Concrete floor repair and refinishing
A basement is an added bonus to any home, not only adding square footage to the home, but also providing space for storage or entertainment. Unfinished basements typically have concrete floors. Sometimes the concrete can become cracked. Repairing a crack in a concrete floor requires little home improvement knowledge or experience, and few supplies or tools. You can patch the floor with a concrete crack filler. Use hydraulic cement in areas prone to water or moisture. Patching these basement cracks and sealing out water will prevent excess moisture and the growth of mold or mildew. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Power wash the basement floors and walls with hot water. Remove the water reservoir tank and fill with hot water. Replace the tank and attach the 3,000 PSI nozzle tip to the power washer wand. Turn on the power washer. Standing about 3 or 4 feet away, clean the walls first, spraying slowly back and forth until you have washed the entire wall. Then, starting in the farthest corner of the basement, spray the floor to remove any buildup of dirt or debris. Continue washing the floor with the same back and forth motion towards the exit until the floor is completely clean.
2. Let the floor dry for at least 24 hours. Concrete is a porous material; if it is not completely dry before you apply the filling compound, the concrete filler will not bond to the cement.
3. Use a putty knife to apply the concrete filler to any cracks. Push the filler into the cracks as much as possible until the crack's surface is once again level with the rest of the floor.
4. Allow the filling compound to cure for at least 48 hours. Sand the floor for a smoother, more even finish, if desired.
5. Finish the basement floor as desired. You can polish, stain, or engrave concrete basement floors. Depending on the floor's finish, it's best to paint the floors and walls with a water sealer before painting or covering with carpet or other material, in order to "lock" out water.
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