A cracked or damaged patio detracts from the overall appearance of a home, and may even impact resale value. Cracks in a patio can also pose a trip hazard for residents and guests. Some common patio problems can even allow moisture to seep under the surface of the patio, leading to further damage in the future. Fortunately, most basic patio repair techniques can be completed by the average homeowner in just a few hours. Generally, homeowners should tackle repairs when they first notice patio damage so it doesn't become worse, and be sure to choose the correct tools for the job.
For homeowners attempting a concrete patio repair, cracks serve as the most common form of damage. For small cracks homeowners should start by cleaning out the damaged area with a wire brush to remove loose stones and dust. These small cracks can then be filled with an epoxy-based concrete filler. These fillers make patio repair easy, and come in tubes similar to caulk. Once the filler has been injected into the crack, homeowners should wipe away excess material and allow the surface to dry before walking on it.
For larger cracks, it's often necessary to undercut the crack using a hammer and chisel. These tools help the homeowners transform the crack into an inverted-V shape, which helps the patio repair last much longer than a standard repair job. Once the undercutting is complete, the crack should be cleaned using a wire brush. Homeowners should then wet the crack with water for a more secure bond, then apply any concrete repair compound.
If the edges of a concrete patio are chipped or crumbling, the homeowner should use wooden lumber to build a form around the edge or corner of the surface. A concrete repair mix can be poured into the forms, then the installer can use a trowel to smooth out the surface. Once the patch has dried, the forms can be removed set aside for disposal.
On a paver patio, repair work often involves replacing a cracked or damaged paver with a new unit. First, the paver must be removed and a new, matching paver must be located. Sand can be added to the hole in the patio to serve as a base for the new stone. Installers may need to use a diamond saw blade to cut the paver to size before placing it into the hole in the surface of the patio. To complete the patio repair, installers should cover the new paver with sand, making sure to force most of the sand into the joints around the new unit.