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How to Level and Patch a Cement Floor

Installing a floor in your basement may require leveling the cement floor, if uneven. Do not atempt to level out the grading of the floor as 1/2″ distributed over 4 linear foot is typically required for drainage of condensed moisture.

To successfully install a basement floor you must fill any crack, holes, expansion joints with cement-based patching compound and level the floor, if uneven, by using self leveling cement.

Steps to Leveling a Cement Floor

remove any loose material using a chisel and a putty knife
clean concrete of any dust, oils, dirt and paint residue
apply a layer of concrete primer using a paint roller
allow concrete to completely dry
mix the floor leveler with water per manufacturer’s instructions
pour the leveler and spread it quickly using a rake
use a trowel to make sure the leveler is flush with the uncovered surface
let the leveler dry per manufacturer’s instructions

Steps to Patching Concrete Floors

remove any loose or flaky concrete using a masonery chisel and a hammer
vaccum the floor
apply floor-patching compound
use a trowel to make smooth transitions to surrounding areas
scrap the area smooth once the patching compound has cured

Tools and Materials Required

masonery chisel
hammer
dry/wet vaccum cleaner
floor-patching compound
trowel

Now your basement floor is ready for the next steps involved in installing a basement subfloor and a floor covering of your choice.

As an additional steps before proceeding, you may want to:

verify the level of moisture
verify the level of radioactive radon gas in your basement

How to Verify the Level of Moisture in Basements

by taping a 1 square foot of clear plastic on the floor for 24 hours
if there is moisture on the plastic do not install the floor until you fix the moisture problem