Just repairing a concrete walk. The concrete walk has broken up between two sections, with two inches or less exposed underneath. I have some mortar and or cement mix. I need gravel, a trowel, and something to hold the cement in place to make an appropriate straight edge. A yardstick or ruler might work.

Thoughts?

 

Concrete is not a very repairable material and there is nothing you can do to improve but go for it, best case you get a year or two out of it!

 

So, I need to break out the two blocks completely with a sledgehammer, build forms for new blocks, poor cement, and do the fancy little indentations all around to try to make them look like the others?

 

Yes, that is one way. The size of the pour will determine if you are better getting a ready mix truck to deliver the concrete but if it's a small job it would be cheaper (and more work) to mix it on site. Then you can decide if you're going to use bagged concrete mix where you just add water or if you will buy Portland cement, sand and stone and mix in the appropriate ratio.

If mixing on site it is important that you keep a wet edge between batches. If the concrete cures too much between batches it will form a weak joint between the two and they won't blend together well so you might be able to see each pour when the job is done. A power mixer and/or several helpers is almost required for a job of any size.

 

Isn't there a special sealant or preparation product to put over the clean, broken part of the concrete before pouring the cement in it to make it last longer? Isn't there also a special cement or product to use with that to make sure it adheres and cures and lasts well? I also plan to seal it all with Rustoleum NeverWet when cured.