Do you know how to use epoxy for basement floor crack repairs?
So, are interested in finding out whether epoxy will be the right fit for your cracked basement floor?
You’ll need to read this to the end for detailed information on that and more.
Basement Floor Crack Repair Epoxy
Structural maintenance varies from the most simple to complex fixes.
Here, we’re talking about repairs in the form of cracks, leaks, and any other you can think of. Providing the needed fix to a problem depends on how well of a job you can carry out.
A satisfactory repair job also depends on the materials or supplies used.
One of those we’ll be discussing here is epoxy.
About Epoxy
Epoxy has long been in use for a variety of construction-related problems.
It’s a gluing resin product that is mixed with an appropriate hardener. Mixing is only done at the point of usage and shouldn’t exceed a certain time frame to prevent it from hardening.
Epoxy resin is injected into cracks for the obvious purpose of gluing disintegrated surfaces together.
One good example of an epoxy product used for basement floor repair is the Liquid Concrete Repair Basement Foundation Crack Repair Kit.
As expected, this product has a wide range of uses that include basement foundation crack repair, pool, tank, and reservoir leak fixes, as well as residential floor and industrial warehouse use.
Epoxy can also be used for the parking deck, balcony, and pool fixes, as well as for repairing sidewalks and patios.
Using Epoxy for Basement Floor the Right Way
When faced with a cracked basement floor situation, the goal is to have such fixed the best way possible. Now, every epoxy product you find in the market has a definite way of use.
Depending on whether the product is the best for your maintenance job or not, you’ll have to use the product as instructed for the best results.
Use instructions are always found on the product label. The LCR epoxy repair kit for instance comes with detailed instructions on steps to follow to get the best results from the repair process.
According to the product manufacturer, you’ll have to use a standard caulking gun.
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How to Apply Epoxy for Cracked Basement Floor
How large is your basement floor crack?
The crack size determines what best fits its use.
An ideal floor crack size to fill with epoxy will measure about 8” tall. A width of around 1/16” and 8” thickness will do. Any basement floor crack beyond this dimension will require a different approach.
Having identified the basement floor cracks to be fixed, what remains is adopting the following procedures; dry or non-leaky cracks should be brushed out thoroughly.
This is done to take off any loose materials, dirt, or paint. By doing this, you’re making it possible for your epoxy treatment to hold fast.
Because it’s a two-part adhesive, you’ll need to prepare or mix your epoxy with the hardener. You must follow every use instruction provided on the product label.
Most times, this will require mixing equal parts epoxy resin as to the harder.
Having mixed thoroughly into a homogenous mixture, apply to affected areas (cracks) on the basement floor.
You must follow the use details accompanying your particular product as there might be slight use variations depending on product type.
Why Epoxy is great for Fixing Basement Floor Cracks
Certain features make epoxy easily stand out as an effective repair material for cracked basement floors. First off, it’s chemical and solvent resistant.
In other words, once dried, it’s hardly affected by chemicals and other solvents. The crack is effectively sealed and any leaks that would have been a problem are fully resolved.
What more? Epoxy helps restore structural strength. While doing this, it’s also a cost-effective way to deal with basement floor cracks.
Plus, you won’t have to call for the services of a building technician or contractor to fix your faulty basement floor. DIY measures can be adopted in resolving the problem.
Epoxy is also a versatile product that adheres to a wide range of surfaces. These range from metal, wood, concrete, and fiberglass among others.
This gives it wider applicability as different areas can be fixed apart from basement floor cracks.
What other things can Epoxy be used for?
In our discussion so far, your level of curiosity might have increased regarding other uses of epoxy. Asides from fixing cracked basement floors, epoxy can be used to fix leaks in pools, reservoirs, and tanks.
Also, cracks on basement foundations can be fixed.
You can also fix patios, sidewalks, as well as floors in both residential and industrial warehouses. Issues with parking decks, balconies, and pools can also be resolved using this effective product.
Is any Tool Needed for Applying Epoxy on Basement Floor?
There’s a need for a caulking gun when applying epoxy for basement floor crack repair. This accompanies certain epoxy products while others will require getting one.
Epoxy will come in cartridges which are injected into cracks using a caulking gun.
The Best Epoxy Products to Buy
One of the good things about using epoxy is that a lot of options are available.
Although all products have the same constituent chemical ingredients, knowing the options available to you will greatly help.
We’ve included some of the best epoxy products for basement use.
They include Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy 5 Minute Set, Clear Table Top Epoxy Resin, and Dewalt AC100+ Gold Quik-Shot Acrylic Epoxy Adhesive.
Other top epoxy products include AQUASEAL Epoxy Kit 1 Gallon 2 Part Epoxy Resin, and J-B Weld ClearTop Pour-On Epoxy Resin.
Other options to choose from include WEST SYSTEM Epoxy Resin Bundle with Special Clear Epoxy Hardener, Loctite Epoxy Five Minute Instant Mix, Bob Smith Industries Clear Slow-Cure Epoxy, and Devcon Epoxy Five Minute.
Another includes the PC-Clear Epoxy Adhesive Liquid.
In your bid to get the best product, it’s necessary to read through product reviews. Also, making vital comparisons between different products gives you an idea of what to go for.
Using epoxy for basement floor crack repair is a common DIY maintenance practice adopted by homeowners. This strategy has been quite effective at fixing cracks of a certain size.
However, epoxy might not be ideal for certain cracks considered significant or too large.