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Best Concrete Crack Filler (2023): Reviews and Comparison 

 February 20, 2023

By  Dale Keese

Concrete is one of the strongest and most durable building materials. However, concrete also expands and contracts due to hot and cold weather conditions. Over time this can result in cracks appearing on your concrete surfaces.

Best for Beginners, Easy to use

Best for Hairline Cracks

Best Pre-Mixed Crack Filler

Best for Vertical Application

Best Crack Filler for Wet Areas

Best for Larger Cracks / Driveways

Best Multi Purpose Crack Sealer

Best Fast Drying Crack Filler

Unlike certain other popular building materials such as wood and metal, cracks in concrete can be repaired and restored to "just-like-new" condition. When wood starts rotting, nothing can be done. It needs to be replaced. Similarly, when metal begins corroding, it needs to be replaced. This is where concrete is different from most other building materials.

Our Reviews of Concrete Crack Fillers

There are a variety of products available that fill up and repair cracks in concrete. The best concrete crack filler to meet your specific requirements depends on a number of factors.

The Top 7 Best Concrete Crack Fillers for 2022 are:


  • Bluestar Flexible Concrete Crack Filler
  • EZR Hairline Crack Sealer
  • Red Devil Pre-Mixed Concrete Patch
  • PC-Concrete Two-Part Epoxy Adhesive Paste
  • DRYLOK Fast Plug Hydraulic Cement
  • Dalton Enterprises 35099 PLI-STIX
  • Damtite Concrete SuperPatch

Find out which is best for you in our full in-depth reviews below ...

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Dap 37584 Liquid Cement Crack Filler

This liquid cement or concrete crack filler is ideal for narrow cracks on the deck, in the basement, etc. The ergonomically designed filler easily reaches into narrow cracks and saturates the space created by the crack. You don’t have to bother about proportioning or mixing, as this liquid cement crack filler is ready to use.

Dap 37584 Liquid Cement Crack Filler

Source: dap.com

OUR RATING

Features
  • This is a pre-mixed cement crack filler.
  • It takes about 30 to 45 minutes for the crack to be repaired after the filler is applied.
  • The filler is self-leveling.
  • It's gray in color after drying, which matches most cement or concrete surfaces.
  • It can be used both inside and outside the house.
  • It's available in a 1-quart container.
Advantages
  • It can be used straight out of the bottle. There’s no preparation time involved.
  • The nozzle on top of the bottle is perfectly designed for application in narrow cracks.
  • It dries up quickly (under an hour) and the surface is ready for traffic.
  • Doesn’t contain any obnoxious odor.
  • It’s available in packs of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bottles, which helps you save money.
Drawbacks
  • If the crack is on an uneven surface or if the surface has an incline, this liquid crack filler tends to pool to one side and doesn’t have the desired effect.
  • Some customers have complained about the color of the crack filler turning black after a few weeks.

PC-Concrete Two-Part Epoxy Adhesive Paste for Crack Repair

PC Concrete is a well-known name in this industry. This epoxy adhesive paste for concrete crack repair is one of the best concrete crack fillers available in the market. It lends considerable strength and durability to the concrete and doesn’t break off with regular wear and tear.

PC-Concrete Two-Part Epoxy Adhesive Paste

Source: pcepoxy.com

OUR RATING

Features
  • This is a high-tack paste, which means it can be applied on damp surfaces.
  • It can be used to repair and fill up cracks in vertical concrete surfaces.
  • The application temperature range of this epoxy is 35 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, which means it can be used both indoors and outdoors.
  • The adhesive paste needs to be applied into cracks in 20 minutes and requires 4 hours to cure.
  • If applied on a clean concrete surface, the epoxy adhesive paste will not get loosened.
Advantages
  • Besides filling and repairing cracks in concrete, this epoxy adhesive paste can also be used to anchor the likes of rods and bolts into concrete.
  • It is moisture resistant.
  • It doesn’t get affected by the natural expansion and contraction of concrete surfaces due to changes in temperature and seasons.
Drawbacks
  • Applying this adhesive paste into concrete takes a bit of an effort and you will need help while doing it.
  • Some customers have complained that it takes a lot of effort to squeeze the paste out of the tube.
  • It's a good, but expensive product.

