While concrete is known for its strength and durability, it’s not indestructible. As it ages, wear and tear can take their toll, causing cracks. Floor coatings are a great way to protect your concrete and prevent damage, but if your floors are already cracked, is it too late to add a coating?
Fortunately, cracked concrete surfaces don’t always need to be replaced before coating. If you’re thinking about adding a coating to your cracked concrete floors, keep reading to learn when coatings work, when they don’t, and what to expect.
Understanding Concrete Cracks
First, let’s go over the basics of concrete cracks. Cracked concrete often occurs because of expansion and contraction due to freeze-thaw cycles, shifting or settling soil, heavy loads or impact, poor installation or curing, or moisture intrusion.
The types of cracks you may see in your concrete floors include:
- Hairline cracks, which are cosmetic and of minimal structural concern
- Shrinkage cracks, which are the result of the curing process
- Settlement cracks, which happen because of soil movement
- Structural cracks, which are wider, create uneven surfaces, and potentially create safety issues
Can Cracked Concrete Be Coated?
So, can cracked concrete be coated? It depends on the type of cracks and the extent of the damage.
Coating is absolutely possible when the cracks are small to moderate and are stable (not actively moving). As long as the concrete is still structurally sound, surface-level damage can be repaired during the preparation stages prior to coating.
Coating may not be recommended if the cracks are large, widening, or actively shifting, especially if there’s significant foundation or structural issues. It’s also not ideal for surfaces with severe spalling or crumbling or if there’s moisture problems that haven’t been addressed.
Why Proper Preparation Matters More Than the Cracks
What many homeowners may not realize is that proper preparation often matters more than the cracks themselves.
Mechanical grinding is essential to open the concrete’s pores and remove surface contaminants, ensuring proper coating adhesion. Smaller cracks, pits, and chips can be filled with flexible repair materials, and uneven areas can be leveled. It’s also important to address underlying issues before coating. This may include moisture vapor testing, fixing drainage problems, and stabilizing the base if needed.
If you skip repairs, you risk cracks telegraphing through the coating, peeling, bubbling, or delamination. Improper preparation can shorten the lifespan of the coating, wasting your investment and requiring repeat work.
Best Coating Options for Cracked Concrete
Not all coatings are ideal for cracked concrete, though — even with proper prep. The coating needs to be flexible enough to respond to expansion and contraction, especially in climates with wide temperature swings.
Polyaspartic coatings are known for their flexibility, helping them accommodate minor shifting and movement. They’re fast-curing, durable, UV-stable, and long-lasting. Epoxy coatings are also strong and durable, but are less flexible than polyaspartic. They may show cracks if movement continues. If cracking is a concern, polyaspartic coatings are the way to go.
Can Coatings Hide Cracks Completely?
Depending on the extent of the damage and how thoroughly the surface was prepped, coatings may not completely hide cracks. Decorative flake systems can help further camouflage imperfections, but heavily damaged areas may still show slightly.
DIY vs. Professional Floor Coating Installation
With plenty of do-it-yourself kits on the market, you may be tempted to attempt floor coating installation on your own. However, the untrained eye can have difficulty identifying structural vs. cosmetic imperfections. The average homeowner doesn’t have the right tools for proper surface prep, and there’s a big risk of using improper materials and techniques.
When you hire professionals (like the team at Brush Brothers Coatings), you can trust that you’re getting an accurate assessment of the concrete’s condition, along with proper repair materials, techniques, and equipment. Professionals can achieve longer-lasting results and often stand by their work with a warranty, so you can trust that you’re getting the best, most reliable floor coating services possible.
Reliable Floor Coating Services by Brush Brothers Coatings
Many cracked concrete surfaces can be successfully coated, especially if you work with the experts at Brush Brothers Coatings. We understand the importance of proper preparation and repairs prior to coating, ensuring a reliable, long-lasting bond.
If you’re dealing with cracked concrete and are considering floor coating services, contact Brush Brothers Coatings today to schedule a consultation.
