Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 2/10/2010

Question
Bruce, I have a garage on my home that has a poured concrete floor.  The floor has developed a crack on the underside, above a storage area.  I have patched a couple of different sites on the topside, but there are additional cracks and pocks that hold water, in addition to the floor being level with low spots.  This evening I found that there was a very small amount of water dripping into this storage area.  I'm very concerned about the structural strength of this floor, as well as it's long term stability.  What can I do besides patching that will contribute to the strength and durability of the floor?  I've looked at your website, and found it to be enlightening.  I think I'd like to get an expert to come and look at it.  Can you suggest anyone in the Twin Cities (MN) metro area who would be helpful?  

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Mitch, any good concrete restoration contractor or waterproofing contractor should be able to help you.  Also check out the Simpson website. They have several injection epoxies that are ideal for these types of problems.  They can even be done by do it yourselfers.  They involve drillin tap holes along the crack at certain intervals and then pumping epoxy into the crack using a special gun similar to a caulking gun.  There are also pourable  urethane sealants such as Vulcum, M-1, and Eucolastic which are self leveling and when used properly will seep into the crack and close it up.  I don't have any contacts up in your area so I can't help you as far as recommendation of a particular contractor..sorry.  I hope this information helps please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com