MORE LOCATIONSHere is a list of DIY methods to repair basement floor cracks
Over time, cracks of different sizes and shapes develop in concrete floors. Cracks may not seem noticeable initially, but they eventually get more significant. If the cracks grow more profound, there is a possibility of water leaking inside the foundation. Minor cracks can be fixed at home with just a handful of materials. Follow this step-by-step guide to fix basement floor cracks.
Materials And Tools
- Wire brush
- Vacuum
- Scrub brush
- Masonry chisel
- Hammer
- Safety glasses
- Margin trowel
- Paintbrush
- Concrete bonding adhesive
- Sand mix concrete
- Concrete cleaner or dish soap
Step 1
- Clean out the crack with a wire brush to ensure your repair work holds well. Sweep any loose debris and vacuum the crack. Use a commercial degreasing product or a dish soap to clean the remaining grease and oil near the crack.
Step 2
- The next step is to widen and undercut the edges of the crack. This can be done with the help of a chisel and hammer. This is essential to allow the patching material to reach down into the crack and the edges. In addition, it ensures the patch is held in place as it dries. Wearing protective glasses while chiseling can protect your eyes from small particles that break free from the concrete.
Step 3
- Cover the crack surface with a thin coat of concrete bonding adhesive using a small paintbrush. The glue will transform from a whitish liquid to a clear coating as it dries. Ensure the bonding liquid is completely dry before moving on to the next step. It will take about an hour. Some of the bonding agents require blending into the concrete mix rather than brushing onto the surface. To learn the correct application method, read the bonding adhesive instructions.
Step 4
- The dry sand concrete mix is combined with a suitable amount of water as directed on the bag. Make sure the consistency is pliable and not runny.
Step 5
- Force the concrete mixture firmly into the crack with a pointed trowel. Ensure the gap is filled completely. Use the edge of the trowel to screed off the excess concrete. Smooth the surface of the patch with the flat surface of the scoop.
Step 6
- Allow the patch to dry undisturbed according to the instructions on the bag. Generally, the drying process takes 24 hours. However, fast-setting formulations that set within an hour are also available.
Step 7
Even though concrete slabs look solid, they are more porous than they appear. Over time water penetrates the slab and causes more cracks to form. Periodically, recoating the entire slab with a clear concrete sealer or self-leveling urethane polymer can help reduce concrete floor cracking to a great extent.
If you don’t want to coat the entire floor, then just seal the patched crack to make it moisture-resistant. Apply at least three coats of sealer in high-traffic areas. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next coat.
When to Call a Professional
- Occasional cracking is typical in concrete slabs. However, cracks with one side higher than the other indicate serious problems. Call in a professional basement floor repairer as soon as you notice such cracks. Experts ground down the cracks and filled them with epoxy resin to halt the looming foundational problems and prevent expensive repairs.
Call in the pros if you have cracks in your basement and are not comfortable repairing them. Crack-X is a civil structures repair company operating in Maine and New Hampshire. We will inspect your property and take the necessary measures to repair your basement floor. Get in touch with us at 877-727-2259.