What happens if you see cracks in your garage floor before applying epoxy floor? Do they need to be addressed? You may even wonder, “How to fix cracks in garage floor before epoxy?” If you want your epoxy floor to last for years to come, you need to fix these cracks first! Ignoring cracks can cause short-term and long-term problems such as an uneven epoxy coat, structural issues, poor adhesion, and moisture damage! Stay tuned to find out about the best way about how to fix cracks in garage floors before epoxy. 

How to Fix Cracks in Garage Floor Before Epoxy? 

What happens if you see cracks in the garage floor? Surely, you must fill in the cracks and create a smooth surface for epoxy resin to adhere best to the concrete floor. Do not worry at all! This is how to fix cracks in garage floor before epoxy application. Follow these steps thoroughly and enjoy the result. 

Step 1: Clean the Crack 

Do not ignore cracks in the concrete floor! Before applying the filler, you need to clean out any dirt, debris, or dust inside the cracks. Use a wire brush, vacuum, or pressure washer to completely clean the floor. If you don’t clean the floor and cracks properly, you shouldn’t expect the filler to bond perfectly. 

Step 2: Apply the Crack Filler 

Choose a caulking gun or trowel for applying crack filler. There are different kinds of cracks, and you must choose an appropriate crack filler based on the type of crack.  Here’s a golden tip! If the crack is large in scale, it’s better to fill the crack in multiple layers, and remember to allow each layer to dry before applying the next. In addition, you must press the filler deep into the crack for better adhesion.

Step 3: Smooth the Surface 

At this stage, you’re going to need a putty knife or trowel. After applying the filler, use a putty knife or trowel to smooth the surface. After that, you must make sure that the filled crack is at the same level as the surrounding concrete. This stage is necessary for creating a smooth, seamless surface before applying epoxy floor. 

 Step 4: Let the Filler Cure

After filling in the cracks with filler, you need to let it cure properly. The curing time will vary based on the type of filler. Usually, it takes 24 to 48 hours for most polyurethane fillers to fully cure. However, it’s better to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying and drying fillers.

Caution: Before proceeding to the next level, make sure that the area is completely dry. 

Step 5: Sand the Surface 

Last but not least, you should sand the surface. At this point, use sandpaper or a concrete grinder to smooth out any bumps or uneven areas. Since epoxy resin adheres best to a flat, level surface, this step is crucial. Remember that a concrete grinder is more suitable for larger areas. 

This is how to fix cracks in garage floor before epoxy. Now, do you know why these cracks appear in the concrete floor in the first place? 

Necessary Tools and Materials for Fixing Cracks Before Epoxy 

How to fix cracks in garage floor before epoxy? In the first place, you have to collect all the necessary tools and materials. For fixing the cracks in the concrete floor, you’re going to prepare these special tools and materials. Here’s a list of essential tools: 

Wire brush: Use wire brush or even a pressure washer for cleaning the cracks. 

Chisel or angle grinder: Some cracks require widening before applying the filler. Use this tool to widen the cracks, if necessary. 

Vacuum cleaner: Use a vacuum cleaner for cleaning and removing dust.

Epoxymix kit combo: Use epoxymix kit combo to apply fillers or sealants to the cracks. 

Concrete patching compound: Every crack needs its own filler. Choose the most appropriate concrete patching compound based on the type of crack you’re repairing. 

Sandpaper or concrete grinder: Use a sandpaper or concrete grinder to smooth the surface before epoxy application. 

Necessary Materials

Here’s a list of necessary materials for crack filling before epoxy application.

Why Do Cracks Appear in Garage Floors? 

After finding the best solution to “How to fix cracks in garage floor before epoxy application,” you need to address the main problem as well. If you want to prevent future cracks in the garage floor, you must understand why these cracks appear in the first place, then find the best and most effective way to fix them. Typically, cracks appear due to these factors: 

• Shrinkage During Curing 

When concrete dries and hardens, it usually shrinks a little bit. This shrinkage happens due to the evaporating of water during the curing process. Therefore, it leads to some small surface cracks. Although these cracks are small and don’t cause any structural problems, they can still affect the quality of an epoxy coating. So, don’t ignore these little cracks! 

• Temperature Fluctuations 

Temperature fluctuation during pouring concrete is another common reason for concrete cracking. In a nutshell, concrete expands in hot weather and contracts in cold weather. Now, if your garage floor doesn’t have enough expansion joints, cracks will start to appear. These cracks are known as “expansion cracks.” These cracks can cause some real problems during epoxy application. Remember to fix these cracks before applying epoxy. 

