When concrete is exposed to repeated cycles of freezing and thawing, it can crack or spall (flake). Uneven settlement of the soil beneath the concrete is another cause of cracking. To repair a small cracked area of concrete, you need to remove the damage and patch it with a cement-based patching compound.Tools and Materials:l Patching materialsl Cold chisell Small sledge hammerl Whisk brooml Bucket or other mixing containerl Putty knife or trowell Concrete-finishing trowelStep OneRemove the damaged concrete.Using the cold chisel, remove all cracked or crumbling concrete to a depth of about 1 inch below the surface. Wear heavy gloves and safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying chips.Step TwoUndercut the edge of the patch.To form a key between the patch and the existing concrete, hold the chisel at an angle and undercut the edges of the area to be patched.Step ThreeRemove the debris.Remove debris with a whisk broom and hose the patch area clean. Keep it moist for several hours or overnight. Sponge out any standing water before proceeding.Step FourMix the patching cement.In a small bucket or other container, mix one part portland cement and three parts sand with enough water to make a stiff paste. In a separate container, mix a small amount of portland cement with enough water to make a cement "paint." Coat the edges of the patch area with the cement paint to serve as a primer. After the cement paint, pack the cement paste firmly into the patch with a putty knife or trowel. Cut deeply into the mixture to remove any air pockets.Step FiveFill and smooth the patch.Level the mixture with a straight-edged concrete-finishing trowel. Let the patch sit for about one hour, then float or trowel to match the surrounding surface.Step SixCure the patch.After trowelling, let the patch sit for a couple of hours, then cover it with a sheet of plastic. Hold down the edges with bricks or rocks. For the next week, lift the plastic cover daily and sprinkle water on the patch.Henry Durham is a Director at Gorham’s (441 295-1550).