Concrete is pretty hard stuff, but it does not last forever. Knowing what to do when you see cracks and need concrete floor repair is helpful for homeowners. 

How do you know when a concrete floor needs to be repaired?

There are many ways to tell when your concrete floor needs to be repaired, from obvious signs, like crumbling and cracked concrete, to less obvious signs, like pooling water and a general unevenness of the concrete. In some cases, there might not be any outward signs of disrepair, but you will notice that the doors and windows in your house are suddenly sticking or rubbing when opened and closed. 

What causes damage to a concrete floor?

There are many things that can cause your concrete flooring to need repair including corrosion, improper insulation, extreme age, and even the extreme heat from a fire. The most common reason, however, is the freeze-thaw cycle. This happens when water infiltrates the concrete, expands as it freezes, and then thaws again. The process can be repeated over and over in colder climates, disrupting the concrete's stability over time and causing it to crack and break.  

How do you repair a damaged concrete floor?

Small cracks to a concrete patio or another non-structural element can be repaired quickly by a homeowner. Simply remove any loose concrete and use a concrete repair kit from a big box home improvement center. Larger cracks, extensive damage, and damage to structural items, like garage floors, however, should be completed by a professional concrete floor repair company. 

Can you pour new concrete over old concrete?

In short, no. You cannot simply pour more concrete over your existing flooring to cover the cracks or level the floor. This will only compound the problem over time. You need to fix the root of the problem and then create a solid foundation for the new concrete. Failure to do so will only make the problem reappear, possibly worse.  

How do you maintain a new concrete floor to prevent damage?

Protecting a new concrete floor can extend its useful life. The easiest way to do this is to have a protective epoxy coating applied. The coating will seal the concrete and prevent water from entering the concrete and causing damage during the next freeze-thaw cycle. Furthermore, homeowners in cold climates can take care to remove road salt and chemicals from their garage throughout the winter months to prevent surface corrosion of the concrete flooring.

Knowing when to call a professional to repair your concrete floors is essential to the overall health of your home. 

Contact a company like Attention to Detail Concrete Coating for more information.