• Moisture Intrusion 

When water finds its way to the concrete surface, it weakens the material and causes cracks. Water infiltration is another common reason for concrete cracking. If you are about to epoxy the garage floor, you need to fix these cracks as well. These cracks usually appear in garages without adequate drainage or waterproofing systems. 

Best Way to Apply Epoxy After Fixing Cracks 

Once you repair the cracks in garage concrete floor, it’s time to apply the epoxy. Here’s the best way to apply epoxy. 

• Make sure that the surface is completely dry.
• Inspect the floor thoroughly and check for any remaining imperfections. 
• Mix the epoxy resin and hardener in a bucket. 
• Use a paint roller and apply the primer coat. 
• Let the primer coat dry first. 
• Apply the first coat of epoxy floor. 
• You can also add color flakes or anti-slip additives at this stage. 
• Let the first coat of epoxy cure for about 12 to 24 hours. 
• At this stage, apply the second coat of epoxy. 
• Let the epoxy cure for at least 24 to 4 hours. 

Enjoy your piece of art! 

Why Is It Crucial to Fix Cracks Before Applying Epoxy? 

If you want your epoxy floor to last long, you need to repair all the cracks before applying it. It is actually considered a crucial step in epoxy applying, as it ensures the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your floor finish. Here are some of the most important reasons for fixing cracks before applying epoxy. 

Creating an Even and Aesthetically Appealing Surface: If you apply epoxy resin to the cracked concrete surface, it will peel over time and create an unpleasant surface. You need to create a flat, smooth surface before applying the epoxy floor. 

Proper Adhesion of Epoxy to the Floor: Any kind of crack, dirt, or debris prevents the proper adhesion of the epoxy resin to the floor. If epoxy resin doesn’t adhere properly to the concrete floor, it can lead to bubbling, peeling, and chipping over time. 

Blocking Moisture Infiltration: Do not ever let a single crack in concrete floors go untreated. Moisture can easily trap in these cracks and cause major issues. Lifting or bubbling of the epoxy floor are the main issues caused by trapped moisture beneath the epoxy coating. 

Challenges and How to Overcome Them 

You may face some challenges and problems while fixing cracks or even epoxy applications. It’s necessary to find the best and most suitable solution to overcome these challenges along the way, otherwise, you may not be satisfied with the result. 

Challenge 1: Deep Cracks in Concrete Floors

The truth is that filling deep cracks is difficult, and they may need more than one application. How can you get the best result and make sure that the filler bonds properly? 

Solution: It’s better to apply the filler in thin layers. You must also let each layer cure completely before applying the next layer. This way, the filler doesn’t shrink excessively. 

Challenge 2: Temperature and Humidity 

Humidity and temperature levels always affect concrete application and filling processes. Cold temperatures can slow down the curing process, and high humidity has a negative effect on the adhesion process of the filler. 

Solution: The best solution is to work in moderate temperatures between 50°F and 85°F. In addition, make sure that humidity levels are low. If you are working in cold weather, choose a filler that is formulated for cold-weather application. 

Challenge 3: Uneven Surface After Filling 

Usually, filling cracks can cause an uneven surface once the crack filler is cured. This uneven surface is still noticeable even after epoxy application. 

Solution: After filling the crack, you should sand the surface to make sure that it’s level with the surrounding concrete. If the surface is large, it’s better to use a concrete grinder. 

You need to fix the cracks before epoxy application. If you don’t know how to fix cracks in garage floor before epoxy, we strongly recommend to get help from epoxy flooring supplier specialists. We are here to help, just call us. 

FAQ

1- Is it necessary to fill in the cracks before epoxy application? 

Yes, of course. If you don’t fix the cracks before epoxy application, cracks will eventually weaken the surface and cause the epoxy to fail.

2- What are the most common challenges before epoxy applications? 

Deep cracks and uneven surfaces after filling are the most common challenges before epoxy applications. 

3- Why do cracks happen in concrete floors? 

Shrinking during curing, temperature fluctuations, and moisture intrusion are among the most common reasons for appearing cracks in concrete floors. 

4- How long should we wait after filling cracks?

Usually, it takes 24 to 48 hours for the filler to fully cure. Remember that the surface should be completely dry before epoxy application. Otherwise, moisture will cause some real problems. 

5- What should we do after filling in the cracks? 

After the filler I cured, you need to sand the surface and create a smooth surface before applying epoxy.