Cracks in your garage floor can be frustrating—and a little worrying. At first, they may seem like a small cosmetic issue, but over time, those cracks can widen, collect moisture, weaken the concrete, and reduce the value of your home. Because garage floors are exposed to heavy vehicles, temperature changes, moisture, and chemicals, cracking is a common problem—but it’s one that can be fixed the right way.
At Crown Coatings, we specialize in professional garage floor repair, epoxy flooring, polyaspartic coatings, and polished concrete solutions across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. In this guide, we’ll explain why garage floor cracks happen, what types of cracks to watch for, and what steps you should take to fix and prevent them.
Why Garage Floors Crack in the First Place
Garage floors endure more stress than most concrete surfaces in a home. Several factors contribute to cracking:
Heavy Vehicle Weight
Cars, SUVs, and trucks apply constant pressure to the concrete slab. Over time, repeated loading and unloading can cause cracks—especially if the slab wasn’t designed for heavy loads.
Temperature Changes
Concrete expands in warm weather and contracts in cold temperatures. In climates like British Columbia, seasonal temperature fluctuations can stress the slab and cause cracking.
Moisture Intrusion
Water entering through small cracks can weaken the concrete and worsen damage. Freeze-thaw cycles can make cracks expand even faster.
Soil Movement
If the ground beneath the garage shifts due to moisture changes or poor compaction, the slab above can crack as it loses support.
Improper Installation
Missing control joints, inadequate reinforcement, or poor curing during installation significantly increase the likelihood of cracks forming.
Types of Garage Floor Cracks (And What They Mean)
Not all cracks are equal. Understanding the type of crack helps determine the right solution.
Hairline Cracks
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Thin and shallow
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Often cosmetic
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Common in newer concrete
Shrinkage Cracks
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Appear as concrete cures
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Usually irregular or spider-web shaped
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Typically non-structural
Settlement Cracks
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Caused by soil movement
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May widen over time
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Require monitoring and repair
Structural Cracks
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Wide, deep, or uneven
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Can indicate slab movement
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Should be inspected by professionals
What to Do When You Notice Cracks in Your Garage Floor
If you’ve discovered cracks in your garage floor, don’t panic—but don’t ignore them either. Here’s what to do next.
Step 1: Inspect the Crack
Look at the width, depth, and length of the crack. Hairline cracks are often cosmetic, while wide or uneven cracks may indicate structural issues.
Step 2: Monitor Changes
Mark the ends of the crack and check it periodically. If it grows wider or longer, it’s time to act quickly.
Step 3: Keep Moisture Out
Water is one of the biggest enemies of concrete. Avoid letting moisture seep into cracks, especially during rainy seasons.
Step 4: Decide Between DIY or Professional Repair
Small cracks can sometimes be repaired with DIY methods, but larger or recurring cracks require professional solutions.
DIY Options for Small Garage Floor Cracks
For minor cracks, early repair can help prevent further damage.
Clean the Crack Thoroughly
Remove dirt, dust, oil, and debris using a wire brush or vacuum. Clean cracks bond better with repair materials.
Use a Concrete Crack Filler
Concrete crack fillers, polyurethane sealants, or epoxy fillers work well for small cracks.
Apply and Smooth
Fill the crack completely and smooth the surface with a putty knife or trowel.
Allow Proper Curing
Give the repair enough time to cure before driving or placing heavy loads on the floor.
When DIY Isn’t Enough
DIY repairs can fail if the underlying problem isn’t addressed. You should call a professional if:
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Cracks keep coming back
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The floor feels uneven or sinking
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Cracks are wider than 1/8 inch
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Moisture is seeping through
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You plan to install a garage floor coating
Professional repair ensures cracks are fixed at the source, not just covered up.
Professional Solutions for Garage Floor Cracks
At Crown Coatings, we use proven repair techniques that restore both strength and appearance.
Epoxy Crack Injection
Epoxy injection bonds cracked concrete together, restoring structural integrity and preventing further movement.
Polyurethane Crack Repair
Flexible and moisture-resistant, polyurethane is ideal for cracks caused by expansion and contraction.
Concrete Grinding and Resurfacing
Grinding removes surface imperfections and prepares the floor for coatings or overlays.
Epoxy or Polyaspartic Coatings
Once cracks are repaired, applying a protective coating seals the surface and prevents future damage.
Why Garage Floor Coatings Matter After Crack Repair
Repairing cracks without protecting the surface leaves the floor vulnerable. A high-quality garage floor coating offers long-term protection.
Benefits of Coatings:
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Prevent moisture penetration
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Resist oil, chemicals, and stains
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Improve impact and abrasion resistance
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Create a seamless, easy-to-clean surface
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Enhance the overall look of your garage
Epoxy and polyaspartic coatings not only protect repaired areas but also transform your garage into a clean, durable space.
How to Prevent Future Garage Floor Cracks
Once your garage floor is repaired, a few preventive steps can extend its lifespan.
Install Control Joints
Control joints allow concrete to expand and contract naturally, reducing random cracking.
Maintain Proper Drainage
Ensure water flows away from the garage to prevent moisture buildup under the slab.
Avoid Overloading
Park heavy vehicles evenly and avoid concentrated weight in one area for long periods.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Early detection of small cracks can save you from expensive repairs later.
Why Choose Crown Coatings?
At Crown Coatings, we don’t believe in quick fixes. Our approach focuses on long-term performance, durability, and appearance.
What Sets Us Apart:
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Expert crack assessment and honest recommendations
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Advanced epoxy and polyaspartic repair systems
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Seamless, low-maintenance garage floor finishes
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Trusted service across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland
Whether you need minor crack repair or a full garage floor upgrade, our team delivers results that last.
Final Thoughts
Cracks in your garage floor are common—but they don’t have to become a major problem. Acting early, choosing the right repair method, and protecting your floor with a professional coating can restore both function and appearance.
If your garage floor is showing signs of cracking, Crown Coatings is here to help. Contact us today for expert garage floor repair and coating solutions built to stand the test of time.
