How to Fix Cracks in a Radiant Heat Concrete Floor
Concrete has become one of the most commonly used materials for floors and foundations in homes. Radiant heat concrete floors are a relatively new technology that offers an energy-efficient and space-saving method of home heating. Even though concrete is a solid and durable material, it tends to crack, and as the radiant heat elements are embedded under the surface of the concrete, repairing the cracks as soon as they appear is vital to preventing crack expansion and damage to the heating elements. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vinyl concrete patch cement (premix)
- Concrete float trowel
- Large sponge
- 5-gallon bucket (optional)
- Vacuum cleaner
- Wire brush
Instructions
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1
Clean concrete chips and dust from the crack using the wire brush and vacuum cleaner.
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2
Apply the vinyl patch cement to the crack using the concrete float trowel, making sure to pack the material so that it penetrates the entire void. Refer to the patch cement packaging for any additional or special application instructions.
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3
Clean away excess vinyl patch cement using a large wet sponge; the patch cement should be flush with the top of the surrounding concrete surface when finished. Refer to product packaging for any additional or special drying instructions.
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4
Repeat steps 1 through 3 on any remaining cracks in the concrete.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Large cracks (anything wider than 1/2 inch) may not be able to be repaired using simple methods, as they may involve damage to the radiant heating elements in the concrete. Consult with a concrete floor specialist for repair of larger cracks.
