how to repair pitted garage floor

How to Repair a Pitted Garage Floor

• Cleaning. Clean the garage floor. ...
• Prep. Fix major floor blemishes before you apply the new finish coat. ...
• Application. Some floor solutions require you to apply a coat of primer first with a paint roller. ...
• Finishing. Since concrete shrinks as it dries and cures, check the new surface periodically to see if you need to apply a second coat.

Full Answer

How to refinish a garage floor?

Method 3 Method 3 of 4: Paint the Surface Download Article

1. Gather all the paint brushes, rollers and trays you need to paint. ...
2. Mix the concrete epoxy paint. Concrete epoxy coating will come in 2 cans: an epoxy paint and a hardener.
3. Paint the edges. Use a paint brush to paint the trim area around the entire garage or basement surface.
4. Paint the floor using a roller brush. ...

How do you fix garage floor spalling and pitting?

How do you fix garage floor spalling and pitting? Test for and remove weakened adjacent areas; clean and prepare the surface to be repaired; and patch the area with an epoxy-based topping. Before fixing the problem, though, check for serious moisture or structural issues that would require professional help to fix.

How to repair pits and cracks on concrete garage floor?

Mix and spread the resurfacer

• Mix like mad. Recruit a helper to mix the resurfacer while you spread it. ...
• Spread it smooth, then let it set. Spread from the middle of the puddle. ...
• Erase your mistakes. If you end up with ridges, shallow craters or squeegee marks, you don’t have to live with them forever.

How can I Fix my uneven garage floor?

• Clean your garage
• Check for crack (I think it's just hairline)
• Consider to pour epoxies or polyurethanes
• Paint with waterproofing coating

Can pitted concrete be repaired?

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 you clean a pitted garage floor?

0:103:36Resurfacing a Garage Floor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can see that the garage floor is very pitted. Clean the floor first with a push broom or aMoreYou can see that the garage floor is very pitted. Clean the floor first with a push broom or a blower. And clean up any oil spills with a detergent. Scrape up and remove any spills from paint or

What causes garage floor pitting?

Pitting is characterized by many small yet deep holes on the surface of the concrete. It's typically caused by one or more factors, such as the use of an inadequate concrete mix, improper finishing or years of wear. It can cover large areas of a garage floor.

How do I fix a dip in my garage floor?

How to Flatten an Uneven Garage Floor Using Leveling CementClean the Slab. Begin by thoroughly sweeping and vacuuming the entire slab. ... Mark the Low Spots. ... Grind Down High Edges. ... Repair Deep Cracks and Depressions. ... Prime the Area (Optional) ... Mix the Leveling Cement. ... Apply the Leveling Cement. ... Allow to Dry.More items...•

Can you epoxy a pitted garage floor?

For larger areas of pitting and spalling, we recommend using a 100% epoxy concrete patch with a sand aggregate. The silica sand is mixed in with the epoxy to act as a filler. Legacy Industrial's 5-Ton Epoxy Patch Kit is a good example of this.

What causes pitting in concrete?

Concrete pitting is caused by a problem with the concrete's structural integrity, but concrete flaking is caused by water exposure and the freeze-thaw effect. Water is an erosive element capable of displacing all kinds of particles, even the ones that make up concrete.

How do you repair cracked pitted concrete?

4:165:52Concrete Floor Pitting Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we'll just use that margin trowel and just just start applying some of the mortar it doesn't needMoreSo we'll just use that margin trowel and just just start applying some of the mortar it doesn't need to be perfect at this point it really is about getting it to fill with the pitting.

What is the best product to resurface concrete?

Our Top PicksBest For Interiors. Quikrete Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer. ... Best for Exteriors. Rapid Set High Strength, 15 Min Set, Featheredge. ... Best For Cracks. KILZ Over Armor Textured Wood/Concrete Coating. ... Best For Flooring. Ardex Feather Finish Grey Self-Drying Cement. ... Best For Small Jobs. ... Best Premixed.

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 use self-leveling compound on garage 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 do you fix spalling concrete garage floor?

0:222:33How 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 Mudjack a garage floor?

