Mistakes to avoid
The mistake of coating over cracked or damaged concrete
Resin can transform a surface, but it cannot make structural movement disappear. Learn what should be checked before coating.
The short version
Cracks need to be understood and treated as part of the specification. Covering them without a plan can make the finished floor look worse later.
Not every crack means the same thing
Some cracks are small shrinkage marks. Others indicate movement, settlement, joint activity or an ongoing moisture problem. Their width, direction, location and change over time all help determine how they should be treated.
A professional does not need to promise that every crack can be erased. They should explain what can be repaired, what may reflect through and what movement the system can reasonably accommodate.
What happens when cracks are simply filled and hidden
If the underlying movement continues, the crack can reopen through the coating or create a visible line in the decorative finish. In a metallic system, the mark may be especially noticeable because the floor reads as one continuous surface.
The problem is not always the repair material. It can be the decision to treat a moving crack as if it were only a cosmetic hole.
Joints are not automatically defects
Control joints and construction joints are intentional parts of many slabs. They may need a flexible treatment, a maintained detail or a design decision about how the finished surface will transition across them.
Ask how joints will be handled rather than assuming they should all be filled rigidly and buried.
When you should bring in a professional
Get advice when cracks are widening, appear at changes in level, run through walls or doorways, return after repair, or are accompanied by dampness. A flooring professional can assess the coating implications, while structural or concrete specialists may be needed for the cause itself.
The earlier the condition is understood, the more choices you have for a successful finish.
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