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Fixing Concrete Cracks in a Basement Slab

Builder Matt Risinger demonstrates one method for making cosmetic repairs to non-structural cracks in concrete.

By Matt Risinger
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You’ve heard the old saying about concrete right?

“There is two types of Concrete: Concrete that’s cracked, and Concrete that’s going to crack!” -Old Man Builder

Well, this blog post is about a problem that most builders will face at some point in their career.  I built this house 10 years ago, and it was my first house with a polished basement concrete slab.  Within about a year’s time this slab exhibited some cracking.  Keep in mind that these cracks are not structural issues, and this fix I’m about to show is strictly cosmetic.

I’m using a two-part polyurea (it’s kinds like a cross between epoxy and spray foam) product called RS-88 from Metzger/McGuire that guns out of two tubes into your joints.  I found this when I was buying waterproofing supplies at a Commerical Contractor’s supply house, and I was overjoyed to find this easy fix for a common problem.  Metzger McGuire Website for more info.

Best,

Matt Risinger

Risinger Homes in Austin, TX

Check out my videos on buildshownetwork.com

Risinger Homes is a custom builder and whole house remodeling contractor that specializes in Architect driven and fine craftsmanship work. We utilize an in-house carpentry staff and the latest building science research to build dramatically more efficient, healthy and durable homes.

Be sure to check out my YouTube channel

Follow me on Twitter @MattRisinger (I’m most active on Twitter), Instagram @RisingerBuild (I post pics daily), and Facebook RisingerBuild.

Previous: Retrofitting Footings When Digging in an Old Basement Next: What to Do About a Cracked Concrete Block Foundation

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View Comments

  1. DurbanDoorServices | Apr 08, 2015 04:27am | #1

    Very useful tip indeed, whether this product is available in South Africa, I will have to go and investigate. Working in the garage doors maintenance and installation field, I often see cracked and damaged concrete floors, this could be a wonderful value-added service I can offer my clients. Feel free to view some of my work: http://durbandoorservices.co.za/

  2. Rwinerson | Jun 03, 2015 03:44pm | #2

    There are a few cracks in the cement in my basement. I really want to get them fixed before they turn into a bigger problem. Hopefully it isn't to big of an issue to get corrected because there is supposed to be a big rain storm the next few days. Thanks for the great article. http://www.concretewashoutcolorado.com

  3. fantastic_handyman_D | Jan 04, 2016 03:55am | #3

    great technique! must test, thank you!

  4. percyjack0786 | Feb 25, 2017 05:31am | #4

    “There are two types of Concrete: Concrete that’s cracked, and Concrete that’s going to crack!”thanks for providing us such kind of knowledge. its really amazing and very informative.This blog has really amazing content that are very informative and attractive that make it a valuable blog. thanks a lot for this blog post.

    Concrete suppliers

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