Repairing cracks in a concrete floor is a pretty easy job that can be done in just a couple of hours. It's a good idea to go ahead and make the repairs so the cracks don't become a bigger problem later on. Here are the DIY Basics for repairing cracked concrete floors. - One of the first things to consider is what kind of filler you need for the cracks. For general-purpose repair jobs, such as filling hairline cracks, a latex, vinyl or epoxy patch will work just fine.
- If you have problems with water leaks, you should get hydraulic cement. It comes in a powder form and you mix it with water.
- For a floor that doesn't have any water leaks, use a tube of concrete filler, which can be found at most home centers. That's what we're using in our demonstration.
- Make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves when using a chisel and a hammer because little pieces of concrete will fly up.
- Before using the concrete filler, make sure there's no oil or dirt still on the floor. If there is, use a cleaner that cuts grease. This will help the filler bond to the cement.
1. You'll need to use a chisel and a hammer to get rid of any large pieces in the crack. Hold the chisel at an angle and pound with the hammer to chisel out the crack. This is called "keying" the hole to make the inside bigger than the outside. Keying helps the new patching material bond with the old crack. 2. Once you've keyed the hole, it's important to clean up and get rid of dust and debris.
3. To use concrete filler, cut the nozzle off the bottle and slowly fill the cracks.
4. Check the cracks in a few minutes to see whether the filler has settled. You may have to add some more if it doesn't look tight.
5. Use a trowel to smooth out the cracks.
6. Allow the filler to cure overnight. Then check it again to see whether you need to add any more filler.
7. After patching the concrete, it's a good idea to seal it. Concrete easily absorbs stains, and sealing will prevent that. There are more than a few products available for concrete sealing, but we used a heavy-duty water-based polyurethane.
8. If the floor has a rough finish, apply the polyurethane with a broom. With a smooth surface use a roller.
The beauty of water-based polyurethane is that it dries quickly, so you can put on a second coat just a few hours after the first. Also, water-based polyurethanes don't smell as bad as other types of sealer. In heavy traffic areas, it's a good idea to apply three or four coats.
So the next time you need to repair cracks in a concrete floor, remember these four basic tips:
- "Key" the hole so that the inside is bigger than the outside.
- Make sure floor is clean of dirt and grease.
- Fill the crack then check again to see if more is needed.
- Seal the concrete with polyurethane.
