• Homeowners can use patches, epoxies and reinforcement to repair concrete.concrete image by Empath from Fotolia.com
  
  Over time, concrete floors can develop cracks, flaws, chips and other problems. For simple applications like garage floors, this may not be a problem. But if homeowners want to use an older concrete floor as part of a home design project, or if damage to the concrete becomes so bad it interferes with normal activity, then the floor must be repaired. Several common concrete repair products are available for these jobs.
  
  

Patching Compounds

• Patching compounds are materials, usually water-based like concrete, which are applied to larger areas of damaged concrete to plug holes. Cut out a section of damaged concrete and replace it entirely with the patching compound. If the compound layer is too thin, it will eventually peel and crack away, so straight edges and depth are important.
  
  

Epoxy Foam

• Epoxy foam is a plastic-based patching material used to repair concrete flaws. One of the common applications is for cracks in concrete. The epoxy is sold in tubes that are mixed and then injected into the cracks, where the foam expands to fill the crack and prevent further damage.
  
  

Self-Leveling Compound

• Self leveling compounds are also often epoxy. But instead of being injected into cracks or used to patch holes, these compounds are poured over the top of the concrete, where they naturally flow to fill in any flaws and create a level surface. Homeowners choose these compounds when they are preparing concrete for a painted design or for carpeting and need the concrete free of flaws and uneven surfaces.
  
  

Metal Reinforcements

• If the damage to the concrete is very deep, stronger reinforcements may be necessary to make sure the patches themselves do not fail and crack. For mid-sized holes, hardened nails can be driven down into the concrete base to provide support for the surrounding patch. For larger problems, homeowners may need to use reinforced steel bars.
  
  

Floats

• Floats are simple rubber or wood blocks used to smooth over mortar and patching compounds. Floats allow homeowners to level patches down to the same gradient as the concrete floor itself, blending the two together. Floats can be bought with inset handles, or simple boards can be used instead.