Repairing Guides

how to repair old concrete basement floor

by Kade Skiles Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Patch to Repair Concrete Floors. If your concrete floor has a small gouge or hole that's marring its appearance, you may be able to fix it up with a simple ...
  • Paint the Floor. If your old concrete floor is stained or just looks drab, painting it is an inexpensive way to fix it up.
  • Resurface Old Concrete Basement Floor. For an old concrete floor with serious cracks, gouges, stains and other imperfections, patching and painting alone may not be enough to fix it up.
  • Cover the Floor. If your old concrete floor is beyond the help of patching or painting but you don't have the budget for a concrete overlay, self-stick vinyl tile is ...

Apply a concrete patch to the crack, making sure there are no gaps or uneven areas. Smooth the patch with a putty knife. If the crack requires a second patch, then wait for the first layer to dry before applying the second coat. Seal the concrete patch and allow it to dry for several days.

Full Answer

How to easily resurface a concrete floor?

  • Cement-based resurfacer
  • A 5-liter gallon bucket for mixing the products
  • Water for mixing overlay
  • A paddle mixer for mixing up the contents of water and cement resurfacer
  • Two pairs of hand trowels
  • A squeegee for applying the mixture on the floor
  • A soft-bristled broom for the finishing touch
  • Eye protection
  • Gloves
  • Gum-boots

How to clean concrete floor in basement complete steps?

clean concrete basement floor with mop. The first step is to disinfect the whole floor. With a mix of one gallon of water and a cup of bleach, you can do this in no time. Take a string mop and go over the entire floor with this mixture. Let it dry and repeat the process.

How do I stain my concrete basement floor?

  • Dampen the area with water but do not let it puddle.
  • Spray in an overlapping manner, maintaining a wet edge.
  • Allow acid stain to react with the concrete floor for at least 6-hours.
  • Clean residue and pour water on floor to approximate the final color. ...
  • Clean residue from floor with degreaser and neutralizer solution using an acid brush. ...

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How to break concrete in basement?

Work slow and steady, and keep a few expert tips in mind:

  • It is critical to wear eye protection to protect your eyes from flying shards of concrete, grit, and sand.
  • Concrete that is no more than 4 inches thick (typical for a walkway or patio) is a perfect candidate for manual demolition. ...
  • Breaking up concrete is highly strenuous work. ...

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How do you repair a crumbling concrete basement floor?

Prepare the crumbling area for a coat of new concrete. ... Create a slurry mixture by combining pure cement with water in a bucket. ... Apply a coat of the cement slurry mixture on your previously crumbled area, using a paintbrush. ... Cover the cement slurry with some of your concrete mixture.

How do you make an old concrete floor look good?

The following are some ways you can use to make concrete floors look nicer:Acid Staining. Concrete flooring is great because it is easy to maintain. ... Resin Flooring. ... Stained and Polished Concrete Flooring. ... Dyed Concrete Flooring. ... Painted Concrete Floors.

How do you restore old concrete floors?

1:342:30How to Restore a Concrete Floor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to be doing about five to six steps of Diamond pads to mechanically seal off yourMoreYou're going to be doing about five to six steps of Diamond pads to mechanically seal off your concrete floor. You now have a floor that's repaired.

How do you resurface a basement concrete floor?

0:409:07Resurfacing Concrete Floors with a Self-Leveling Skim Coat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipProcess you want to pour the concrete. About two hours after applying the primer. We're usingMoreProcess you want to pour the concrete. About two hours after applying the primer. We're using quikrete self leveling floor resurfacer. It's a high grade concrete mix with no large pieces of aggregate.

How can I redo my concrete floor cheap?

8 Cheap Options For Covering Concrete FloorsConcrete paint.Concrete stain.Carpet or area rugs.Tiles.Linoleum.Bamboo flooring.Cork flooring.Concrete overlays.

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 pitted concrete basement floor?

Clean the slab and fill deep holes and cracksClean the slab and fill deep holes and cracks. Start with a clean floor. ... Remove the loose stuff. ... Concrete Floor Patch: Fill cracks, craters, divots and pits. ... Create a dam. ... Spread it smooth, then let it set.

Can you stain 40 year old concrete?

Your existing old concrete should be fine to stain, so long as it is not contaminated with glue, paint, oil, grease, sealers, waxes, or anything else that would prevent the stain from soaking into the pores of the concrete.

How do you fix crumbling concrete?

