Concrete is a suitable material for a garage as it provides a flat, parking-friendly space. But your concrete garage floor is susceptible to damage and will be damaged eventually no matter how good you take care of it. At one point, you’ll need it repaired or fixed. Your garage floor can shift or crack, especially without a deep foundation.
When your concrete garage floor cracks, it becomes uneven. This can cause accidents or injuries. There are other reasons why concrete cracks, such as the absence or presence of water. Regardless of the cause, it helps to fix the cracks immediately.
Here are concrete repair methods you can try based on the type of concrete crack. Let’s begin.
Examine the crack.
Evaluate whether the crack is active or dormant. Inspect it closely and see if there’s proof of moisture. Check the depth and direction too. Dormant cracks no longer progress, but active cracks can crawl and get bigger or deeper over time. This can cause the soil to expand and leave slopes on your garage. The weather can also affect how the crack develops. Cracks can be minor or major. Either way, try to avoid short-term solutions and focus on fixing the underlying issue. However, it’s fine to patch it up temporarily, especially if you’re still deciding what to do next.
Observe and seal cracks.
If the crack is tiny or thin, it may not be a structural issue. It may be due to the loss of water and the concrete shrinking. Wait for a couple of months to see if the cracking has ended or stabilized before taking action. If you see cracks that resemble thin hairlines or spider webs, you may seal them as part of your maintenance routine. This may impact their appearance a bit, but the benefit is that you’re getting rid of the crack, keeping debris from settling in it, and making your concrete garage easier to clean.
Fill in cracks.
You may also fill in cracks in your garage floor as a solution. Consider the weather in your area to determine the need for further weather-proofing. Epoxy is a common material used for filling cracks. It helps the crack adhere to the rest of the concrete. Before proceeding, be sure to read the instructions on proper application. If you’re not sure how to do it, contact a concrete crack repair contractor in your area. Make the most of the opportunity to have your home inspected for concrete cracks that need immediate fixes.
Replace bad cracks.
If the crack in your garage already looks bad, repairs may no longer be enough. Contact a professional to examine it and determine the best solution for it. You may need to replace the concrete and add reinforcement. If there are too many cracks scattered throughout the garage, temporary fixes may no longer be practical.
It’s normal for your concrete garage to develop cracks. Don’t panic. Instead, pay attention to them, inform everyone in your household, and don’t delay calling a concrete repair contractor for assistance. Fixing garage floor cracks can be a DIY project, but you must be cautious to ensure it doesn’t end up worsening the issue.