A garage floor withstands the worst of the endless parade of vehicles, equipment, pets, and people that stomp over its surface for years. This constant abuse will eventually lead to a garage floor that is damaged, stained, worn, or ugly. However, it doesn’t have to remain in this condition. Garage floor resurfacing is a viable option for any homeowner seeking to renew their garage floor. The benefits of resurfacing a garage floor include:
Table of Contents
Repairs Damage
Garage floors take a lot of punishment resulting in nicks, dings, cracks, stains, and other unsightly blemishes. Resurfacing the floor evens out the imperfections, covers up and ugliness, and gives the floor a uniform level and appearance. Simply repairing damaged areas are just temporary patch jobs that will need to be redone periodically to maintain the repair. An epoxy coating is a one-time job that won’t require touch-ups.
Prevents Damage
An epoxy coating is resistant to water and does not stain. The coating will not absorb water from leaks or water being tracked into the garage. It is also impervious to extreme heat or cold, so there is no worry that hot tires or a drop in temperature will hurt the flooring. Damage resistance is an especially positive characteristic of epoxy, because it extends the life of the covering, looks good longer than a concrete floor, and will cost less in upkeep.
Durability
The resurfaced garage floor will last for years, looking new and unmarred with just basic maintenance. The flooring is designed not to show wear and, due to its resistance to damage, the coating will remain intact and unmarked.
Maintenance
These garage floors are easy to clean with a broom or a mop, depending on what needs to be cleaned. For serious accumulations of dirt or other materials or substances, a hose can be used to clear away the debris. Even notoriously difficult substances like oil will not stick to or stain the covering.
Aesthetics
Little thought is usually put into the way a garage looks. It is simply a room to put things, especially things that are dirty. That way of thinking can be altered by an epoxy garage floor coating. Available in several varieties of colors and textures, the garage can become just as attractive as the rest of the house, but no less functional than its original capacity.
Cost
Repairing a damaged concrete garage floor can be expensive and there is no guarantee that an accident won’t occur to ruin the concrete as soon as the work is complete. An epoxy covering eliminates the worry of damage and will last for years. In addition, the garage floor coating cost is considerably less than other surfacing options or repair work. It is recommended that the services of a professional be employed to install the epoxy coating.
Hiring a professional is more convenient and safer for the homeowner than doing the job themselves.
Commonly Faced Concrete Garage Flooring Issues
Cracking And Pitting of the Concrete Floor
Concrete can crack easily. It’s unpreventable, however, it can be controlled. This is one of the main problems when constructing with concrete. Cracking can be the result of one or a combination of factors, such as drying shrinkage, thermal contraction, subgrade settlement, and applied loads. In the case of a wall, if a crack is not structural, or not too wide ( the acceptable crack width is subjective but it could range from 1/16” to 1/4”), or isn’t leaking water, it should be considered acceptable.
Discoloration of garage floors
Concrete should be of one color if you are using the correct batch and materials from the Ready Mix. However, concrete discoloration could occur if there are sudden changes to the cement material, if the finishing operations are rushed or if calcium chloride is added. All concrete ingredients must comply with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
Scaling
Another common concrete problem is scaling. Scaling occurs when the concrete surface breaks off and keeps peeling away. Scaling could also occur if non-air entrained concrete is exposed to freeze-thaw cycles, inadequate concrete strength, or inadequate curing procedure.
Crazing
One of the most repeated problems in concrete garage flooring is crazing. Crazing occurs when the surface shows several interconnected fine cracks or when the cement paste comes up to the surface and shrinks. Although the concrete strength probably is not affected, cracks will show up when the slab is damp.
Curling
Concrete curling occurs when there is a difference in both temperature and moisture of the top and bottom surfaces of the garage flooring. When curling occurs, the slab of the surface becomes unsupported by the base.
Let The Professionals Do The Hard Work.
FAQs
How do I know when it’s time to resurface my garage floor?
Resurfacing your garage floor is necessary when you notice signs of wear like cracks, spalling, or stains that don’t clean easily. If the surface becomes uneven or damaged, it can affect the integrity of the floor and may require resurfacing.
What should I know about floor demolition before resurfacing my garage?
Before resurfacing, it’s essential to understand the type of flooring in your garage, as this will influence the floor demolition method and tools required. For instance, concrete requires heavy-duty tools like jackhammers, while epoxy may only need scraping. Always follow safety protocols, such as wearing protective gear.
How long will an epoxy garage floor last when applied over different materials?
The longevity of an epoxy garage floor depends on the material underneath. When applied over properly prepared concrete, epoxy can last 10-20 years. However, if the floor wasn’t prepared correctly or has a weak foundation, the lifespan may be reduced.
What are the steps involved in garage floor demolition, and what tools do I need?
Garage floor demolition typically involves removing the old surface, starting with assessing the material. You may need tools like jackhammers, pry bars, and concrete grinders. The process includes breaking up the old floor, cleaning up debris, and preparing the surface for the new application, ensuring safety measures like dust control and protective gear are in place.
Final Thoughts
Concrete is suitable and among the most preferred garage flooring material. Concrete surfaces are considered firm and will last longer when properly installed and sealed. Despite its strength, It is still not free from wear and tear. Continuous exposure to heavy objects will, over time, weaken your garage surface, leading to the formation of cracks and pits. They will need to be resurfaced and sealed after some time to maintain the best use for them. The Concrete Guy is the premier coatings contractor in Minnesota to help you with all such issues. Contact us today if you are looking for a new garage floor.
