Invest in Garage Flooring that Lasts
Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Invest in Garage Flooring that Lasts
In recent years, the trend of investing in garage floor coatings has gained significant traction among homeowners, and this growth shows no signs of slowing down. A recent industry report reveals that consumer demand for garage flooring has surged by more than 20 percent in recent years, reflecting the increasing importance homeowners place on this often-overlooked part of the house.
Given that the garage floor endures more daily wear and tear than any other surface in the home, it’s crucial for it to be not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable enough to withstand the heat from vehicle tires and the impact from tools and heavy objects. However, not all garage floor coatings are created equal, and selecting the right one is key to ensuring longevity and performance.
Many large home improvement stores offer DIY epoxy garage floor kits, which are popular due to their affordability and ease of use. These kits typically include water-based epoxies that serve as a good basecoat. However, they often lack a high-performance urethane topcoat and proper concrete preparation, both of which are essential for a long-lasting finish. As a result, these DIY systems are prone to premature failure, leading to frustration and additional costs for homeowners.
Grind Preparation, Not Acid Wash
PremierGarage of Knoxville, recognized as the area’s flooring experts, emphasizes the importance of following industry best practices when selecting and applying garage floor coatings. One of the most critical factors in ensuring the durability of a concrete coating is the preparation of the floor. Proper preparation involves grinding the surface to create the necessary texture for a strong bond between the epoxy and the concrete. While some companies opt for the less expensive method of acid washing, this approach does not create a sufficient bond, increasing the likelihood of the floor failing prematurely.
Full Flake Coverage, Not Partial
Another key practice is ensuring full flake coverage rather than partial. Decorative flakes, which are broadcast into the epoxy, serve both a decorative and functional purpose. These flakes increase the thickness of the epoxy layer and act as an additional bonding agent. Because flakes are more flexible than solid epoxy, they help prevent chipping when objects are dropped on the floor. Fully saturating the base coat with flakes makes it up to three times thicker than if only a minimal amount of flakes were used.
Commercial-Grade Topcoat
Finally, applying a commercial-grade polyurethane topcoat is vital for the garage floor to withstand the test of time. Polyurethane offers superior resistance to chemicals, slips, UV rays, and scratches, while also retaining its gloss over time. This non-porous coating cures to be twice as hard as traditional epoxies, making it resistant to gasoline, auto fluids, paint thinner, pesticides, and other harsh chemicals.
For homeowners looking to create a long-lasting garage floor, PremierGarage of Knoxville offers expert guidance and high-quality solutions. With the right flooring, along with custom cabinets and storage solutions, your garage can become one of the most functional and attractive spaces in your home.
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