Twip of the Day – Garage Floor Cracking

Homeowners often worry about basement floor cracking, but what about the garage? Garage floors are often poured concrete, which means they are as prone to random shrinkage cracks and volume changes as your basement floor. When you discover that the floor of your garage is cracked, don’t panic, there are several products that are inexpensive and repair the problem quickly. Even the best kept garage floor will eventually crack, and will require repairs at some point.

Before tackling this job, make sure the floor is swept clean and vacuumed of loose debris. It is especially important to clean the damaged area thoroughly, because dust and loose debris will prevent repair materials from properly bonding to the concrete floor.

Your next step, depending on the type and extent of the damage, is selecting and applying the proper material. An epoxy based filler is the product of choice to repair noticeable cracks in your floor. These products can be easily applied with a caulking gun and are ideal for cracks since they are versatile and able to compensate for expansion and contraction in concrete. For depressions and pit marks, concrete filler products are the best choice. Simply follow the manufacturer’s mixing instructions and apply the material with a floor trowel. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the drying time of the product. Garage floor repair has become a simple DIY task with the products available, so don’t worry when you find these cracks.