how to repair crumbling concrete garage floor

Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Crumbling Garage Floor

• Pick Up Chunks of Loose Concrete. ...
• Wash Away Residue Build-Up. ...
• File the Broken Areas. ...
• Use Cement as a Filler. ...
• Resurface Rather Than Replace. ...
• Use a Strong Floor Covering as a Sealant. ...
• Consider Other Floor Coverings. ...
• Reflect on the Importance of DIY Garage Flooring. ...

Full Answer

How do you fix a crack in a garage floor?

How do you fix a garage floor crack? Use a wire brush, a hammer and cold chisel, or an angle grinder with a crack chasing wheel to loosen and break off nearby concrete. Vacuum away all concrete debris.

How do you fix a crumbling concrete floor?

Prepare the crumbling area for a coat of new concrete. Remove all of the crumbling concrete by hand, and then use a floor scraper to loosen any pieces that might be partially stuck but not completely crumbled. Vacuum the area after you are done to completely clean it and prep it for repair.

Why does my concrete garage floor crumble?

The bottom line is that your concrete garage floor can crumble in three ways and due to three reasons. This is the lowest level of your garage floor crumbling. The defects are primarily on the surface and range from the garage floor being dusty, hairline cracks, pitting, spalling, efflorescence etc.

How hard is it to repair a garage floor?

The truth is, repairing your garage floor isn’t very difficult, and you only need some guidance and a good quality concrete resurfacer to do the trick. In this article, we’ll be doing just that. First, you’ll gain some basic understanding of concrete spalling and pitting.

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 a crumbling concrete floor?

0:472:35How to repair a concrete floor - U-CAN Ready to Use ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipForce the concrete patch repair into the space squeezing out any air bubbles and level the surfaceMoreForce the concrete patch repair into the space squeezing out any air bubbles and level the surface of the concrete in line with the surrounding.

Can you resurface crumbling concrete?

You can repair and resurface your spalled concrete in any number of ways. You can buy products that apply a very thin coating on the concrete. The larger premixed bagged concrete manufacturers make these, as do some other specialty companies. These products do work, but pay close attention to their limitations.

How do you fix a spalled concrete garage floor?

0:162:33How To Repair Concrete Spalling - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake one of the adhesive. Compounds and there's quite a number of them different. ProductsMoreTake one of the adhesive. Compounds and there's quite a number of them different. Products throughout the industry for welding concrete to concrete.

Can you pour new concrete over old concrete?

You can put new concrete over old concrete. However, unresolved issues with your old concrete, such as cracks or frost heaves, will carry over to your new concrete if not taken care of. In addition, you must pour it at least 2 inches thick.

How do you fix a crumbling garage foundation?

1:133:14How to Repair a Crumbling Foundation Video 1 of 3 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYeah you know i can scrape that paint because we don't want to put the new cement mixture and stuccoMoreYeah you know i can scrape that paint because we don't want to put the new cement mixture and stucco mixture on top of the paint because then the panel peels. And it'll peel the patch.

How long does quikrete concrete resurfacer last?

This new layer is specially made to adhere to the old concrete. It's extremely durable while being relatively thin and can last 10-20+ years if properly installed by a Pro and cared for. So yes it can last. Concrete resurfacing provides a like new finish at an affordable price.

What is the best product for spalling concrete?

Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer is a polymer-modified Portland cement product that's specially designed for making thin layer repairs and restoring the appearance of concrete. You can apply it on spalling concrete as thin as a sixteenth of an inch or as thick as one-half inch.

What does spalling concrete look like?

Spalling concrete can look like round or oval depressions along surfaces or joints. Spalling tends to be most common in cold climates when de-icing chemicals are applied or when seasonal freeze-thaw cycles damage the concrete.

How do you resurface spalled concrete?

0:392:47Concrete Surfaces Spalling - Sherwin-Williams - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll need a water source mixing bucket variable speed drill mixing paddle steel trowel safetyMoreYou'll need a water source mixing bucket variable speed drill mixing paddle steel trowel safety glasses and a respirator. Before getting started make sure the surface is clean dull dry.