Bluestar Flexible Concrete Crack Filler

The Bluestar concrete crack filler is really easy to apply. It's perfect for those who prefer the do-it-yourself (DIY) route. You do not require any special tools to apply it. The bottle cap is in the shape of a nozzle that can precisely apply the filler into the crack. The filler can be used on all types of concrete surfaces, including steps, basement, garage floors, patio, and driveway.

Bluestar Flexible Concrete Crack Filler

Source: bluestartn.com

OUR RATING

Features
  • The filler is flexible and adjusts itself to the natural expansion and contraction of concrete in hot and cold weather, respectively.
  • It can fill and repair concrete cracks up to one inch in width.
  • It seals the crack and prevents moisture from seeping in.
  • It's available in gray and light gray shades. So, depending on the original color of the concrete surface you can select the right one.
Advantages
  • The consistency of the filler similar to that of thick glue, which makes it really easy to apply.
  • It protects the crack and the concrete surface as a whole against rainwater.
  • Ideal for first-time users.
Drawbacks
  • If you don’t select the right shade to match with the concrete surface you want to repair, the color of the filler can stand out and look peculiar.
  • Some customers complained that the cracks returned after a month.

Dalton Latex-ite 35099 PLI-STIX Asphalt and Concrete Crack Filler

The Dalton Latex-ite PLI-STIX is ideal for filling and repairing wider cracks in concrete (or asphalt) surfaces. Liquid and gel-based concrete crack fillers are sometimes not good enough for wide cracks. In such scenarios, the PLI-STIX can do the job. It does involve some preparation time and needs to be applied carefully, but does an excellent job of filling up and repairing cracks.

Dalton Enterprises 35099 PLI-STIX

Source: latexite.com

OUR RATING

Features
  • This Latex-ite PLI-STIX resembles a black rope and it is a permanent crack filler.
  • Heat is used to apply it, which ensures it bonds with the surface.
  • The length of the PLI-STIX is 30 feet and it's available in packs of 2, 3, 4 and 5.
  • It can be used to fill cracks between half and one inch in diameter.
  • It doesn't contain any volatile organic compounds, which means it doesn't emanate any unpleasant odor.
Advantages
  • The product is ready to use. It has a melt-away wrapper that doesn't need to be removed while placing it in the crack.
  • The PLI-STIX is flexible, which ensures the crack remains sealed even as the concrete naturally expands and contracts with the changes in weather and season.
  • The material is such that after it seals and repairs the cracks, the surface doesn't become slippery.
Drawbacks
  • Deep cracks need to be filled with sand or stone before the PLI-STIX is placed in it.
  • You need a good quality heat torch to melt the PLI-STIX and seal the crack, which can be a difficult proposition for inexperienced users.

Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield Concrete Patch and Repair

The Rust-Oleum Concrete Patch and Repair lends an elegant and smooth finish to the concrete surface. Just because a crack has formed in a concrete surface, it doesn't have to look ugly. Since it's quite easy to mix and apply, anyone can use it to repair cracks on concrete surfaces in their property. You do not need to purchase any fancy devices or tools to apply this product, which helps you stay within budget.

Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield

Source: rustoleum.com

OUR RATING

Features
  • It has a two-part industrial strength epoxy but is safe to use in residences.
  • It's available in a 24 oz container.
  • Two parts of the epoxy base need to be mixed with one part of the activator before it's applied in
  • the crack.
  • It takes about 8 hours for it to cure and be ready to be painted.
  • It can be used to repair cracks on concrete surfaces as well as masonry.
Advantages
  • It doesn't shrink after drying or due to changes in weather, which ensures that the crack doesn't open up again.
  • It doesn't have an unpleasant odor.
  • It cures fast.
  • It’s priced affordably.
Drawbacks
  • A shiny gloss remains on the part of the surface it’s applied on, which can look odd if the rest of the surface isn’t glossy.
  • Some customers have complained that in their experience it doesn’t hold up outdoors and only works on indoor concrete surfaces.