A detached garage floor can also be mudjacked. With detached garage floors you are not only raising the concrete but you are also raising the entire building along with it. Most detached garage floors can be lifted if the concrete is in relatively decent shape.

What is the best cleaner for a garage floor?

For regular cleaning, a solution of baking soda and water will loosen dirt and grease and help keep your garage floor clean. Mix a half-cup baking soda in a gallon of warm water and use it as an all-purpose cleaner.

Can you power wash a concrete garage floor?

For a bare concrete garage floor, a gas-powered pressure washer with a minimum rating of 3,000 PSI and a water flow rate of 3 GPM or more is recommended. Anything less will not be as effective and will take longer to get the job done.

Can I hose down my garage?

The most effective low-budget method for cleaning a garage floor is to use a hose with a high-pressure nozzle, a concrete degreaser, a deck brush, and some good old-fashioned elbow grease.

What is the best concrete degreaser?

Product Comparison ChartProductBestStain TypeZep Powdered Concrete CleanerHeavy DutyGrease & oilOil Eater Cleaner DegreaserDegreasingGrease & grimeTerminator-HSD Concrete CleanerEco-FriendlyPetroleum-basedACT Eco-Friendly Concrete CleanerVersatileA huge variety3 more rows•May 6, 2022

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 it cost to resurface a concrete floor?

We used Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer (about $20 for 40 lbs.). Similar products, such as Sakrete Flo-Coat, are available. Buy enough to resurface the whole floor. To estimate the amount you need, check the label and then buy two or three extra containers. Better to return some than to run out before the job’s done.

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 to clean a concrete floor with a pressure washer?

Scrub with a concrete degreaser and a stiff brush, then follow up with a pressure washer. Rinse twice to remove all residue.

How to get better results with resurfacer?

Recruit a helper to mix the resurfacer while you spread it. The material begins to stiffen quickly, so the faster you get it all mixed and applied, the better your results.

Can you make a bad floor look better?

Or you might end up with a few rough spots and small ridges. But even if your work is far from flawless, you’ll still make a bad floor look much better. And remember this: If you make some major mistakes, you can add a second coat—this time with the benefit of experience.

What is the phone number for Guardian Garage Floors?

For one-day garage floors, call us at (984) 205-9961. If you live within Middle Tennessee, Northwest Georgia, Arizona or Texas, we look forward to serving you!

Is Guardian moving to a new home easy?

Moving to a new home is never an easy task, but Guardian made at least a portion of it better. They accommodated several last-minute schedule changes graciously and completed the application in less than a whole day. 24 hours later we were parking on our beautiful new garage floor.

How long does it take for a concrete floor to dry before refinishing?

Follow the manufacture’s directions to apply the solution, let it sit on the concrete floor and then power wash the entire surface. Allow at least 24 hours for the surface to dry before applying the refinishing solution.

Can you clean a garage floor with water?

Clean the garage floor. A new refinishing solution will not bond to a dirty surface, mold and other elements. You can’t simply clean with water. You will need a pressure washer and a concrete floor cleaning solution. Follow the manufacture’s directions to apply the solution, let it sit on the concrete floor and then power wash the entire surface.

Can you use a trowel to resurface a garage floor?

Follow manufacturer guidelines. Once you mix the resurfacing solution, pour it directly onto the floor. You can use a metal trowel for smaller garage surfaces, but larger floors will benefit from a floor squeegee.

Can you use a trowel to smooth out concrete?

Most garage floors should be smooth upon finish, which means you can use your metal trowel or the floor squeegee to even the surface as you work.

How to repair pitting in concrete?

The resurfacer should not spread over healthy areas. Create a dam to prevent staining healthier concrete with the repair mortar. Stick a weatherstrip with glue all around the edges of the repair area.

How to fix a concrete ridge?

All is not lost. You can erase these mistakes. Get a concrete grinder from a rental store and grind down the protruding spots for an even smooth finish. Lastly, you can apply an epoxy-based sealer as a finisher.

How to get lump free mortar?

To get a smooth lump-free mix, let the repair mortar sit in the bucket for few minutes after the initial mix, otherwise called slaking. Follow the manufacturer’s promptings on the product’s label for additional hot weather misting procedures or extra time for hardening during cold weather.