How do I fix spalling concrete?

Choose a concrete resurfacing product. The resurfacing material simply spreads over the existing, spalled concrete surface to create a fresh, flawless finish.

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.

What makes concrete floors crumble?

The most common cause of spalling is errors on the part of contractors. They either add additional water to the concrete as they finish it or they start to finish the concrete before the concrete bleed water leaves the surface of the concrete.

How do you seal flaking concrete?

3:335:24Repair Spalled Concrete - Sullivan's Corner - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThree things we want to discuss number one if you have really deep depressions or severe scaling orMoreThree things we want to discuss number one if you have really deep depressions or severe scaling or spalling. You can use a repair mortar or a similar material and fill those areas first just to

Why is my cement crumbling?

If too much water is introduced to the mixture, the cement and sand cannot bond with each other and will instead fall apart. As the concrete starts to dry, this results in a crumbling area where the particles aren't sticking together.

How do you fix brittle concrete?

2:215:16How To Repair Concrete | Pro Tips For Repairing Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply the same bonding product to the broken edges of the side wall making sure to get into all ofMoreApply the same bonding product to the broken edges of the side wall making sure to get into all of the crevices mix. Up your concrete patch with water and add some of the bonding product to the mix.

What is the best concrete resurfacer?

Best Concrete Resurfacer You Can Buy 1 Ideal for indoor/outdoor use to repair concrete cracks and holes in concrete 2 Two-part, industrial-strength epoxy permanently bonds concrete without shrinking or cracking 3 Fast curing product contains no unpleasant orders and allows concrete to be painted or coated in 8 hours 4 Creates an extremely hard surface that is stronger than concrete 5 Universal product works with any concrete coating

Why is my concrete putting in my garage?

Occurs due to a wide variety of reasons; like natural aging, improper finishing techniques, inadequate mixing or bad use of an accelerator. Pitting can cover large areas on your garage floor.

How to smooth out a sand patch?

Smooth it out using a putty knife or a trowel. In 24 hours your repair should be hard enough for grinding or sand flushing. When it’s trowelled in, you can use a cement float to smoothen the mix, and feather it to the surface. There’s a cool industry trick to use Windex in spraying the float.

What causes concrete to crumble?

Water deposits on the garage floor and makes its way into the concrete’s capillaries. The water freezes and subsequently expands into its surroundings, causing the surface to weaken, separate, and finally crumble. Spalling.

What is concrete spalling?

Concrete Spalling. Makes the floor’s surface crumble completely, or separate in several thin layers. Occurs usually because of cold climates, which subjects the concrete to something called a freeze-thaw cycle. Is more localized than concrete pitting. For concrete spalling, the damage occurs on a microscopic level.

Can you repair a pitted concrete garage floor?

It’s because the idea of repairing it on your own seems intimidating. The truth is, repairing your garage floor isn’t very difficult, and you only need some guidance ...

Can you use fox spalling on concrete?

It can be used on anything concrete, so you can make use of it for pool decks, sidewalks, or even your entire patio! The instructions say one coat is enough to fox your spalling, but we recommend two coats to give your weathered concrete a new look. Overall, hard as nails and sticks like glue.

What is a mat in a garage?

A mat is intended to provide a covering for a small area. Although it can run complete and lengthy, it can only cover enough for a vehicle or multiple objects to sit. Small garages are still too widely spaced to be covered entirely with one mat. However, multiples of the same mat of the same texture could be used as one entire mat.

What is interlocking tile?

Interlocking tiles are commonly used and consist of polypropylene plastic. The tiles are hard but prone to crack as a result of stress and weight over time. Also, they can chip and shatter before irreparable damage with no other choice but to replace the tiles which are affected.

What is cement used for?

Cement could be used for space between breakage and the concrete, which remains intact. Considering its pasty consistency and smooth texture, the application should be light, and the substance should be used sparingly. Although unstable when compared to concrete, cement is a more advanced version of a filling that provides a bridge within missing areas.

What is a concrete binder made of?

