For some, a garage is a purely functional space used for parking
vehicles and storing items that are rarely used. Others see this space as
another room in their home that can be used as an entertainment space. Regardless
of its usage, it is imperative to ensure the garage floor is protected from
damage caused by the elements and normal wear and tear. An improper and/or
unprotected floor will degrade over time, and these problems can lead to
further damage to vehicles, furniture, and the overall structure of the space.
The Problem
Garage flooring types most often
consist of concrete which, while much more durable than most other types of
floors, can still degrade over time. Several factors contribute to the
formation of cracks in a concrete floor, with water and extreme temperatures among the two
most prevalent. In areas where freezing temperatures are common, concrete will
suffer damage over time when temperatures fluctuate between freezing and
thawing, and the damage can happen faster if temperatures fluctuate often. In
addition, water is able to seep into porous concrete and naturally breaks the
material down over time. When water is deep inside the concrete, then regularly
freezing and thawing, it is inevitable that your concrete floor will begin to
crack.
The Solution
Since concrete on its own is not a viable option for a safe and
attractive garage floor, it is necessary to seal coat the surface. A powerful
epoxy coating will protect the floor from water damage by forming a waterproof
barrier. Rather than sitting on top of the floor, epoxy actually bonds to
concrete, making it the ideal seal coat option. In addition to preventing water
damage, this powerful material also protects concrete from harmful UV rays
which, when left untreated, fades the color and integrity of concrete over
time.
The Process
Epoxy can be added when a new concrete floor is poured, or to an
existing floor. A professional service will clean the existing floor by
removing a thin layer of concrete. This ensures there are no contaminates that
will prevent full bonding between the concrete and epoxy. Three coats are then
added to the floor: a bond coat that deeply penetrates the concrete, a media
broadcast that acts as a heavy blanket, and the encapsulation topcoat that
resists UV rays.
A properly installed
epoxy seal coat leaves your concrete surface smooth, attractive, and easy to
clean. It protects the integrity of your garage floor, making this an important
investment that will add value to your home.
