Garage Floor Crack – What to Do?
Are you one of the many homeowners who has wondered why their garage floorboards have developed cracks? Have you thought about investing in an epoxy flooring system?
Even if you took extra precautions when laying the concrete, you may have wondered how this happened. You're not alone. In fact, you might be shocked to learn that garage floor fractures are fairly prevalent. In most circumstances, you shouldn't be concerned unless the crack opening is larger than 1/8-inch in width or cracks are not at the same level on both sides, with one side being higher than the other. But once they are wider, you should take immediate steps for garage floor crack repair.
What Causes These Cracks in the Floor?
Cracks in concrete garage floors can occur for a variety of causes. Shrinkage, settling, faulty installation, and drainage are the most typical issues.
Shrinkage
It's quite natural for the concrete surfaces to shrink throughout the curing process, in case you didn't know. Cracks form when this happens. This means you won't have to worry about the cracks in your new concrete garage floor because they're completely normal.
Settlement
The earth on which your home is built might shift and sink over time. Many people refer to this natural process as settling. The issue with settlement is that it can place a lot of pressure on concrete garage flooring, which can lead to surface cracks. However, it's vital to remember that settlement cracks should be taken seriously by homeowners, particularly if they continue to expand and widen.
Defective Installation
The surface of the concrete becomes more sensitive to cracking when it is improperly laid. When a thin slab of concrete isn't reinforced with steel bars or a mesh of steel wires when it's needed, this happens. The end result is a gravel basis that is far from adequate.
Inadequate drainage
Poor drainage is another factor that contributes to the growth of cracks in garage floors. This would eventually result in flooding. If the soil beneath your garage is dense or contains a lot of clay, it will cling to moisture and freeze throughout the winter. The soil expands as it freezes, causing the concrete slab to heave and shatter.
How to Repair Cracks in a Garage Floor
Cut the Cracks on Both Sides
To cut both sides of the fissures, you can use either a circular saw or a diamond blade. Before filling the grooves and the crack with cement, make sure they are roughly half an inch in diameter. Make sure the cement you're using has been polymerized.
Cracked Concrete Removal
To remove the fractured area of the concrete, use a cold chisel to chip it out slowly and carefully. When working on the small chips, be careful because you could injure yourself. You'll need to vacuum the area after you've removed the chipped pieces. It's critical to clean the concrete properly so that the compound can easily adhere to its surface. You can complete the task with the help of a power washer.
Crack Fill up
Make sure you've already applied the latex modifier to the concrete mix before packing it into the channel. Fill it up to roughly 1/2 inch of its original height after you're done. Allow it to sit for 72 hours or 3 days before using a resurfacer to fill it in. Make sure the resurfacer has a firm base to ensure that it will be far more durable.
According to what we've already said, there are a variety of causes for the concrete surfaces in your garage to crack - and the majority of them won't cause severe issues with your home's foundation or structure. At Zone Garage we are experts of garage floor crack repair. Hiring professionals are always better than following DIYs since they are armed with skills and knowledge.