Epoxy Garage Floor

If you have ever thought of applying an epoxy on the garage floor there are some things that you need to know before making a purchase at the local home supply center. All hardware stores and do-it-yourself places all sell some kind of epoxy kit. Some work better than others do. Some people have not had much success applying this type of coating to their concrete floor while others say it is the best thing they have done to protect their garage floor.

One reason why some people have not had any success doing this type of do-it-yourself job is that the problem was not theirs but the problem was with their concrete floor itself. Some floors have been found to have too much hydrostatic pressure, which means that water moves from under the concrete up to the surface in what is called capillary action. Then moisture collects on the surface, which thereby breaks the bond between the concrete and the epoxy coat if it had been applied. If you notice that areas of your floor stay moist even during dry days then you most certainly should not apply an epoxy to these areas until you apply what is known as a salt blocker to help prevent moisture-causing problems. 

To ensure that your epoxy garage floor project is a success requires you to prepare the floors surface properly. This means that it must be completely clean and all prior coatings of any sort must be removed. If there are any stains, they must also be removed otherwise the coating will not seal properly, it could flake and chip. Contractors usually apply a coat of waxy or silicon based sealer after installation. This should usually last for several years. However, it should be removed if you plan to apply an epoxy to the floor.

Obviously, if you really plan to start an epoxy garage floor project then you have to decide whether your concrete floor is going to benefit from it. If done correctly then the project can be beneficial, however, if done wrong or your floor is not fit for it, you will just be wasting your time.

One thing to look for in your garage is signs of a white crystal or white powder. This is moisture seeping up through the concrete, which will cause any coating to lift off. On the other hand, perhaps your floor is painted and the paint is peeling, then likely, that is exactly what will happen to your epoxy garage floor project as well. There is a lot of work for this type of do-it-yourself project. If you have never completed anything like this before then it is wise to gather as much information as possible before beginning a project like this because your floor may not be right for it.

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