How to mix repair mortar?

Put the compound mortar into a bucket and mix with water, following the manufacturer’s instructions. A powerful mixing drill will make the work easier and give you a smoothly mixed repair mortar. We would advise you to get someone to help with the mixing as the repair compound will stiffen quickly. The speed of stiffening is dependent on the prevailing weather conditions. Repair mortar sets fast under hot temperatures before you’re even done with finishing.

How long does it take for a car to cure anti-slip?

If the pits still show, apply a second coat later in the day after the first one has set. The repaired surface should support foot traffic after several hours. Let it cure for at least 24 hours before driving on the res.

Can you fix a pitted garage floor?

Fixing a pitted garage floor can be done if you are patient, have the experience, and the equipment. Follow the steps spelled down in this article next time you’re fixing that pitted garage floor.

Why Does Spalling Happen to a Garage Floor?

Spalling is a de-layering of the concrete surface that happens over time.

Why does concrete pit?

Pitting can be caused by temperature changes, frost, concrete additives, and application mistakes. Pitting is not usually a sign of a deeper moisture issue. But if such a problem exists, pitting repairs will fail.

How to mix epoxy resin?

With two-part epoxy, you mix together resin and a hardener. Three-part epoxy includes resin, a hardener and an aggregate or sand. When mixing epoxy, you must measure carefully. You must mix well. And you must use the mixture quickly. Plan ahead. Only mix what you will need for the next part of the project. Give yourself less time than the instructions indicate. It is better to mix smaller batches more often than to throw away expensive product that became too hard to work with.

How to repair spalling on plastic sheeting?

If you suspect a moisture problem you can do this simple test. Take a piece of 16”X16” (16” square) plastic sheeting and tape down the sides with duct tape against the floor. Wait 24 hours. If there is a dark spot where moisture accumulated, or if there is water on the underside of the plastic, then there is probably a moisture problem that requires professional attention. If it’s dry then it’s OK to repair the spalling.

What does spalling damage?

Spalling damage starts below the concrete surface. Not all damaged areas may be visible. If you want to properly fix a floor damaged by spalling, you want to look for areas around the visible damage that may be weak enough to break free on their own.

What to do if a plastic sheet test came back positive?

If the plastic sheet test came back positive for moisture, you will then want to get a calcium chloride moisture kit. The idea is simple. The kit includes a Petri dish containing a pre-measured weight of calcium chloride. Place it under a plastic sheet (essentially a repeat of the previous test).

What to do before fixing spalling?

Before fixing spalling or pitting, check for water issues that might require professional help to fix. There’s no point in fixing a concrete problem that will just come back. Here are some signs of potential water problems:

1. Assess the damage to the concrete surface

The first step is to determine the depth of damage. If it's less than ½ inch deep, you can use a concrete parge to fill in the pitted areas of the concrete floor.

2. Clean and remove any loose material from the pitted concrete garage floor

Ensure that the area is clean and free of any debris. Use a broom or floor squeegee. This will help prevent dirt from getting into your newly poured concrete mix when it gets wet.

5. Sealing the new concrete floor

Once it's completely dried (and cured), you can seal your new concrete floor.

Why is my garage floor dusty?

If the top layer of your floor is a crumbly and sandy it is because it was mixed with too much water.

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.

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 cracking?

Cracking, spalling and pitting are caused by temperature changes, de-icing agents, and improper expansion joints. You will also see issues if the concrete mix contained too much water, too little mortar, was forced to dry too fast or too slowly. ( source)

How long does it take for water to evaporate from a garage floor?

If you pour a quarter cup of water on your garage floor, it should disappear in about half a minute. If your garage floor is sealed, the water will eventually evaporate. Concrete floors can’t be sealed from the underside. That’s why there should be a moisture barrier between the soil and the floor.

What causes a low spot in concrete?

Low spots are sagging dips in the concrete usually caused by improper finishing during installation. So long as the low spot is not a sinkhole, you can fix it with a grinder or a floor maintainer. Diagnose whether the low spot indicates a bigger problem below.

Do you fill expansion joints in concrete?

It is very important not to fill in expansion joints when repairing your concrete floor. Concrete needs to expand.