How to Fix Cracks in a Concrete Garage Floor

Is your garage floor cracked? If so, you’ll be pleased to learn that you can probably repair the crack yourself. This is typically a big money saver.

The method of repair is dependent on the size of the crack or cracks. Read on to learn more about how to fix cracks in a concrete garage floor.

What Causes Concrete Cracks

There are several reasons that concrete cracks. The biggest reason, in regard to a garage floor is shrinkage. Over time, concrete settles and shrinks. There is absolutely no way to avoid it. Cracks can also appear because of soil erosion underneath the slab or moisture and temperature extremes.

Repairing Small Cracks With Compound

For extremely narrow cracks, remove any debris out of the crack with a small wire brush.

Attach a cartridge of masonry filler to your caulk gun. Once the cracks are filled, smooth them over with a putty knife and allow them to dry.

For cracks that are a bit larger, clean the area and then rinse it with a stream of water. Using a vinyl compound (mixed with water per the manufacturer’s instructions) and a trowel, fill the crack completely. To remove any air pockets, tamp the compound down with the trowel.

As an alternative, use a patching mortar mixed with a bonding agent and proceed as directed.

Repairing Large Cracks with Concrete

Sometimes it’s necessary to repair a larger crack in your concrete garage floor. First, chisel out the crack to make a backwards angle. Clean out all of the loose material. Pour sand into the crack, almost to the surface. Add a concrete fortifier to the prepared sand‑concrete mix of your choice. Using a trowel, fill the crack and feather it, until the new concrete is level with the ground.

How to Prevent Concrete Cracks in the Future

Follow these tips, to help prevent concrete cracks in the future. The more proactive you are in doing so, the less chance you’ll encounter a problem.

• To melt wintertime ice, use sand instead of rock salt
• Never pour concrete on frozen ground
• Use expansion joints, when pouring concrete
• Apply a good silicone solvent‑based seal to the concrete, annually

As you can see, garage floor crack repair is probably simpler to accomplish than you think. It does take a bit of time and energy, on your part. But when it’s done, your floor will look almost as good as new.

If it’s time to fix that crack, it could be time to get a new garage door. Click here to fill out our form for a free quote.