Repairing Cracks in Vertical Concrete Surfaces | QUIKRETE: Cement and Concrete Products
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A great way to view and understand your building or repair project before you get started. Find out just about everything you need to know by watching the video below.

Repairing Cracks in Vertical Concrete Surfaces

Make cosmetic and waterproof repairs to concrete, masonry and stucco walls. Sealing the cracks with QUIKRETE is an easy project for any skill level.


Project Instructions

When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves. QUIKRETE Concrete Repair or QUIKRETE Self-Leveling Polyurethane Sealant may be used.

Step 1
Widen the crack using a chisel and hammer to a minimum of ¼ inch and break away any deteriorating concrete (the edges of the crack should be vertical or beveled in an inverted “v”).

NOTE: for vertical cracks less than 1/2-inch wide and for cosmetic repairs, the best option is to use a textured acrylic caulk.

Step 2
Remove loose material with a brush.

Option A: QUIKRETE Concrete Repair

Step 3a
Cut the tip of the QUIKRETE Concrete Repair nozzle on an angle with a utility knife to match the width of the crack and load into a standard caulk gun.

Step 4a
Slowly draw the gun down the crack, forcing a bead of Concrete Repair caulk deep into the crack.

TIP: Concrete Repair can be tooled with a trowel to match the surrounding surface immediately after placement. It will begin to form a skin in about 20 to 40 minutes and will harden completely in 1 to 2 hours.

Option B: QUIKRETE Self-Leveling Polyurethane Sealant
Wear eye protection and waterproof gloves when working with polyurethane sealant.

Step 3b
Cut the tip of the nozzle at an angle with a utility knife matching the width of the crack and insert the tube into a standard caulk gun.

NOTE: For cracks or joints over 1/2 inch, a Backer Rod should be placed in the crack before applying the sealant.

Step 4b
Move the nozzle slowly along the length of the crack, allowing the sealant to settle.

TIP: this may require an additional application, which should be done immediately so that the two applications will mend into each other.    

Step 5b
Excess sealant should be cleaned up immediately with a commercial solvent or a citrus-based cleaner.

TIP: polyurethane sealants are temperature sensitive and should not be used when temperatures are below 50 degrees.


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