It’s the keeper of your goods, your memory storage centre of the home, your vehicle’s haven, and your “indoor-outside”. Your garage has been through a lot, but it has never let you down, so why would you let it’s surface deteriorate. Concrete as a garage floor can be one of the strongest, most durable and long lasting materials you can use. But like anything made of concrete, including sidewalks and the rest of your foundation “Cracks come to the job along with the concrete, riding in the same truck”, and are going to happen, but that doesn’t mean you need to just leave them. You’ve got a cracked concrete garage floor, so let’s figure out how to fix it.
Evaluating the Crack in Your Garage Floor
The beginning step to concrete crack repair is as simple as evaluating the crack and determining what caused it. There’s no need to cut out the whole slab for replacement when a simple repair can take place, but you do need to have the know-how to make that call and opt for concrete crack filler.
3 Types of Cracks in Concrete Floors & Slabs
There are many reasons why a garage floor may crack. There are multiple aspects to consider when evaluating the conditions that may have caused your crack. Crack forms, environmental and soil conditions, building history and movement patterns are only a few circumstances that may have been the cause, but by gauging these conditions relative to the crack it will assist in recognizing the type of crack you’re dealing with and the best way to tend to it.
- Shrinkage cracks in a slab
- Settlement cracks in a slab
- Frost heaves or expansive soil damage
Steps to Take in Evaluating The Crack
After you’ve diagnosed the crack type, there are several, smaller additional steps to take in determining the extent of the repairs to be done. These include but are not limited to:
- The impact on the surrounding foundation
- Whether or not the crack is cosmetic or structural (a structural crack is identified by two characteristics, an opening of 1/8 inch or more across, or the crack is “differential” meaning that one side of the crack raises above the other)
- The probable cause (environmental conditions, or other circumstances as listed above)
- And the amount of resources (time and money) you’re willing to put towards the concrete crack repair
Fixing Concrete Floor Cracks
Once you’ve identified the crack, and evaluated the impacts, environment, and appropriate repair method, now you can begin the fix.
It is wisest to stick to an epoxy or polyurethane crack repair solution. Choosing a product that is sandable will allow your filler to harden and cure to become stronger than the concrete itself. This will help prevent water intrusion, and will allow you to paint or sand the material with the concrete.
Now it’s time to prepare the crack for the filler. By using a hammer and cold chisel you “chase the crack” by following it in length and breaking away any loose edges or access material. This will allow for the filler to adhere to the materials more effectively, and help rule out the chance of trapped air in the crack. After applying your epoxy or polyurethane filler into the crack, give it a few minutes to settle and allow for low spots to set in. At this point your crack may require a second visit from the filler for any areas that aren’t filled in level. Now you can apply sand to the top and allow the filler to cure and harden for about 20 mins. At this point you can begin scraping away any access from the top layer with a paint scraper or putty knife.
FAQs – How to Fix Concrete Floor Cracks in Your Garage
1. Why do concrete garage floors crack?
Garage floors crack due to shrinkage during curing, heavy vehicle loads, poor soil compaction, temperature changes, and moisture issues beneath the slab.
2. Are garage floor cracks serious?
Small hairline cracks are usually cosmetic, but wide, deep, or spreading cracks may indicate structural problems and should be inspected.
3. What is the best way to fix small concrete floor cracks?
Small cracks can be repaired using concrete crack filler, epoxy, or polyurethane sealants after properly cleaning the area.
4. How do I repair large cracks in a garage floor?
Large cracks require grinding, applying bonding agents, filling with epoxy mortar or polymer-modified concrete, and resurfacing for durability.
5. Can I fix garage floor cracks myself?
Yes, DIY repair is possible for minor cracks. However, severe cracks caused by foundation movement need professional repair.
6. How long do concrete crack repairs last?
Properly repaired cracks can last 10+ years if high-quality materials and correct techniques are used.
7. Should I seal my garage floor after crack repair?
Yes, sealing protects against moisture, oil stains, chemicals, and future cracking.
8. What tools are needed to fix concrete cracks?
Common tools include wire brush, grinder, vacuum, caulking gun, epoxy filler, trowel, and concrete sealer.
9. How much does it cost to repair garage floor cracks?
Costs vary based on damage severity, but small repairs may cost under $100, while professional repairs can range from $300 to $1,500.
10. How can I prevent future cracks in my garage floor?
Use proper curing methods, seal the floor, avoid overloading, ensure good drainage, and maintain stable temperature conditions.
Conclusion
Cracks in your concrete are common and inevitable, and there are various resources for fixing concrete floor cracks and multiple variables to consider before attempting this fix yourself. As in any construction or home maintenance case, it’s important to consider your own abilities and when it is worth it to hire a professional concrete contractor to attend to your concrete repair. If properly handled, these repairs could potentially last for the lifetime of the garage floor.