Sometimes the surface on a big concrete slab like a driveway or patio will start to crumble. These holes become great bird baths for sparrows but can soon become mature potholes . . . not a good thing for cars or people. Often when patches are made, they don’t last. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Brush and wash out all the dust and debris and leave the cavity wet but with no standing water.

2. Use a pre-mix called sand mix (contains no rocks).

3. Now comes the secret ingredient, concrete bonding adhesive. You see, new con­crete does not adhere well to old, hence the cause for the frequent failure we mentioned. Brush this liquid on all the surfaces to be patched. You can also pour bonding adhesive into the mix of new concrete, using less water to compensate for the added liquid.

4. Scoop the mix into the cavity and level it with a 2 x 4.

5. When the sheen starts to disappear, smooth it with a trowel or a metal float.

6. Cover the patch with a tarp or plastic sheet for six days while the concrete cures. If it is drying out too fast, uncover it and mist it lightly with the garden hose.