EZR Hairline Crack Sealer

As the name suggests, this concrete crack sealer is specifically made to deal with hairline cracks. People often ignore hairline cracks thinking it's not a major issue. But these hairline cracks eventually turn into deeper and wider cracks. Plus, a hairline crack is enough for moisture to seep into the concrete surface and hurt. Hence, hairline cracks should be dealt with immediately and this product can help you do just that.

EZR Hairline Crack Sealer

Source: walmart.com

OUR RATING

Features
  • This can be used to seal and repair hairline cracks in concrete surfaces anywhere in your house, including on floors, stairs and even the in the foundation.
  • It is equipped with a pinpoint top, which makes it really easy to apply and doesn't create any sort of mess during application.
  • This is a water-based penetrating concrete crack filler.
  • It's sun resistant and dries very quickly.
Advantages
  • It's super thin, which enables it to flow into the tiniest of cracks.
  • It can also be used to repair hairline cracks on asphalt, porcelain, and various other surfaces, besides concrete.
  • It has a clear finish, which doesn't affect the natural look of the concrete surface.
Drawbacks
  • Some customers have complained that the consistency of this product is watery and that it didn’t seal the crack as promised.
  • Some have also complained that the pinpoint top was missing.

Damtite Concrete SuperPatch

The Damtite SuperPatch effectively fills and repair cracks in concrete surfaces. It's a high-strength material and sticks to the sides of the crack. It's fairly simple to apply and even a first-time user will not face a problem. Damtite is an over six-decade-old company and is known for producing high-quality products.

Damtite Concrete SuperPatch

Source: damtitewaterproofing.com

OUR RATING

Features
  • This is a multipurpose patch and repair mortar for a variety of surfaces, including concrete.
  • It can be used to fill and repair cracks up to one inch.
  • It delivers a waterproof finish to the surface.
  • SuperPatch doesn't shrink after it dries.
  • It's available in 7-pound, 15-pound, and 70-pound containers.
  • Each container contains patching base powder and bonding liquid.
  • The 7-pound container consists of 6 pounds of patching base powder and 1-pint of bonding liquid.
Advantages
  • It's available in concrete color, which ensures that filled up cracks blend in with the rest of the surface.
  • It can be used on both vertical and horizontal surfaces.
  • It takes just two hours for SuperPatch to dry up.
Drawbacks
  • The manufacturer’s instructions mention that you don't need to worry about proportions while mixing it because the ratio of the powder to the liquid provided in the container is exactly as it should be. However, some customers have complained that the liquid provided in the container isn't enough.
  • Coverage is low.

DRYLOK Fast Plug Hydraulic Cement

This hydraulic cement sets and hardens in under 5 minutes, which makes it ideally suited to tackle concrete cracks that have resulted in leaks. It effectively prevents water leaks, even if the water is flowing out at high pressure. It can be used to repair cracks on floors or walls. DRYLOK Fast Plug is quite easy to use, which means even a novice can apply it himself or herself and save the money you would have paid to hire a handyman.

DRYLOK Fast Plug Hydraulic Cement

Source: drylok.com

OUR RATING

Features
  • It's available in the powder form and needs to be mixed with water before it's applied in the crack.
  • It expands after drying and completely locks the crack and with it the leak.
  • It takes between 3 to 5 minutes for Fast Plug to set.
  • It can be used on both vertical and horizontal surfaces.
  • It can stop water flow exerting up to 3,050 lb hydrostatic pressure.
  • A top coat isn't required.
Advantages
  • It can be used to plug water leaking cracks, even when the water is leaking under pressure.
  • It can be used both indoors and outdoors.
  • It doesn’t cost much.
Drawbacks
  • It can set a little too quickly, which can be a problem to work with for those who aren't experienced.
  • The setting time can be increased by using ice cold water to mix the Fast Plug powder, but that can mess the consistency of the cement and cause shrinkage.

Red Devil Pre-Mixed Concrete Patch

Red Devil is a well-known family-owned business and has been around for nearly 150 years. This pre-mixed concrete patch does a great job of fixing concrete cracks. It can be used to repair holes in concrete surfaces as well. It blends in with the concrete color and doesn't leave an ugly mark either.

