Repairing Guides

how to repair cement garage floor

by Rory Smith Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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STEP BY STEP GARAGE FLOOR REPAIR:

  1. Clean out the crack with a vacuum, remove any loose cement or aggregates.
  2. Inject the crack weld resin into the crack to wet it, it will soon get tacky.
  3. Push the dry silica sand into the crack to fill it.
  4. Thoroughly saturate the sand with the crack weld resin and fill it to the surface.
  5. In 10 - 15 minutes scrape the surface level with a putty knife.
  6. Sand the surface smooth or lightly grind it with a hand grinder for a neat appearance.

Part of a video titled Patching Cement Garage Floor - YouTube
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Your compound in we're using sack pretty quick quick setting Cement patcher. Some gloves for yourMoreYour compound in we're using sack pretty quick quick setting Cement patcher. Some gloves for your hands you need something to mix it in in this case I'm using a little plastic trowel.

How to resurface a concrete garage floor?

STEP BY STEP GARAGE FLOOR REPAIR:

  1. Clean out the crack with a vacuum, remove any loose cement or aggregates.
  2. Inject the crack weld resin into the crack to wet it, it will soon get tacky.
  3. Push the dry silica sand into the crack to fill it.
  4. Thoroughly saturate the sand with the crack weld resin and fill it to the surface.
  5. In 10 - 15 minutes scrape the surface level with a putty knife.

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How to clean concrete garage floor the right way?

Method 3 of 4: Scrubbing Concrete Floors

  1. Mix a cleaning solution. No matter how you decide to clean your garage floor, you will need a warm and soapy cleaning solution.
  2. Scrub the floor. For lightly soiled floors, you can clean them using a deck brush or a push broom with stiff bristles.
  3. Use a power washer for really soiled areas. ...
  4. Run a buffer over the floor for best results. ...

How to refinish your garage floor?

  • Prepare and Repair – If your garage floor concrete surface has an existing coating or treatment, we start by removing the old finish. ...
  • Clean and Prime – We mop and let your concrete slab thoroughly dry. ...
  • Mix Product – Following instructions, we will mix the concrete refinisher to prepare it for application. ...

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How do you clean concrete garage floors?

Part 3 Part 3 of 4: Cleaning a Garage Floor or Exterior Concrete Download Article

  1. Gather your cleaning supplies. You will need a power washer, a push broom with stiff, nylon bristles, and a cleaning product, such as trisodium phosphate or other concrete cleaner.
  2. Remove any moss or roots that have grown on exterior concrete. ...
  3. Spray the concrete. ...
  4. Cover the floor with a dusting of cleaner. ...
  5. Scrub the floor. ...

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Can a crumbling garage floor be repaired?

Fortunately, a pitted and spalled garage floor is repairable. Here's a quick overview of the process. Cleaning — The first step is to clean the garage floor. This means anything sticking to the surface — dirt, mold, road salt — will need to be scrubbed off.

How do you fix peeling concrete garage floor?

1:332:47Concrete Surfaces Spalling - Sherwin-Williams - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipH&C concrete ready quick patch and repair can be top coated with a variety of stains sealers.MoreH&C concrete ready quick patch and repair can be top coated with a variety of stains sealers.

How do you repair a worn concrete floor?

0:124:28How to Resurface Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipQuick read concrete resurfacer can provide a new durable wear resistant surface on old worn concreteMoreQuick read concrete resurfacer can provide a new durable wear resistant surface on old worn concrete driveways sidewalks. And patios that will last the life of your concrete.

How do you fix a large hole in a concrete garage floor?

How to fill a Large Hole with ConcreteStep 1: Use a hammer and a cold chisel to level the bottom of the hole. ... Step 2: Brush on a concrete bonding liquid. ... Step 3: While the bonding agent is still tacky, mix the concrete. ... Step 4: Level the patch.

Can I use self leveling concrete in a garage?

Self-leveling concrete is perfect for basements or garages because it's resistant to mold growth. It also dries incredibly quickly. Your work will be completed faster and with less risk of someone accidentally stepping in it.

Can you epoxy over cracked concrete?

