Five Things to Think About Before Coating Your Garage Floor
The garage is not simply an unimportant annex on your Houston property. In fact, it is an important room in your home. For many, it is the place where they keep their antique vehicles, or where they invite their friends over to watch the game and play a round of pool. Perhaps you are tired of tripping over hazardous cracks in your concrete or you simply want to spruce up the garage so that it is a beautiful space that flows into the rest of the home. The best way to accomplish these goals is to consider coating the garage floor.
Regardless of your reasons for coating the floor, you will have to spend some time making decisions about the type of coating that you need. There are different materials to choose from, namely epoxy and polyaspartic, and each one is used for different situations. Here are the top five things to consider before diving into the process of coating your garage floor.
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Price
If price by itself were the only consideration, the decision might, perhaps, be an easy one. However, the discussion can become a little more complicated when you start taking into consideration the lifespan of the product, its durability, and maintenance.
When comparing the face-value affordability of epoxy coatings and polyaspartic coatings, epoxy will win every time. It is up to three times cheaper than polyaspartic coatings. However, for most, this should not be the only consideration. Epoxy may be more susceptible to certain environmental factors that may or may not be present in your unique situation. Therefore, it is a good idea to do a little more research to find out if the money saved now will still pay off later. However, in many situations, epoxy is still a reliable choice.
Regardless of your reasons for coating the floor, you will have to spend some time making decisions about the type of coating that you need. There are different materials to choose from, namely epoxy and polyaspartic, and each one is used for different situations. Here are the top five things to consider before diving into the process of coating your garage floor.
Environmental Factors
There are certain environmental factors that may help to determine which surface coating is the best for your garage. Homeowners who live in climates with extreme temperatures may be limited as to when epoxy flooring can be installed. Many epoxy coatings cannot be applied when it is too hot or too cold. Polyaspartic coatings, however, can be applied in a much greater variety of temperatures. This may be a consideration for Houston residents, as temperatures can become very hot in the summer.
Houston can also be extremely humid. High levels of moisture are not always ideal for epoxy floors as the moisture pushing on it from underneath can cause damage over time. However, epoxy is much more slip-resistant. Polyaspartic coatings can be very slippery when wet and may need the extra expense of slip-resistant aggregate in order to make it safe.
Time Constraints and Safety Considerations
When it comes to both time constraints and safety considerations, polyaspartics may be a better choice. Polyaspartic coatings can be installed in one day and have a rapid cure time. This means that a coating can be applied without too much disturbance which can be very important for high traffic areas. They are also very low odor and do not produce harmful gasses.
Epoxy, on the other hand, can take up to a month to properly cure, and the installation process itself may take several days. In addition, although many of the formulas have been improved to help alleviate this problem, epoxy releases off-gassing which can be harmful if proper equipment is not used.
Wear and Tear
Both epoxy coatings and polyaspartic coatings are considered to be extremely strong, durable, and stain-resistant. When it comes to choosing between the two, there are very small differences. Epoxy is less resistant to UV exposure and may fade over time when exposed to UV light. It is also slightly more susceptible to abrasion damage. However, it is resistant to oil, gas, battery acid, and cleaning products making it a great option for garages.
Polyaspartic coatings are resistant to many things such as UV damage, oils, and cleaning supplies. However, it is not a good option for areas with frequent battery acid spills as these can cause erosions in polyaspartic coatings. Polyaspartic coatings have more flexibility as well as more resistance to abrasion.
Maintenance
Floors that have been treated with epoxy and polyaspartic coatings are very easy to maintain. However, epoxy floors can be sensitive to harsh chemicals and harsh scrubbing, and they will need to be kept clear of dirt and other abrasive substances.
Polyaspartic flooring can also be sensitive to certain cleaners, and other cleaners may leave a film on the surface of the coating which can be unattractive or slippery. It is best to spot test cleaners and to only use harsh cleaners when there is a big spill.
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Once you have decided on a material, it is important to give thought to a few final considerations before moving forward. First, it is important to examine your existing floor to see if there are any signs of damage or remnants of previous concrete coatings before proceeding. Damaged floors will need to be repaired before a new coating is applied, and previous coatings will need to be removed. The surface will then need to be thoroughly prepared, making sure that it is free from dirt, oil, and other stains.
Second, it is important to research the installation process for your project and to choose a professional in Houston who does a quality job, maintains great communication at all times, is always on time, sticks to the project schedule, and has transparent fees. Having professionals that you can trust is one of the most important aspects of a successful project.
Both epoxy and polyaspartic coatings can be great choices for your garage floor. However, it is a good idea to think through your options and to choose the one that is best for your climate, home, and budget.