Dear James: My concrete walkway from the driveway to the front door is sound, but the surface is crumbling. How can I repair just the surface without the expense of a totally new walkway? — Jack P.
Dear Jack: A crumbling walkway is not the most attractive or inviting way to greet guests who come to your home. Even if you try brushing the pieces away, the surface of the concrete will most likely continue to crumble and fall apart.
Usually a walkway starts to crumble because of bad workmanship or cheap materials. The good news is you don't have to remove and replace the entire walkway at one time. You can repair just one or two control joint sections at a time. This is the best course of action for someone on a limited budget.
The most effective do-it-yourself repair method is to use a heavy, 1-2 inch concrete overlay. This will only work if the concrete underneath the deteriorating surface is in good shape, so you are in luck.
The basic overlay procedure has four steps. First, clean out the bad areas of the walkway. Second, paint a thin cement glue layer. Next, you will need to apply the overlay. To finish it off nicely, level the overlay.
Cement is an excellent glue and holds concrete together well. The cement paint used in the overlay is a concentrated, wet mixture of cement and sand that is used as a glue between the new overlay and the sound walkway underneath.
To begin construction of your new sidewalk section, first use a broom to remove the loose pieces. Take a chisel and hammer and chip around these areas. You should also examine other suspect spots to find out if they will soon need repairing also. Spray the area clean with a high-pressure hose once you are finished with the chipping.
Use wood concrete forms along the sides of the walkway. To make sure the height is even, make spacer blocks and place a straight two-by-four across them. For the section in front of your doorstep, where the sidewalk must blend, taper the overlay thickness as needed.
Next, wet down the area to be repaired and cover it with plastic for several hours. After the area is covered, mix and apply the cement glue and the concrete overlay. To make cement glue, use equal parts of fine sand and cement. Add water so that it is the consistency of thick paint.
For the overlay concrete, use about three parts of sand to every one part of cement. For a unique look, try adding tiny pieces of gravel or colorants.
Have someone help you paint the thin layer of the cement glue first. Spread the overlay concrete layer in the forms within a few minutes of painting the glue on. Use the long two-by-four again to level off the overlay. Lay it on top of the forms and move it in a sawing motion.
Let the cement set and dry a little. About 30 minutes should be an adequate amount of time. When it is fairly solid, finish the top surface. For a typical-looking concrete surface, use a broom in a circular motion to texture it.
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