Cracked Floors: 3 Best Solutions to Smoothing Out Floors

Treating Cracks in Concrete Floors

In addition to the previously mentioned solutions, there are several advanced techniques for treating cracks in concrete floors, each with its unique advantages. Let’s delve into these methods and explore the benefits of each:

1. Chasing and Filling the Crack:

• Chasing the Crack: When dealing with visible cracks in your concrete floor, it’s often necessary to open the crack further. This process, known as “chasing the crack,” involves creating a V-shaped groove along the length of the crack. This step helps ensure proper adhesion for the filler material.

• Installing Backer Rod: After chasing the crack, it’s advisable to install a backer rod. This cylindrical foam insert acts as a buffer between the crack’s walls, preventing the filler material from sinking too deep and ensuring a more even surface.

• Flexible Polyurea Joint Filler: A flexible polyurea joint filler is an excellent choice for repairing cracks. This material offers several benefits, the most significant being its flexibility. Polyurea joint fillers can accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of concrete due to temperature variations without cracking. This flexibility helps prevent future cracks from forming, making it a long-lasting solution.

2. Fusing the Crack Together:

• Hard Crack Filler: For wider or deeper cracks, hard crack fillers are a suitable option. These fillers consist of rigid materials that, when applied, bond with the concrete to essentially fuse the crack back together. While they may not be as flexible as polyurea joint fillers, hard crack fillers provide excellent structural support and are ideal for larger cracks that require a more robust solution.

Covering Up the Evidence:

In some cases, you may prefer to mask the appearance of cracks by covering them with various flooring options:

1. Leveling and Resurfacing: As previously discussed, leveling and resurfacing using materials like self-leveling concrete or concrete resurfacing can significantly improve the look of your concrete floor. These methods create a seamless surface, effectively hiding cracks and imperfections.

2. Cementitious Polymer Modified Overlays: These overlays are thin layers of specially formulated concrete that can be applied over existing concrete surfaces. They are excellent for covering up minor cracks and rejuvenating old concrete. Additionally, these overlays can be textured, stained, or stamped to achieve a wide range of decorative effects.

3. Epoxy Floor Coatings: Epoxy coatings offer both aesthetic appeal and durability. They come in various styles, including flake flooring and metallic flooring. Epoxy coatings not only conceal cracks but also provide a protective layer that is resistant to stains, chemicals, and wear. Metallic epoxy, in particular, creates a stunning, marbled look, making it a popular choice for showrooms, garages, and upscale commercial spaces.

In conclusion, treating cracks in concrete floors involves a range of techniques, from chasing and filling with flexible polyurea joint fillers to fusing cracks with hard fillers. These methods can address the structural and aesthetic concerns associated with cracked concrete. Depending on your preference and the severity of the cracks, you can either embrace the character of the concrete by using repair techniques, or cover it up with leveling, resurfacing, or decorative coatings. Regardless of your choice, proper maintenance and timely repairs can ensure that your concrete floors remain safe, visually appealing, and long-lasting.