1:305:16How To Repair Concrete | Pro Tips For Repairing Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAny loose debris from the damaged area with a wire brush and broom then you can use a caulk gunMoreAny loose debris from the damaged area with a wire brush and broom then you can use a caulk gun loaded with a masonry crack filler to fill the crack.

How do you cover old concrete?

Sold as a dry cement product, Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer contains polymers and modifiers that give it its superior adhesion. When thoroughly mixed with water using a drill and a paddle bit, a single 40-pound bag from your local home improvement store will cover approximately 90 square feet to a ⅛-inch thickness.

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.

Why do you need a concrete overlay?

If you're dealing with more significant damage, a concrete overlay is usually the most effective option because it can make your floor look like new. With a concrete overlay, a new, thin layer of concrete is laid over the existing floor to create a smooth, flawless surface.

Can concrete be stained?

Concrete flooring is a budget-friendly, durable option that works in a variety of spaces, including basements and garages. But over time, concrete can become stained, cracked, gouged and otherwise damaged, so its appearance is compromised. If you have old concrete flooring that's seen better days, there are ways to fix it up.

Can you fix old concrete floors?

If you have old concrete flooring that's seen better days, there are ways to fix it up. The most effective method depends on the extent of the damage — and how much you're willing to spend.

Do you need to patch a concrete floor before applying tile?

Before applying the tile, you'll need to clean and patch your concrete floor so the surface is smooth. While the tile already has adhesive on the back, you should apply a floor primer recommended by the manufacturer to seal the concrete's pores so the tile adheres more effectively.

Can you use self stick vinyl tile on concrete?

If your old concrete floor is beyond the help of patching or painting but you don't have the budget for a concrete overlay, self-stick vinyl tile is an easy, inexpensive alternative. Vinyl tile is available in a wide range of styles, colors and patterns, so you can find an option that complements the rest of your decor.

Can you use vinyl tile over concrete?

If your old concrete floor is beyond the help of patching or painting but you don't have the budget for a concrete overlay, self-stick vinyl tile is an easy, inexpensive alternative. Vinyl tile is available in a wide range of styles, colors and patterns, so you can find an option that complements the rest of your decor. Before applying the tile, you'll need to clean and patch your concrete floor so the surface is smooth. While the tile already has adhesive on the back, you should apply a floor primer recommended by the manufacturer to seal the concrete's pores so the tile adheres more effectively. Once the floor is primed, you simply peel the backing off the tiles and stick them into place. If you have a slightly higher budget, you can also use ceramic tile or laminate flooring to cover the concrete, but those installations are usually more complex.

How do I remove a concrete slab from a basement?

Removing a concrete slab from a basement is hard and difficult work. Break the slab into small pieces to make moving them out of the basement easier. Add under-floor drainage tiles before pouring the new slab.

Where are drain tiles installed?

Drain tiles are installed in a trench either just inside or outside the foundation wall. Sump pumps are placed in sump holes at a level below the concrete floor. Concrete heaves when the soil moisture below it freezes and expands.

Can you repair a heaved basement floor?

Repairing uneven or heaved concrete basement floors can be a challenge. In some cases the "repair" for the problem may be the removal of the floor and pouring a new slab. Smaller heaves can be repaired in other ways. The first step is always to determine the cause and implement a solution to the heaving problem. Advertisement.

Why is my basement floor cracking?

Most often a basement floor crack is a result of wear and tear. But if you notice a heavily cracked area or a crack that runs parallel to the foundation, then the issue may be the result of structural damage. Start by removing debris, such as loose pieces of concrete that may be wedged within the crack.

How long does it take for a crack to dry before sealing?

Seal the concrete patch and allow it to dry for several days. Certain cracks may be the result of structural damage and might require the help of a professional engineer or foundation specialist.

Can you fix cracks in a basement floor?

Fixing cracks in your basement floor doesn't have to be a difficult process. Learn how to make simple repairs with this step-by-step guide. Most basement floors are made of concrete and, while it's definitely a durable material, repairs will be necessary every now and then.

Is concrete flooring good for basements?

Basements Concrete Flooring Maintenance Materials and Supplies. Most basement floors are made of concrete and, while it's definitely a durable material, repairs will be necessary every now and then. The good news is that when planning a basement remodel, most repairs can be achieved with a few tools and materials.

Can laminate flooring be waterproofed?

In fact, most cracks only require the few simple steps shown in this do-it-yourself guide. Advancements in laminate flooring have allowed for waterproof options that are ideal for covering a basement floor. Learn more about laminate flooring in basements with this guide.

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