One of the most common problems garage owners encounter after a long period of use are cracks and holes. These imperfections that are inflicted to our poor concrete floors can sometimes be irritating, especially in some case where the cracks and holes seem impossible to remove and repair. However, proper research and reading on how you can actually resolve this problem is an initial step to resolution. No matter how stubborn these flaws in your floor are, they can still be counteracted with the right solution and process.

Clean out the Cracks

The very first thing to do when restoring your garage floor and getting rid of cracks and holes is to make sure that the mold, mildew, and other dirt in the cracks are removed. Clean the crack first as this is the preliminary step before coating and painting. Cleaning the cracks removes loose particles and bond breakers that prevent proper, long term durability.

Apply Epoxy or Polyureas Through the Cracks

After getting rid of crack dirt, an epoxy or polyurea should be applied throughout the cracks. Cracks are not just surface breakage. They can go deep as much as four inches, so simple mortar and cement is not enough. You will need an elastic material such as an epoxy or polyurea to penetrate deep into the crack. Make sure to scrape the excess epoxy or polyurea from the crack itself to have a smooth finish.

Application of Coatings and Paints Over Cracks

It is important that your crack filler is thin enough to fill the crack to the bottom and not just at the surface. Too often crack fillers are applied only at the surface. This only works as a temporary bridge. If the crack filler does not go all the way to the bottom and have the capability to cure below the surface it will not work and you will have wasted time and money. If the crack is properly filled your coating will perform over the long term. Long term performance of floor paints or coatings are subject to how well the floor is repaired.

Stitching The Cracks

Once you have filled the cracks you can apply a thin mesh over the crack. The negative is that it will bleed through your top coat if the coating is not thick enough. There are various schools of thought but in my experience if you have filled the crack to the bottom and add a fine sand to the top and sand smooth your crack should endure. Make sure that the crack filler you purchase has flexibility when cured. If the filler gets hard and cracks you have defeated the purpose and your coating will eventually fail.

Patch Coat The Floor

Not all patch repair products are effective even though the manufacturer claims on the label that they do. Epoxies and polyureas work well because they flow into the surface area. If your patch repair product is too thick it may look fine when you are finished but doesn't mean that it will last. Moisture pressure can easily pop the patch off the floor. The best system is one that is thin enough to flow into and wet into the surface becoming part of the floor. Wetting means that the repair product flows into the pores of the concrete. When it cures it becomes part of the concrete not just stuck to the surface. Epoxies and polyureas do not shrink like portland concrete based repair products. Shrinkage means failure later.