Red Devil Pre-Mixed Concrete Patch

Source: reddevil.com

OUR RATING

Features
  • It's a pre-mixed and ready-to-use product.
  • It's water based.
  • It's available in a small tube and quart-sized and gallon-sized tubs.
  • It’s textured like concrete.
Advantages
  • You don’t have to worry about proportions, which is useful for first-time users.
  • It’s easy to clean up any excess patch material on the concrete surface after application.
  • It’s a flexible material and doesn’t shrink after drying up.
Drawbacks
  • It’s not suitable for use on driveways or other concrete surfaces that witness vehicular traffic.
  • Some customers have complained that the rear end of the tube tends to split open.

Sashco Slab Concrete Crack Repair Sealant

The Sashco Slab sealant is one of the best concrete crack repair sealants you can buy. It delivers high-quality concrete adhesion and keeps cracks sealed. It doesn't allow moisture to seep through the crack, which increases the lifespan of the concrete surface. While the Sashco Slab is a bit on the expensive end, it's completely worth it.

Sashco Slab Concrete Crack Repair Sealant

Source: sashco.com

OUR RATING

Features
  • It's available in a 10.5 oz cartridge pack.
  • It can be used to repair concrete cracks up to three inches wide.
  • It delivers a gray concrete finish.
  • It has a pinpoint top for ease of application.
  • It's water based.
  • The material is 100% acrylic latex.
Advantages
  • It can be used on concrete surfaces that get a lot of vehicular traffic.
  • Since it's water based, it doesn't have an unpleasant odor.
  • It can be used indoors as well.
  • Blends in with the concrete after drying.
  • The material is flexible and doesn't break off due to the natural expansion and contraction of concrete.
Drawbacks
  • It can take more than two days to dry and cure. You will have to check the weather to make sure there’s no rain forecast for the next few days, before applying this.
  • Some customers have complained that it never hardened and remained a mush.

Factors to Consider While Selecting the Right Concrete Crack Filler

Let’s take a look at the factors that will help you pick the best concrete crack filler.

Width of Crack

The width of the crack determines which type of concrete crack filler will work best. There are specific products available for hairline cracks and deep, wide cracks. The consistency of the crack filler varies, depending on which type of crack it’s designed to repair. The types of containers the crack fillers are sold in also varies, depending on the width of the crack. For hairline and narrow cracks, the crack filler is available in tubes or bottles with thin nozzles, which makes it easy to apply.

Cracked Concrete

Quick Curing

Ideally, you should select a product that dries and cures quickly. However, you should keep in mind that if the product dries too quickly, it could affect the quality of binding. The curing time varies from product to product and depends on its formulation.

Ease of Use

Unless you’re experienced in repairing concrete cracks, the ease of use should be an important factor while selecting the best concrete crack filler to meet your requirements. Some crack fillers need a lot of prep, including mixing and heating. If the proportion of the mix is not accurate, it could affect the quality of the repair. Ideally, you want to pick a tube, but if that’s not available you should look for pre-mixed products.

Temperature Tolerance

As mentioned earlier, concrete naturally expands and contracts due to hot and cold weather. Once the crack is repaired, the surrounding concrete will continue to exhibit the same characteristic. Hence, it’s important to pick a crack filler that’s flexible and mimics the expansion and contraction of concrete. This will ensure that the crack doesn’t open up once again, as the crack filler will continue to cover the entire crack.

Types of Concrete Crack Fillers

Concrete Crack Sealant

Concrete crack sealants are specifically made to fill up and repair thin cracks up to half an inch. The consistency of crack sealants is such that it can be used only on horizontal surfaces such as patios, garage floors, driveways, etc. It’s typically sold in bottles with a pinpoint tip, which makes it easy to apply directly into the crack and doesn’t create a mess. Plus, crack sealants are self-leveling, which means it perfectly fills up the crack and doesn’t need to be smoothened to match the surrounding surface.

Make sure you shake the bottle well before applying the sealant. While applying it to deep cracks, it’s advisable to fill the crack partially with sand and then apply the sealant. 

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Concrete Repair Caulk

This is similar to regular caulk and is usually applied using a caulking gun. It’s latex based and can be applied in multiple layers, though you need to make sure each layer is dry before applying the next. This is completely different from how regular caulk is applied.

