Expertises: Paint, Home improvement, Wood, Car, Painting
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Have you been trying to revamp your garage floor? If so, you would have come across several options.
The most common one being the bare concrete flooring that's found in almost all garages. Some people may even end up painting the concrete to make it more aesthetically pleasing. In contrast, those with a higher budget may gravitate towards a tiled garage floor.
However, other than these, another option has been getting traction in recent times - the epoxy-coated garage floors. Along with adding brightness to your garage, these floorings also last for a long time and protect the underlying concrete floor.
Even though epoxy resins have been available for a while, most people are still confused about the right way to use the substance to create durable floors. Hence, we thought of making this informative guide to give you a crash course on epoxy garage floors.
So, without further ado, let's get started!
Epoxy Garage Floor 101
What Is An Epoxy Garage Floor?
When it comes to epoxy garage floors, many people think that the resin is painted on the surface. But, that isn't true, as an epoxy floor is actually covered with a coating of a two-part resin. The mix contains a polyamine hardener and an epoxide resin which is applied to a concrete or wooden floor and let to cure with heat.
There are several reasons for which you can install an epoxy garage floor, but most people get it for the durability it provides to the floor. When the heat cures the resin, polymer bonds are formed that make the substance moisture-resistant and stable against harsh chemicals and solvents.
How Is An Epoxy Garage Floor Prepared?
One of the most exciting things about epoxy floors is the way it's created. The steps aren't that hard to follow, so we thought of giving you an overview of how the epoxy floor is installed.
Step 1| Preparing The Concrete
Even though epoxy resin can be applied over wooden floors, most applications are on bare concrete surfaces. If the garage doesn't already have a concrete floor, then you may proceed to get it done before installing the epoxy floor.
And, if the garage already has a concrete floor, then you should start by proceeding to clean and scrub the surface. The top surface needs to be scoured or shot blasted to get a rough edge so that the epoxy can have a better grip.
For those who are remodeling a garage floor, you may need to do additional prepping, which includes filling in cracks and degreasing the surface. There might be a need to grind the floor if it has an existing layer of paint or epoxy.
To avoid problems in the future, you would also need to do a moisture test on the concrete floor. Some people like to acid-etch the concrete floors to get a cleaner surface. Do remember to clean all the dust and debris to ensure no foreign particles remain between the floor and the epoxy coat.
Step 2| Applying The Base Coat
It's time to apply the first epoxy coat onto the concrete floor. You have to make sure that the epoxy proportions are correct so that the substance can act as a sealant on the floor. While working with a large amount of resin, using a drill helps to provide a smooth mix.
Those who want a colored epoxy floor may add a few drops of the desired paint into the epoxy. It's best first to use duct tape to define the perimeter and then proceed to use a brush to apply the epoxy along it to get a straight edge. Then, you may use the roller to apply the epoxy to the rest of the floor.
Many people like to add paint chips and flakes at this stage so that they can stick to the epoxy. And this coat needs to cure for the duration stated by the manufacturer.
Step 3| Add A Second Coat
At this stage, you would want to apply a clear topcoat to the flooring to make it shiny. But, to give it a little more texture, you can mix in the anti-skid additive, which makes the floor less slippery.
As this is the final layer, you want it to be as smooth as possible and keep it even throughout the floor. Don't forget to apply the resin on the corners to give the space a cohesive look.
Now, you need to wait for the coat to cure so that the garage can be used, and it takes three to seven days for this process.
Benefits Of An Epoxy Garage Floor
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Protects The Underlying Concrete
Rather than just being a floor coating, the epoxy actually helps to protect the underlying concrete. Garages with bare concrete floors often see a lot of damage due to the constant wear and tear. And, a layer of epoxy helps to minimize the damage even on a garage floor.
As a non-reactive layer, the epoxy coating acts as a barrier between the concrete and the outside environment. You wouldn't even need to worry about dropping heavy things on the floor, as the polymer bonds of the resin make it shock absorbent.
However, when it comes to concrete floors, moisture and harsh chemicals are the first ones to cause extreme damage. Because the epoxy acts as a protective layer, it won't let the water seep into the concrete. Similarly, harsh chemicals and oils dripping out of the car will remain on top of the surface without reacting with the epoxy layer.
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Durability
One of the common reasons for getting epoxy garage floors is their durability. It looks and feels the same even after several years and continues protecting the concrete.
Yes, you may need to retouch the top layer after six or seven years, but it is inexpensive compared to other floorings. Moreover, if the epoxy floor is kept clean, it wouldn’t give you any trouble for a long time.
That's why many commercial establishments are opting for epoxy-coated floorings. Because of epoxy's ability to withstand a lot of weight, your cars wouldn't cause any damage or crack on the floor.
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Aesthetics
Are you tired of looking at the bare concrete floors? Think about revamping it with an epoxy coating as there are various aesthetic looks that you can choose. Apart from the usual dust specks, metallic epoxy floors are also a popular option.
An epoxy floor can change the entire look of your garage by making it brighter and more presentable. And, if you are a car enthusiast, then choosing the right epoxy garage floor can set the ambiance of the place. Many people prefer to install epoxy floors while building their showroom style garages.