Epoxy coatings cannot withstand the stresses associated with concrete cracks due to settling, dry shrinkage or other factors. Don't let the fear of cracks keep you from enjoying the benefits of epoxy; with a little prep and repair work, you can move forward with your epoxy project.

Is it better to resurface or replace concrete?

Again, if the answer is yes, replacement is the best option. If it's merely a worn or chipped surface, commonly referred to as delamination, then repair is a viable option.” Concrete will eventually wear out, adds Layne. “Over time, the elements will cause the concrete to break down.

Is concrete resurfacing a good idea?

But when the problem is just superficial cracking, discoloring, or minor chipping or spalling, resurfacing is a very good option. It's a project that just about anyone can tackle, and it's a lot more affordable than replacing the concrete slab.

Can old concrete be resurfaced?

Concrete resurfacing is a way to make old concrete look new again. A concrete coating is applied over the existing surface, offering a variety of color, texture and pattern options. This type of decorative refinishing can be done on driveways, patios, pool decks and even indoor floors.

How do you fill a large hole in a concrete floor?

0:362:22Repair a hole in a concrete floor | Rizistal - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLet's get started the deep fill repair mortar is a two-part product containing an aggregate. And aMoreLet's get started the deep fill repair mortar is a two-part product containing an aggregate. And a pre-mixed tin of resin and curing agent make a well in the aggregate.

What is best to patch concrete?

The patches leave no trace: DIYers can tool them to blend in with the rest of the surface.BEST OVERALL: Red Devil 0644 Pre-Mixed Concrete Patch.RUNNER-UP: Damtite 04072 Concrete Super Patch Repair.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Quikrete #862013 5.5 Oz Concrete Repair.BEST FOR FLOORS: Henry, W.W. Co.More items...•

Whats the difference between cement and concrete?

What is the difference between cement and concrete? Although the terms cement and concrete often are used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is a mixture of aggregates and paste. The aggregates are sand and gravel or crushed stone; the paste is water and portland cement.

Why is my garage floor peeling?

When the floor is acid etched like with many DIY projects and the acid is not removed properly, there is a thin layer of loose concrete dust that sits on top of the concrete slab. When the epoxy is applied, it bonds to the concrete dust than to the concrete slab, resulting in peeling off shortly after application.

Can you paint over peeling concrete?

Coat all areas of bare concrete with a suitable primer, such as Behr Concrete & Masonry Bonding Primer. That needs to cure at least eight hours. Then you can paint with a product designed for exterior concrete, such as Behr Premium Plus Porch & Patio Floor Paint.

Should I epoxy my garage floor myself?

The short answer is yes, you can. Just remember though, that while many people have had good success doing it this way, the majority of failed garage floor coatings are a result of poor floor preparation which involved inadequate etching of the concrete and/or lack of an epoxy primer.

Why is my concrete floor flaking?

There are a number of reasons why spalling occurs including freeze thaw cycling, the expansive effects of Alkali Silica Reaction or exposure to fire. However, the most common cause of spalling is the corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement bars or steel sections.

Inspect the Cracks

Before you begin any repair, you need to inspect the cracks to see if they require professional attention or handle the project yourself.

Prep the Floor Area

Before you begin any kind of repair, properly clean up the area first. This enables the filler to bond securely with the concrete. Clean the entire floor and not just the area with the cracks, so your garage receives a total transformation.

Prep the Cracks

You also need to prep the crack itself, use a vacuum to remove all the gravel, dirt, and debris embedded deep inside the cracks. You can use a bristle brush to get down into the crack so you can remove all the chipped concrete.

Fixing Small Cracks

Repairing small cracks in concrete garage floor is an easy job. You will need an epoxy concrete crack filler, which should be filled down the crack in the concrete.

Fixing Large Cracks

If you are dealing with a larger crack, you will need to take additional steps, depending on the size of the crack. For very large cracks, you will need a cold chisel to undercut the crack in the floor; this will help hold the patch in place and prevent further damage to your floor.

Why is My Garage Concrete Floor Cracking?

Cracks on your garage floor can be due to various reasons; however, the common causes for cracking include:

Are Cracks in a Concrete Floor Normal?