Some concrete repair caulks are available in tubes that can be used to directly apply to the crack from the tube. This is meant for narrow cracks up to half an inch as well. Plus, it’s typically similar in color to concrete. So, it blends into the surface after drying. One of the biggest differences between a crack sealant and repair caulk is that the latter can be used to repair cracks on both vertical and horizontal surfaces.

Quick-Setting Cement

Quick-setting cement is another type of concrete crack filler. It’s used for cracks that are between half an inch and one inch in with. It needs to be mixed with water to form a paste, which is then applied into the crack using a putty knife. In some cases, the quick-setting cement needs to be mixed with a bonding liquid to slow down the curing process, which ensures that the long lasting repair is stronger and lasts longer. It’s also used to rebuild chipped portions of concrete structures such as slabs, stairs, and curbs.

Hydraulic Cement

Hydraulic cement is specifically meant for concrete cracks that have resulted in a leak. It has a very quick setting time, which is essential to plug leaking cracks and holes in concrete surfaces. Typically, hydraulic cement is available in powder form, which needs to be mixed with water to form a dough that remains flexible.

This dough is pressed into the crack by hand and within a few minutes, it’s set. Any excess dough can be scraped off with a trowel. It can be used to mend concrete cracks on both vertical and horizontal surfaces.

Patching Compound

Concrete crack patches are available both in the pre-mixed form and dry cement powder. The pre-mixed variety consists of cement and a polymer resin bonding agent, while the powder variety needs to be mixed with water or a specific bonding liquid. It adds a significant amount of strength to the crack to stop further damage. Typically, patching compounds are used for shallow cracks. The process of applying it in a crack is similar to applying regular cement. You use a trowel to push it into the crack and smooth it over the top.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is concrete crack filler?

Concrete crack fillers are used to patch cracks in concrete surfaces. Most concrete crack filling products are best for repairing narrow and small cracks. These products are suitable for both interior and exterior areas.

What is the best concrete crack filler?

The best concrete crack filler will depend on what kind of repairing work you have to do. For cracks up to 1/2 inch wide in horizontal concrete surfaces, concrete crack sealants and caulk based concrete fillers will be the best option. However, for cracks wider than ½ inch, quick-setting cement-based fillers are advisable to use. Hydraulic-based cement product works best for cracks where there is a presence of water flow depending on the concrete mix.

How to apply concrete crack filler?

First, clean the crack area and thoroughly remove the dirt inside it. Next, get the concrete crack filler and shake it to mix all the ingredients well. Open the top of the nozzle with scissors. Then, place the tip of the nozzle into the crack and gently squeeze the product while slowly moving it along the crack area until you fill it in thoroughly. Lastly, allow it to dry.

Does concrete crack filler work?

Yes, concrete crack fillers do work. You just need to be sure you pick the right concrete crack filler for your specific situation and type of crack you need to repair. Concrete crack sealants are specifically made to fill up and repair thin cracks up to half an inch. However, the sealant will not fix any underlying structural problems you might have.

How long does concrete filler take to dry?

The time it takes for concrete filler to dry will depend on the product being used and how big and deep is the crack is. If you are using concrete crack filler, protect it from rain and water for a minimum of 24 hours. A thicker application may require more time to dry. Other types of filler will depend on the product, read the instructions, or label at the back of the product.

How to remove concrete crack filler?

Removing concrete crack filler can be quite tricky once it has dried. The simplest way to remove it is with a grinding tool or chisel that fits within the width of the filler. Gently place the tip of the chisel against the filler you intend to remove and tap it with a hammer until you remove chunks of the filler. Continue the procedure along the crack line until removed.

Verdict

Each of these products has its own set of pros and cons. So, there isn’t one answer to the questions, which is the best concrete crack filler for your specific requirements? If you look at these products through the lens of the factors mentioned earlier in this article, you will be able to easily identify the right one.

While the price wasn’t mentioned as one of the factors, it is an important consideration as well. A high-priced product isn’t necessarily the best. However, if a few extra dollars means that the crack is repaired efficiently and lasts a long time, then spend those few extra bucks.

About the author

Hey, I'm Dale Keese.. thanks for reading.. hopefully this article can save you some time and trouble with your sealing job. I'm also in the process of making some video walk-throughs for youtube so check back soon! thanks

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