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I'm trying to tackle a DIY project in my garage and could really use some expert advice. There's a noticeable gap between the brick wall and the concrete floor, and I'm looking for the best way to seal it up.
It's about a 5 mm or less gap in most places, and I'm keen to stop any drafts, dust, and especially critters from making their way in. I've seen a few options floating around, like using backer rod with polyurethane sealant, or even just some kind of self-levelling sealant directly or with skirting board.
What's worked well for you in similar situations? Are there specific products or techniques you'd highly recommend for sealing this kind of gap in a garage environment (i.e., one with potential for movement, temperature changes, and possibly some moisture)?
Any tips on prep work, application, or things to avoid would be hugely appreciated!
Thanks in advance for your wisdom!
Hello @JasonCC
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your garage wall gap.
The solutions you've mentioned are what we generally recommend to fill the gaps between brick walls and concrete walkways. But we also emphasize that these gaps are often caused by soil settling or water ingress. If there are external forces causing the gap it must be addressed first before you fill the gap. However, if you feel confident that the wall has settled permanently and don't foresee any further movement then filling the gap would be the wise move.
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their opinions.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Hi @JasonCC
Could you please send through a few wide and closeup photos both inside and outside of the garage in order to advise more specifically.
Nailbag
Good Evening @JasonCC
Yeah I am thinking of a few photos a swell, will make it easier to suggest some options tho if it dosnt leak I like the idea of a seal and skirting board.
Dave
Hello @JasonCC
The gap on the door jamb does not appear to be too big and I think using the Sika 300ml Concrete Grey Sikaflex 11FC Purform should be sufficient to cover the gap between the two. But just to be on the safe side I would use filler rod where the gaps appear to be too large. In regards to your flooring, it looks a form of light sealer was applied and has deteriorated. I propose cleaning that off before you apply any sort of sealant on the surface.
As I mentioned before, I recommend doing a little bit of an investigation in regards to the wall or floor movement. Are there any storm drains that are damaged on your property? Do you see any standing water in your garden? Does running rainwater pass by the foundation of your house? Are there any sources of water making their way to the base of your house? If your answer to this is no, I can only conclude that natural settling is occurring in your house. I suggest using the filler rod and Sika FC11 to seal the gap on you floor.
However, if your answer is yes, then I suggest addressing the leak/water ingress first before you seal the gap.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Good Evening @JasonCC
Thank you for the photos, The door fix I would go with @EricL 's suggestion as I havnt had to fill a gap like that before. Tho I am thinking of making sure that the outside of the door edge is protected with a treated piece of timber trim form the ewather in conjuction with the fill. As I was looking at your photos my thoughts ticked off reasons why, exclude them and you end up with some natural movement, always wise to clarify if anything is going on in the background to create that movement. If nothing is obviously leaking or backing up then I end up in the same spot as @EricL has.
Dave
Hi @JasonCC
The Sika 300ml Concrete Grey Sikaflex 11FC Purform @EricL is exactly what I use and would recommend also. Its a very high-grade reliable product that is ideal for this application.
Nailbag
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