Repair Cracked Concrete Garage Floor

Cracked concrete garage floors are a common problem that can be both unsightly and a tripping hazard. If the cracks are small, you may be able to repair them yourself with a few simple tools and materials. However, if the cracks are large or deep, you may need to hire a professional to repair them.

Causes of Cracked Concrete Garage Floors

There are several factors that can contribute to cracked concrete garage floors, including:

Poor soil conditions: If the soil under your garage floor is not properly compacted, it can settle over time, causing the concrete to crack.
Temperature changes: Extreme temperature changes can cause concrete to expand and contract, which can lead to cracking.
Heavy loads: If your garage floor is subjected to heavy loads, such as from parking vehicles or storing heavy equipment, it can crack.
Chemical spills: Spills from chemicals, such as gasoline or oil, can weaken concrete and cause it to crack.

Repairing Small Cracks

If the cracks in your garage floor are small (less than 1/4 inch wide), you may be able to repair them yourself with the following steps:

Clean the cracks thoroughly with a wire brush or broom.
Fill the cracks with a concrete patching compound. Use a trowel to smooth the compound and make it level with the surrounding concrete.
Allow the patching compound to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Seal the cracks with a concrete sealer to prevent water and dirt from penetrating them.

Repairing Large or Deep Cracks

If the cracks in your garage floor are large or deep (greater than 1/4 inch wide), you may need to hire a professional to repair them. Professionals can use a variety of methods to repair large cracks, including:

Expansion joint repair: Professionals can install expansion joints in the cracks to allow the concrete to move without cracking.
Concrete patching: Professionals can patch large cracks with concrete patching compound and then seal the patch to prevent water and dirt from penetrating it.
Concrete resurfacing: Professionals can resurface the entire garage floor with a new layer of concrete to cover up the cracks and create a smooth, even surface.

Preventing Cracked Concrete Garage Floors

There are several things you can do to prevent cracked concrete garage floors, including:

Make sure the soil under your garage floor is properly compacted before pouring the concrete.
Avoid exposing your garage floor to extreme temperature changes. If you live in a cold climate, insulate your garage to help keep the temperature more stable.
Avoid parking heavy vehicles or storing heavy equipment on your garage floor. If you must do so, spread the weight out over a larger area to reduce the pressure on the concrete.
Clean up chemical spills immediately. If chemicals are spilled on your garage floor, rinse them off with water immediately to prevent them from damaging the concrete.