KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – PATCHING SIDEWALKS AND OTHER CONCRETE AREAS
You can fix cracks and holes using vinyl concrete patching material. This is by no means a permanent solution, but will get you through the winter. Quickrete makes a good product called professional grade vinyl concrete patch. It comes in 10lb yellow buckets with a blue label. This is enough for a small crack or missing pieces job. For larger jobs you can purchase a 40lb bag.
The 40lb bag is definitely the more economical choice. I was just at Home Depot this last Sunday and 10lb buckets were $6.50 while a 40lb bag just $10.67.
Clean out the area to be patched with a broom or brush. Mix the patch according to the directions, 10 ounces of water for every 5lbs of mix. It's best to start out with about ¾ of the recommended amount and add the rest as needed. You can always add more water. You always want to add wet to dry not the reverse. The mix should actually seem too dry.
Fill the area with the mixture, using a straight edged trowel to spread and smooth the patch. Use a board longer than the hole to drag across, which will reveal any low spots. Add patch as needed and repeat troweling and smoothing with the board until the area looks uniform.
Let the patch set for at least 3 hours. Sprinkle lightly with water and smooth with a broom.
If you are doing this in the summer when it is really hot you need to keep the patch moist for a day or so. Fortunately, we don't have to worry about that now. Like I said this is not a permanent solution but will get you through the winter and help stop further deterioration.
P.S. While at Home Depot I noticed all trees are 75% off and bushes 50%. It's a great time to plant. Make sure you plant deep enough and water, water, water until the ground freezes. This gives them a great head start and they will take off in the Spring.
Happy Gardening!
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
