUIKRETE offers a few solutions, with a full line of waterproofing sealers to beautify and protect concrete, brick, masonry, pavers, and even stone and stucco. I recommend using these two options: Concrete & Masonry Waterproofing Sealer and Concrete & Masonry High Gloss Sealer. The type of sealer you choose depends upon your own preference, but both seal and protect concrete beautifully. 

    The Concrete & Masonry Waterproofing Sealer is a water-based, highly water-resistant silicone formulation designed to waterproof and seal without changing the surface appearance. It’s ideal for concrete, pavers, and stucco and leaves a natural-looking finish.

    The Concrete & Masonry High Gloss Sealer is a water-based, high-gloss, acrylic clear sealer designed to waterproof, seal, and enhance surface color. You can use it on concrete, pavers, masonry, brick, and natural stone for a beautiful wet-look finish.

    How to Apply QUIKRETE Sealers

    After choosing your sealer, ensure you’ve prepped your surface for application. If you’re working with newly poured concrete, make sure to allow the concrete to cure for at least 30 days before applying sealer. If you’re working with a previously sealed surface, clean the surface of all stains and flaking. Also, confirm the surface is porous, which you can do by placing drops of water on it‌.  ‌If the water absorbs, you can apply the sealer.

    Application is easy, as both the waterproofing and high-gloss sealer are ready to use, and you can apply it with a roller, water sprayer, or brush. If needed, apply a second coat 10 to 15 minutes after the first coat while the first coat is still wet.


    What to Do if Concrete is Severely Damaged

    If cracks are big, you may have to consider things like professional crack injection or slab jacking (also called mudjacking), which uses polyurethane foam to raise settled sections.

    In cases where your driveway has extensive cracking, spalling, sinking, or interconnected spider cracking in large areas, QUIKRETE, other injections, or slab jacking may not be enough. Instead, you may have to remove and repair portions of the slab. You may need more extensive concrete repair for:

    • Trip hazards from slab sections lifting more than an inch above an adjacent section.
    • Cracks wider than one inch indicate (these may signal significant soil movement).
    • Sunken areas over two inches deep where mudjacking isn’t practical.
    • Deep, full-depth cracks and damage at slab edges.

    Concrete section replacement typically costs $6 to $12 per square foot. This requires sawing out the old section, preparing the soil beneath, setting formwork, and pouring new concrete to match existing thicknesses and drainage slopes. You must properly join the new concrete to adjacent slabs.

    Ideally, you or a concrete contractor can correct the underlying cause of the damage before pouring the new section to prevent cracks from returning quickly. This may involve compaction or stabilization of subgrade soils beneath the concrete. Make sure to opt for a contractor that insists on reinforcements for extensive concrete repairs, as replacement sections should also include reinforcing steel mesh for better crack resistance. 

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    So, Are QUIKRETE Sealers the Best Solution for Concrete Driveway Cracks, or Should I Hire a Professional?

    In extreme cases, having an experienced concrete contractor evaluate and repair your driveway cracks is the ideal solution when DIY products won’t cut it, and you need lasting repairs. Professional services like crack injection and mudjacking can provide more robust repairs by rebuilding structural integrity.

    However, DIY caulks and patching compounds can serve as a temporary solution for minor shrinkage cracks under 1/4 inch with minimal vertical movement. QUIKRETE Sealers are an excellent choice to treat and prevent cracks in your driveway or other concrete spaces.


    FAQs About Fixing Concrete Driveway Cracks

    What is the best DIY concrete crack filler?

    For thin cracks, silicone caulks penetrate well. For wider cracks, up to 1/4 inch, epoxy fillers sold at hardware stores provide the most durable repairs, followed by vinyl concrete patching compounds. QUIKRETE also offers great concrete sealers.


    How do you repair a crack in a concrete floor?

    Grind or wire brush cracks to remove loose debris. Use caulks or hydraulic cement to fill hairline cracks. For larger cracks, epoxy injection kits are available. Alternatively, hire a concrete contractor to inject epoxy or polyurethane resin.


    What kind of concrete cracks need repair?

    Hairline cracks under 1/8 inch wide may not need repair. Monitor wider cracks, vertical displacement, horizontal movement, leakage, and growth over time for possible repair.


    How much does it cost to fix concrete cracks?

    DIY concrete repair kits start under $50. For professional work, a simple crack injection costs $300 to $450. Extensive mudjacking for sunken sections runs $2 to $8 per square foot. Full-section replacement averages $6 to $12 per square foot.


    How can you prevent cracks in concrete?

    Good concrete mix design, proper subgrade preparation, adequate thickness, and correct control joint spacing help minimize cracking. However, minor shrinkage cracks are inevitable in concrete slabs. Stabilizing foundations can help reduce soil movement.


    Editorial Contributors
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    Jonathon Jachura

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    Jonathon Jachura is a two-time homeowner with hands-on experience with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, lawn care, pest control, and other aspects of owning a home. He is passionate about home maintenance and finding the best services. His main goal is to educate others with crisp, concise descriptions that any homeowner can use. Jon uses his strong technical background to create engaging, easy-to-read, and informative guides. He does most of his home and lawn projects himself but hires professional companies for the “big things.” He knows what goes into finding the best service providers and contractors. Jon studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University in Indiana and worked in the HVAC industry for 12 years. Between his various home improvement projects, he enjoys the outdoors, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with his family.

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    Lori Zaino

    Lori Zaino is a freelance writer and editor based in Madrid, Spain. With nearly two decades of editorial experience, she’s written and edited for publications like Forbes, CNN, Insider, NBC, Newsweek, The Points Guy, The Infatuation, and many others. Having just completed her first home renovation, she’s more interested in home improvements than ever, dedicated to bringing you fresh and accurate content to help you update your living spaces.

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