Do It Yourself Cracked Concrete Floor Coating
A cracked concrete driveway or floor can make your home look uncared for and drab, and it can also be dangerous. Concrete cracks for a number of reasons, but repairing it can be a simple, do-it-yourself process. Does this Spark an idea?
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What Causes Concrete to Crack?
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Cracks in concrete are bound to occur over time. Fluctuations in temperature, uneven shifting of the ground underneath and heavy weight regularly applied to it will ultimately cause concrete to rift and fracture. Large cracks can present a risk that people could trip, and an uneven driveway can damage your car's tires. So repairing a cracked floor in your home, garage, driveway, rec room or anywhere people will walk is definitely a must. Luckily, a cracked concrete floor does not mean you have to resurface the entire area, and it can be completed in a few, simple steps.
Repairing the Cracks
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First, clear the cracked area of all loose gravel, concrete or dirt. Then blast it with a high-pressure water hose to create a clean surface. If you're working on your concrete garage floor, make sure to scrub the surface clean of all grease and set-in oil residues. The surface must be thoroughly clean so your new concrete can properly adhere to it.
Next, apply your new concrete mix slowly to the affected area, and smooth it over with a trowel. Before the first layer has set, apply a second layer of concrete and smooth it over once more. Inspect your driveway, or garage floor or room floor, closely, and fill in smaller cracks and empty spots for a thoroughly even surface. Allow the concrete to dry completely. -
Coat with Sealant for the Finishing Touch
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Once your concrete is dry, prep your floor for coating by cleaning it thoroughly again, removing all loose residue. Make sure all moisture is dried off. If there are uneven areas, you may want to use a sander or grinder to even the surface completely. Be sure to sweep and wipe your floors again after you've sanded the area down.
Once your floor is ready, apply the primer. Primer and sealant are toxic, so be sure to wear protective gear, such as goggles or a respiratory mask, when coating the floor. Also, keep an electric fan running nearby.
To apply the primer you'll need painting supplies such as a roller and splash pan; brush it onto the surface just like paint. Once it's evenly applied to the entire surface, allow the primer to set for several hours. The second coat, the finisher, should be added, once the primer is completely dry, in exactly the same manner. This should be left to dry overnight.
A bit of polish and a quick sweep later, and your floors and surfaces will look brand-new and be a cinch to clean.
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