Epoxy coated garage floors are a great way to turn your garage into an attractive and durable space. They are also easy to maintain and can last for a long time, making them a worthwhile investment for your home or business.
How to Apply an Epoxy Floor Coating
The process of applying an epoxy coating requires several steps and should be done by a professional flooring specialist. It is possible to do it yourself, but it can be difficult and may not provide the results that you want.
Before you can start, you must clean the surface of the concrete and remove any loose debris. Use a vacuum to remove any dust that is embedded in the concrete, and sand down any rough spots. Then, you can proceed to the next step in the process.
Choosing the Right Product
The choice of an epoxy coating depends on how heavily the surface will be used and the conditions it will face. If the surface sees little traffic or has low moisture, a one-part coating may be sufficient, while heavy use or areas that are subject to heavy rain and snow would benefit from a genuine two-part epoxy consisting of 100 percent solids.
1. Minimize Dust
Bare cement flooring is prone to dusting, especially when you are using the garage for storage and parking cars. This dust settles on the tools and equipment you have stored in your garage, as well as your car.
This dust can become a problem for those who have allergies or suffer from respiratory problems. You can minimize this dusting by ensuring the garage is sealed with an epoxy coating.
2. Protect Your Garage from Damage
Epoxy coatings are a popular choice for garages because they are resistant to harsh chemicals, dirt and road salts. These chemicals can corrode concrete, especially when it is exposed to moisture, and the coating helps keep these substances from penetrating into the floor.
3. Make Your Garage Safe with a Shiny Sheen
An epoxy coating increases visibility in large garage spaces, and some varieties of epoxy have a sheen that will reflect light to help illuminate the area. This shiny quality is also a safety measure, as it can prevent people from falling over when they walk on the floor.
4. Cost Effective
The cost of installing an epoxy coating is generally lower than other garage floor options. You can also save money on maintenance, as you will not have to recoat the epoxy layer as often.
5. Protects against Hot Tire Pickup
During hot weather, hot tires can cause the epoxy layer on your garage floor to soften and separate from the cement underneath. This is known as hot tire pick up and can ruin the entire look of your epoxy.
The good news is that you can avoid this problem by avoiding parking your vehicle on the floor in extreme heat or cold. You can also choose to purchase rubber mats or a protective cover to keep your epoxy garage floor intact.
Epoxy Floor Coatings 