This is made from rocks and minerals such as quartz, felspar, and mica. It binds the concrete for a firm hold and could be likened to a strong glue, which is difficult to remove.

How long does acrylic resin last?

Acrylic resin is a latex paint that protects the concrete and should last at least five years to a decade. It forms a film resistant to scratching, scraping, and will not develop discoloration from the sun. Cracking is another factor to avoid after the paint dries and does so quickly.

What is air entrainment in concrete?

When in contact with the other ingredients, air entrainment is intended to form pockets which relieve internal pressure on the concrete . This element is the result of the mixing process. However, giant bubbles can develop, and the concrete must be vibrated to resolve the issue.

How many layers of concrete should I use to resurface a concrete floor?

To resurface is to start with a fresh new top layer of concrete only. Perhaps two or three layers are better to be on the safe side. Depth makes a difference, and much depends on the thickness which an individual prefers.

How to patch crumbled concrete?

Cover the cement slurry with some of your concrete mixture. Push the concrete around with your flat metal trowel from different angles until you have patched the old crumbled area completely. Smooth the new concrete with a flat trowel until it mirrors your existing concrete. Let the mixture dry for 72 hours before you allow traffic on it.

How do I apply cement slurry to a concrete slab?

Apply a coat of the cement slurry mixture on your previously crumbled area , using a paintbrush. Ensure that the slurry covers the entire area and penetrates any cracks. Paint it on from different directions to cover the surface completely. Work quickly, and don't let the cement mixture dry. Apply more slurry if the initial coat starts to dry before you add your concrete.

How do I repair a crumbling concrete floor?

Remove all of the crumbling concrete by hand, and then use a floor scraper to loosen any pieces that might be partially stuck but not completely crumbled. Vacuum the area after you are done to completely clean it and prep it for repair.

What do I need to fix a concrete floor?

Things You'll Need. Fixing a concrete floor is fairly straightforward. Concrete contains cement, along with sand and water. The mixture is fairly straightforward, with the resulting product being one of the hardest construction materials known.

Is cement a product?

Cement is different from concrete, in that it is an ingredient, not a product. Ensure that you purchase actual cement for the slurry coat. Only pure cement will work as a bonding agent.

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.

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.

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.

Is every editorial product independently selected?

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

What is the difference between pockmarks and spalling?

Concrete cracks are easy to repair so long as they’re not structural. Spalling is the pockmarks that come from freezing and thawing. Aging causes pitting, which looks like spalling but with deeper holes.

What are the symptoms of a garage floor?

Laitance and Efflorescence. Some visible symptoms will help you diagnose the garage floor problem. Two of these symptoms are laitance and efflorescence. Both are caused by water moving through the concrete. Laitance in concrete. Laitance is a mixture of particles that move up through the concrete while curing.

How do I fix a crack in my garage floor?

How do you fix a garage floor crack? Use a wire brush, a hammer and cold chisel, or an angle grinder with a crack chasing wheel to loosen and break off nearby concrete. Vacuum away all concrete debris. Fill the crack with epoxy based concrete crack filler. Learn more …

Why is my garage floor wet?

The moisture barrier prevents the concrete from constantly pulling moisture out of the ground. If your garage floor is constantly wet or damp, you may have a water problem from either excessive ground water, a breach in the moisture barrier or a leaking pipe.

What is spalling in concrete?

Spalling is freeze-thaw water damage. A top layer of concrete peels or crumbles away, exposing aggregate underneath. Pitting consists of small holes that are deeper than the spalling damage. Pitting can be caused by poor installation or age.

Why is my concrete floor crumbly?

If the top layer of your floor is a crumbly and sandy it is because it was mixed with too much water. Efflorescence in concrete. Efflorescence is essentially salt (calcium chloride) stains. Concrete is porous and allows water to transfer through it.

What does it mean when your garage floor is puddled?

a persistent puddle in one area of the garage. If your garage floor shows any of these symptoms, then there might be a serious underlying problem. There might be a large accumulation of water attacking the floor from underneath. If your garage floor has a water problem, it will soon have a structural problem, too.