How to Repair Cracks in Concrete: Step by Step

Concrete is durable and versatile, but even the strongest concrete can develop cracks over time. These cracks can be unsightly and can also weaken the concrete's structure. Fortunately, repairing concrete cracks is a relatively easy task for most homeowners. This blog post will explain how to repair concrete cracks using Instant Medic Hard. This two-part epoxy resin is designed to bond to concrete and create a durable repair.

Materials and Tools Needed to Repair Cracked Concrete

• Instant Medic Hard
• Nyalox brush or wire wheel
• Wet/Dry Vac aka Shop vac
• Putty knife
• Concrete backer rod (optional)
• Protective eyewear and gloves

1. Prepare the Area for Repair

1. Remove any loose concrete material from the repair area
2. Clean the area with a Nyalox brush or wire wheel and vacuum free of dust

2 Mix the Instant Medic Hard

1. Measure equal parts of Instant Medic Hard's "A" and "B" components into a mixing container.
2. If adding color or aggregates: Mix pigment pack in “B” side 
   1. Pigments such as our Polish Dye or our Indoor/outdoor dye can be added to the “B” side before mixing to pigment the product (only use solvent-based dye products) 
   2. Sand can be added for strength and volume. Three parts of sand and one part of mixed Instant Medic hard will make a trowelable (slightly runny) mix. Mixing too much sand is not recommended. 
   3. Other “dry” products, such as portland, tile grout, etc, can be added for color and texture.
3.  Only mix small batches of Instant Medic Hard at one time (start with no more than eight ozs in total). This product dries very quickly.

3. Apply the Instant Medic Hard to the crack.

1. Use a putty knife to apply the Instant Medic Hard to the crack, allowing it to overfill slightly.
2. If pouring into a crack, keep shoving more product into the top of the crack until it stops sinking into the crack cavity
3. Smooth out the Instant Medic Hard with the putty knife.

4. Clean Up Any Excess Product

1. Clean overfilled product with a Concrete DNA Satellite Pad (30 or 50 grit work best)
2. A Flap disc (available at most hardware stores) on an angle grinder is also good at removing excess products.

5. Seal the Crack (Optional)

If the crack is located in an area exposed to the elements, you should seal it with a clear sealant.

Additional Tips

• For best results, apply Instant Medic Hard in temperatures between 50°F and 90°F.
• Protect the repaired area from moisture and freezing temperatures for at least 24 hours.
• If the crack is very deep, you may need a professional to repair it.

Need more information? Follow along in our Repairing Cracks in Concrete Step 2 and Concrete Crack Repairs Step 3 YouTube tutorials!