Fixing a Pitted Garage Floor:
Salt Damage and Wear Solutions

That salt you track into your garage is slowly eating away at your concrete floor — and it only gets worse if left untreated.

Living in Central Ohio means dealing with harsh winters and lots of road salt. Unfortunately, that salt you track into your garage is slowly eating away at your concrete floor. Pitting—those small holes and craters in your garage floor—is one of the most common problems I see, and it’s only getting worse if left untreated.

Understanding Why Concrete Pits

Concrete is porous, and when road salt (sodium chloride or calcium chloride) mixes with water and seeps into those pores, it causes a chemical reaction. During our freeze-thaw cycles here in Ohio, that moisture expands and contracts, breaking down the concrete surface. Over time, this creates those characteristic pits and spalling you see in your garage floor.

Assessing the Damage

First, you need to determine how severe the pitting is:

• Surface pitting (¼″ deep or less)

  Can usually be repaired with resurfacing products.

• Moderate damage (¼″ to ½″ deep)

  Requires patching and possibly an overlay system.

• Severe pitting (deeper than ½″)

  May need complete floor replacement.

DIY Repair Options for Minor Pitting

If you’re handy and the damage is minimal, here’s what I recommend:

1. 01 Clean thoroughly: Use a concrete cleaner and pressure washer to remove all dirt, oil, and loose concrete.
2. 02 Etch the surface: Use a concrete etching solution to open the pores for better adhesion.
3. 03 Fill the pits: Use a high-quality concrete patching compound or epoxy filler. Apply in thin layers for deeper holes.
4. 04 Smooth and level: Use a trowel to smooth the patched areas flush with the surrounding floor.
5. 05 Seal the floor: Once patches cure, apply a high-quality concrete sealer to protect against future damage.

Professional Solutions

For moderate to severe pitting, professional solutions include:

• Concrete resurfacing: A thin overlay that covers imperfections and creates a smooth new surface.
• Epoxy coating systems: Durable, chemical-resistant coatings that fill pits and protect the floor.
• Polyaspartic coatings: Fast-curing, UV-stable options that cure even in cold weather.

Prevention Tips

• Use a snow brush to remove salt and snow from your vehicle before pulling into the garage.
• Place absorbent mats near the garage entrance.
• Reseal your garage floor every 2–3 years.
• Clean salt residue regularly during winter months.