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Cost Effective
While thinking about any home renovation, the cost is one such factor that can make or break a project. Epoxy resin is one of the most affordable options available on the market that can truly change the look of your garage.
Professional installation may cost you a bit more, but in the end, it's cheaper compared to other options like tiles or vinyl floorings. But, if you want to save more money, try to learn the techniques to DIY the epoxy garage floor. It might be a little time-consuming because of all the wait time, but it drastically cuts the cost of getting the job done.
Besides, if you are thinking about selling your home, installing an epoxy garage floor may make a difference in the property price evaluation.
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Ease Of Maintenance
When was the last time you tried cleaning a tiled or hardwood floor? You don't need to worry about the upkeep of this flooring as it's hassle-free, and it gets done faster. Because of the smooth and shiny texture of the epoxy floor, picking up dust is easier than bare concrete surfaces.
All you will need to clean the floor is a bucket of soapy water and a mop. You may even use a wet and dry vacuum cleaner to make the floor shiny and bright. However, it's best to avoid acidic cleaners as using them may lead to peeling of the epoxy surface.
You can safely work on your cars in the garage as there’s no need to worry about the grease and oil stains, as they don’t last on the epoxy floor. And, as it’s a smooth surface, cleaning up a spill is never an issue.
Disadvantages Of An Epoxy Garage Floor
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Slippery When Wet
As the epoxy resin cures to be a non-porous surface, any water left behind after cleaning won't be soaked into the floor. Hence, whenever you are washing the garage floor with water, make sure to find a way to dry it as soon as possible.
This can become a serious problem for those who live in places with significant snowfall, as melting snow can turn the floor slippery. An easy solution is to add aggregate to the topmost layer of the epoxy coating. Because of the added texture, you can move easily on the ground without falling.
Alternatively, you may also add slip-resistant additives such as Shark Grip or aluminum oxide to reduce the slippery tendency of an epoxy floor. But, you should also note that adding these may lead to a less shiny surface.
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Cannot Stand Welding And Hot Objects
One of the biggest advantages of epoxy is its ability to stand many solvents. But, you should never weld on epoxy garage flooring as it can seriously damage the surface and leave burn marks. This is also true for hot tires as they may also end up leaving an impression on your beautiful garage floor.
In fact, you should be careful about dropping any hot object on the floor to avoid it from getting damaged. Furthermore, you can opt to install an epoxy floor with high heat resistance to evade these problems.
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Long Curing Time
Yes, it does take a while for the epoxy resin coating to cure. The total curing time for a garage floor can also depend on many aspects like the number of layers and the area coverage. However, usually, it takes around 72 hours for the coating to fully dry. This might be inconvenient for people who lack any other parking space near their homes.
Having said that, most experts suggest waiting for at least seven days before you start using the garage space. And, in most cases, the resin sets to become walkable within 24 hours.
Epoxy Garage Floor FAQ
Q1. Is It Worth It To Install An Epoxy Garage Floor?
Yes, it's worth it to invest in epoxy-coated garage flooring. Apart from looking gorgeous, it's one of the most durable flooring options out there. And, the resin layer protects the underlying concrete flooring from scratches, dents, and other common damages.
Also, it's pretty simple to maintain epoxy flooring, and there's no need for any special treatments. However, the best thing about epoxy flooring is that it lets you add a bit more shine and beauty to your garage at an affordable cost.
Q2. Can You Install An Epoxy Garage Floor Yourself?
Many people like to skip on a contractor while installing epoxy floorings to cut down on the cost. If you have had experience working with the resin, then DIYing it wouldn't be a problem. Just make sure to check out the proper way of installing the flooring, and don't be negligent about prepping the floor.
But, for those who have never worked in home improvement, it's better to consult a contractor to get the best results. This is especially true for those building a garage floor from scratch, which may include pouring concrete. Working with a professional also opens the avenue to incorporate newer designs and techniques to make the floor look even better.
Q3. How Much Does It Cost To Install An Epoxy Garage Floor?
If you are thinking about DIYing the epoxy floor, then it can cost you around $2.85 per square foot. However, the overall cost will depend on several factors like the area that needs to be covered, the amount of material required, and the expense of tools. Even though it's hard to come up with the exact cost, you should always strive to maintain a budget and remain within it.
The cost will be significantly more while working with a contractor, but it also means that you will need to spend no time physically doing the job. After you have set the budget, go through some contractors that install epoxy floorings, and ask them for a price quote.
Final Words
That's everything we had to tell you about epoxy garage floors. We have tried to keep the information comprehensive so that each point is easy to understand.
Having said that, if you decide to DIY the epoxy floor, make sure to learn the techniques needed to achieve the desired finish. When done right, an epoxy garage floor can last for a long time without the need for any retouching.
Moreover, make sure to use the recommended safety precautions while using the two-part resin. And, if you are new to home improvement, try to get in touch with a contractor who has experience in installing epoxy floors.
With that, we have come to the end of this informative guide about epoxy garage floors. Do let us know if you have any queries related to the topic.
Till then, goodbye and stay safe!
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