4 Common Concrete Floor Restoration Mistakes

Floor Restoration MistakesWhether you’re trying to fix a small crack or something widespread like spalling, concrete floor repair has to be done correctly. In today’s post, Guardian Garage Floors shares a look at some of the most common mistakes made when repairing concrete floors.

Ignoring the weather — Concrete, along with products used for concrete repair, need the right conditions to cure properly. The wrong temperature and humidity levels can, at best, result in longer curing times and surface imperfections. At worst, they can lead to premature failure. When planning garage floor repairs, take unexpected weather changes into account and be ready to postpone your plans just in case.

Not cleaning the concrete surface properly — Crack fillers and caulk work best when cracks and work surfaces are clean. Make sure that you don’t skip cleaning and preparations, which can take as much work as the repairs. Dirt, loose particles and old coatings will need to be cleaned off, ideally using a pressure washer and concrete cleaning solution. The remaining concrete will need to be dry for at least 24 hours to avoid trapping moisture underneath.

Not reading product instructions — Crack fillers and other concrete repair products need to be mixed properly before use. Make sure you’re mixing the products as instructed by the manufacturer, especially if they’re to be mixed from two different compounds. Improper mixing can result in a weak bond, discoloration or even early failure. Proper application is also critical. Not all cracks and holes on the concrete are the same, which means you need to work the sealant into any gaps to make sure they’re properly filled.

Not installing a protective coating after repairs — Concrete is vulnerable to damage caused by moisture and temperature changes. You’ll be wasting your efforts performing repairs if you leave the concrete surface bare afterward. Invest in a quality coating system to preserve the concrete surface. While there are different kinds of coatings that can be applied to a concrete floor, look for one that only needs to be applied once and can resist years of wear, road salt and fluids dripping from your vehicle. Polyaspartic floor coating is one that fits the bill nicely, and is worth considering if you want a long-lasting solution for your concrete floors.

Guardian Garage Floors NC is your leading provider of residential and commercial garage floor services, including polyaspartic coating installation. Give us a call at (984) 217-2842. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.