home & garden: Repairing concrete garage floor similar to fixing asphalt driveway
Hello Keith,
I just finished reading your column in the Thursday Ann Arbor newspaper explaining how to repair a driveway (asphalt). I was hoping it might help my issue but I don't think so. I have a small hole on the concrete floor in my garage. It is approximately 4 inches x 4 inches and evidently the concrete layer is pretty thin as I can see the dirt underneath it. I'm not especially handy, but seems like this should be an easy repair and maybe similar to what you described repairing the asphalt driveway. The difference of course is the garage floor isn't black. Is there a product you can recommend that I might be able to do without hiring an expert or trying to corral my son! Any help/guidance is muchly appreciated! Judy O., Ann Arbor area
Hi Judy, The repair is similar just using different products and a couple extra steps. The first step is determining the cause of the issue and my concern is that you stated the concrete layer looks pretty thin. The concrete floor should be a minimum of 4 inches thick in a garage. Most repairs can be made using a trowel and a premixed QUIKRETE® Vinyl Concrete Patcher, found in most hardware stores. Keep safety in mind and use safety goggles and gloves when doing this repair.
1. Clean the area thoroughly by removing any loose debris. A stiff wire brush can be helpful. Widen any open chips and cracks with a cement chisel.
2. If the depth is more than 1/2 inch deep, apply QUIKRETE® Bonding Adhesive and let dry. (Ironically, cement does not adhere to itself.)
3. Apply QUIKRETE® Vinyl Concrete Patcher by pressing in the sides of the broken area with a putty knife. Apply the rest with a trowel (since it comes in premixed this is an easy process). If it is 1-2 inches deep then you should add QUIKRETE® Sand Mix for extra durability.
4. You may want to add in 1/4 -1/2 inch layers and let dry to have an extra strong repair.
5. Carefully spread or “feather” out the last layer with your trowel and let dry. Repairing any cracks and chips immediately will allow you to enjoy your garage floor for years to come. Have fun with it since these products are user-friendly and they take less time and skill for the novice “DIY”er.
Paul is a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. Paul serves as President and founding member of nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service, servicing Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland Counties. Listen to Paul every Saturday at 11 a.m. on “It’s Your Home, Let’s Talk About It” WAAM Talk 1600-AM. E-mail questions or comments to kpaul@handypro.com.
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