Basements are known for their concrete floors. Even in finished basements, there is usually a concrete floor underneath the sub-floor. If concrete is your basement's primary floor, there are specific tasks you need to complete to properly treat the floor, from repairing any cracks to sealing with a water-barrier concrete sealer.
Repairing Cracks and Holes
Before you can clean and seal your basement's concrete floor, you need to repair any cracks or holes. Sweep the floor to remove any debris and then fill and patch any holes with a mixture of concrete mix and sand. For cracks, fill with some foundation crack filler. Also, check for cracks around pipes leading into your basement floor. If there are cracks, fill with a foundation crack filler also. When applying the concrete patch mix or foundation crack filler, use a paint scraper and smooth out the substances so your floor will be even.
Cleaning the Concrete Floor
Once you have repaired any cracks and patched any holes in the concrete floor, sweep the other areas of the floor while the filler and concrete patch areas dry. Then with a damp mop, mop the areas that contain contain filler or concrete patch and let dry. Use a small amount of soap to remove any dirt that can't be removed with water. Note that the patched areas need to dry overnight before a sealer can be applied.
Sealing the Concrete Floor
Purchase a film-forming concrete sealer that has a built-in water barrier. The sealer can be found at your local hardware or home improvement store. Film-forming concrete sealers form a protective film on the concrete floor's surface and when dry, gives off a sheen. There are three types of film-forming concrete sealers available. Acrylic sealers are the cheapest and easiest to use, they come in both water and solvent-based formulations, and they are mainly used outdoors. Epoxy sealers are for internal use, and they are durable, long-lasting and available in a clear or colored finish. Polyurethane sealers are the preferred type for concrete basement floors because they are much thicker than acrylic sealers and can resist abrasions and chemicals. Polyurethane sealers require an agent to help "cure" the chemical. This is sold along with the sealer. Follow the directions on the sealer for cure times, mixing and application.