When you see cracks in a concrete slab, your first assumption might be that something has been done wrong; however, that is not always the case. Concrete cracks are prevalent, and some are even inevitable.

Best Way to Fill Small Cracks on Concrete Garage Floor

Repairing small cracks on your concrete garage floor doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds. You can do many repairs easily without spending too much money on them.

Can You Put Epoxy on Cracked Concrete?

Epoxy is an excellent way of repairing large cracks on a concrete floor. However, you can opt for a polymerized concrete mix if you don’t have epoxy. The polymer acts as a binder that helps adhere the filler to the rest of the original concrete.

Will Cracks on the Concrete Garage Floor Keep On Spreading if left Unfixed?

The cracks on your concrete garage floor might keep on spreading if you don’t fix them. If you already have a cracked garage floor and drop a heavy piece of equipment or part on the floor, it can break further. Therefore, it’s best to fix the cracks to prevent them from spreading or prevent new ones from forming.

When Should I Be Concerned About Cracks in a Garage Floor?

It is pretty standard for your concrete garage floors to have cracks. Unless there is a structural defect in the floor, you don’t have to worry about the cracks because you can fix them quickly if you like.

Why is my Concrete Garage Floor Crumbling?

A crumbling concrete garage floor is a problem faced, sooner or later by most homeowners. Crumbling of concrete slabs is fairly common in old houses and garages. But it can happen with fresh concrete too! So How To Fix Crumbling Concrete?

What are the Different Levels of Crumbling Concrete?

Concrete garage floors (or for that matter any concrete floor) crumble and the crumbling can be characterized as:

How Water Seepage Causes Crumbling Concrete Garage Floors?

The concrete mix is a slurry, but once the concrete mix has been poured the curing process begins. This happens by a chemical process called hydration. The cement reacts with the water to form crystals. The crystals grow into a matrix enveloping the sand and other aggregates in a tight mesh.

Why does the Top Layer of Concrete Crumble Easily?

After the concrete mix is placed, the contractor will finish it to give a smooth level surface. In this process the water and the finer cement particles rise to the surface. The fine cement particles, on the surface of the garage floor, makes it smooth. However, the surface is also the weakest, structurally.

How does Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR) cause Crumbling Concrete?

Cement is alkaline and the coarse aggregates (sand & gravel) have silica. Alkali can react with active silica to form a gel. The concrete industry labels this as Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR). they also call it “concrete cancer”. The gel can absorb water, swell and apply pressure and weaken the concrete.

Why does Temperature Fluctuation cause Concrete to Crumble?

The concrete garage floor obviously does not stay at the same temperature all the time. Even in summer the day temperatures and the night temperatures can be vastly different.

Are Road Salts also Responsible for Crumbling Concrete Garage Floors?

Snow & Ice also contribute to the crumbling of your garage floor! Indirectly, anyway. You are aware that they use salt to melt the snow & ice on the road. This salt will of course find its way into your garage. Through your car tires!

How to protect yourself from concrete?

1. Put on goggles, gloves, and a dust mask to protect yourself. This job sends a lot of dust and concrete debris into the air. Prevent injuries by wearing goggles and a dust mask. Protect your hands with a thick pair of work gloves. For added comfort, wear knee pads.

Can concrete crack?

While concrete is a strong construction material, it can still crack. Temperature changes, heavy weights, and dropped objects can all damage your concrete floor by causing cracks and holes. Fortunately, patching damaged concrete is an easy task. Start by chiseling and cleaning the cracked area so the mortar bonds better.

How do I repair a garage floor?

STEP BY STEP GARAGE FLOOR REPAIR: STEP 1. Clean out the crack with a vacuum, remove any loose cement or aggregates. STEP 2. Inject the crack weld resin into the crack to wet it, it will soon get tacky. STEP 3.

Why does concrete shrink when it is wet?

Newly poured concrete shrinks when it dries. If no expansion joints are cut into the concrete floor then shrinkage cracks will appear at some point in the future. These are quite common. There are some other reasons like, the concrete was poured too wet, or too much calcium chloride was added to the mix and it dried too fast, ...

How to fix hairline cracks?

