How to Repair a Concrete Floor Crack

Small cracks can be repaired with the right tools.

Concrete floors are installed in the home because of their strength and durability. But concrete is not indestructible. A shifting foundation or excessive moisture and freezing can cause even the sturdiest concrete floor to crack. Most cracks in the floor can be fixed with the right tools and preparation. Some patches may be just as strong as the original concrete. However, if you see lots of cracks appearing along the floor, have your foundation inspected by a certified building inspector.

Things You'll Need

• Circular saw
• Diamond blade
• N-95 respirator
• Chisel
• Hammer
• Vacuum
• Wheelbarrow
• Concrete
• Resurfacer
• Bull float

Instructions

1. Fit a circular saw with a diamond blade. Set the blade depth to 1/2 inch.

2. Put on an N-95 respirator and open the windows in the room, or turn on a fan.

3. Cut on both sides of the crack with the saw. Chip out the excess concrete in the middle of the cuts with a chisel and hammer.

4. Vacuum out all the dust.

5. Mix concrete and water in a wheelbarrow using the instructions on the concrete packaging.

6. Fill the crack to within a 1/2 inch of the original height of the concrete with the concrete you just mixed.

7. Add water to a concrete resurfacing mix according to the instructions on the label. It should be the consistency of pancake batter.

8. Pour the resurfacer into the crack. Smooth out the resurfacer with a bull float, feathering the edges to make it as smooth as possible. Let it dry for several days before walking on it.

References

• The Family Handyman; DIY Concrete Crack Repair; September 2010
• Ask the Builder; Concrete Crack Repair Tips; Tim Carter