MORE LOCATIONSRead this and find out how to repair small cracks in concrete floors in just five steps
Concrete floors are one of the most stable and long-lasting floors. However, cracks of different sizes and shapes develop in concrete floors over time. Cracks may not seem noticeable initially, but they grow bigger and cause significant problems. Fortunately, small cracks can be fixed at home with a few tools and materials.
Learn to repair small concrete floor cracks with this simple guide.
Choosing The Right Product
- Various products are available for repairing concrete floor cracks, from simple caulks to vinyl concrete patches. However, a typical sand-concrete mix works best for small cracks. Follow the steps to repair your floor like a pro.
Clean The Area
- A clean surface ensures the new patch adheres well to the old concrete. Use a wire brush to clean the crack and sweep away any loose debris. Vacuum the crack if necessary. If grease or oil is in or near the crack, use a commercial degreasing product or dish soap to clean it.
Widen The Crack
- Once you have cleaned the crack, the next step is to widen the crack. Use proper tools to undercut the edges of the crack. This makes the patching material reach down into the crack and the edges. In addition, it ensures the patch holds in place as it dries. Wear protective glasses during the process to protect your eyes from small particles that break free from the concrete.
Apply Bonding Adhesive
- Next, apply a thin coat of concrete bonding adhesive to the crack surface. Use a small paintbrush for this purpose. Let the bonding adhesive dry for about an hour before moving on to the next step.
Some bonding agents need to be blended into the concrete mix rather than brushed onto the surface. To learn the correct application method, read the adhesive bonding instructions.
Prepare And Apply The Sand Mix
- Combine the dry sand concrete mix with a suitable amount of water as directed on the bag. Make sure the consistency is pliable and smooth. Force the concrete mixture firmly into the crack with a pointed trowel. Ensure the gap is filled. 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. Store the remaining dry mix away from moisture and humidity and in a dry area. Let the patch 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.
Apply A Concrete Sealant
- Despite their tough and rigid appearance, concrete slabs are porous. As a result, water can penetrate the slab over time to cause more cracks. This issue can be eliminated by periodically recoating the slab with a clear concrete sealer or self-leveling urethane polymer.
The sealer helps reduce concrete floor cracking to a great extent. Apply three or more coats in high-traffic areas. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next coat. If you don’t want to coat the entire floor, seal the patched crack to make it moisture-resistant.
Call In The Pros
Concrete slabs crack as they age. Therefore, occasional small cracks in the concrete should not cause alarm. 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 fill the cracks with epoxy resin to prevent the risk of foundational problems and save the expenses of costly repairs.
If you notice cracks in your concrete basement floor and require professional help, call us at 877-727-2259. Our experts at Crack-X will inspect your property and take the necessary measures to repair your basement floor. Crack-X is a civil structures repair company operating in Maine and New Hampshire.