Sand the surface smooth or lightly grind it with a hand grinder for a neat appearance. Hairline cracks can be done without the sand. Wide cracks can first be filled partially with the sand then start with step 2. This crack weld material sets up very quickly, only do 10 - 15 feet at one time .

Can you fix cracks in concrete?

Repairing these cracks will only be temporary if the concrete continues to move up or down. If you think the floor is done moving you can repair those cracks and the shrinkage cracks with a material you inject into the crack and add silica sand for a filler. This will weld the crack together creating an excellent garage floor repair.

How long does it take to resurface a garage floor?

Cleaning and resurfacing the floor usually takes one day (on the other hand, clearing out your garage so you can work may take weeks!). Spreading the resurfacer smoothly is the trickiest part of the project, so it helps to have some experience with concrete or drywall finishing.

How much does a concrete resurfacer cost?

Concrete “resurfacer” is a cement-based coating that forms a smooth, new surface right over the old concrete. The cost of resurfacer for a two-car garage is typically less than $200.

How long to let resurfacer sit in bucket?

Take two minutes to read the directions before mixing. The key to a smooth, lump-free mix is to let the resurfacer 'slake,' that is, sit in the bucket for a few minutes after the initial mixing.

Can you use a stripper to remove sealer from concrete?

Important: If you find that the cleaner doesn’t soak into the concrete but just beads up into droplets on the surface, you have a sealer over the concrete that you’ll need to remove. In that case, apply a stripper first to remove the sealer, then clean.

What Is Self-Leveling Concrete?

Self-leveling concrete is a thick, tough polymer-modified concrete that has become very popular for repairing floors. You pour it over the floor like any thick substance, and it will run into the corners of your room, creating a flat, level surface with very little work.

Advantages of Self-Leveling Concrete

Self-leveling concrete is not only for people who want to do their own garage floor repair jobs. Even if you call a professional, they may use the same thing. This is because self-leveling concrete has some distinct advantages.

Disadvantages of Self-Leveling Concrete

Self-leveling concrete is useful for almost any job, but like any material, it has some drawbacks.

PolyRenewal as an Alternative

PolyRenewal is another alternative to self-leveling concrete. It has a variety of benefits, including:

Call Alpha Foundations

Self-leveling concrete is a bit more expensive than traditional concrete. However, it makes up for it with the ease with which it levels off and the effort you save when you don’t have to demolish your old floor. You can use self-leveling concrete for your garage floor repair jobs, but sometimes the job may be more than you can handle yourself.

How wide can a crack in a garage floor be?

Before Fixing Cracks in Your Garage Floor. Cracks in the concrete can be very thin and minor, or they can be more than an inch wide and they can span the entire length of your garage. Most of them fall somewhere in between once they start to become noticeable and attract enough attention to have a homeowner looking for solutions.

What to do if you have a crack in concrete?

If there are any loose pebbles or small stones inside of the crack in your concrete, make sure to get them out of the way. The same goes for any concrete alternatives including wood or rammed earth. A ShopVac will do a good enough job of removing dirt, debris, stones, and whatever else may be in there.

What does it mean when a crack in a floor is bulging?

When the crack is bulging out of the floor, that’s a sign that the foundation has shifted and contracted a bit, pushing up the bulging area. This is something that a professional can evaluate.

What does it mean when a garage crack is structurally caused?

Structurally-caused cracks, on the other hand, are a warning sign that there’s something more serious that needs to be fixed. Especially if it propagates along the entire length of your standard garage size.

Can a garage floor crack?

No matter how nice your garage floor is when it’s first installed, and regardless of how well you take care of it, you’ll eventually get a garage floor crack that needs repair. The ground around your garage will shift, and the brunt of that will be felt by the floor since your garage doesn’t have a basement or a deeper foundation (in most cases).

Can a wire brush be used to repair a cracked foundation?

Repairing around a crumbling foundation will just ensure that your repair doesn’t last very long!

Is it better to use a filler product for longer cracks?

It’s better for longer cracks. It tidies everything up, and turns a crack that could be tricky to fill into one straighter route. This makes it easier to fill it in, and helps you get the filler-product into any smaller cracks that may not otherwise accommodate it correctly.

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