Few surfaces in a home are subject to more real and potential abuse than the floor of the garage. The best way to ensure that it stays as clean as possible, apply a heavy-duty coating.
Garage-floor coatings come in a wide range of colors and finishes. There are the basic entry-level systems common in tract homes and spec properties, as well as the high-end commercial-grade systems commonly found in custom-built homes.
Regardless of the coatings' quality, the basic ingredients are similar: usually an epoxy-type coating or product that is designed to tenaciously bond to a properly prepared surface.
Garage coating systems should:
- Have light-reflective qualities to brighten the area
- Improve chemical resistance to oils, spills and household chemicals
- Allow for easy soil release and clean ability
- Provide impact resistance for dropped tools and equipment
- Remain bonded through all temperature extremes
Although many garage coating systems are marketed for do-it-yourselfers, most heavy-duty, premium systems rely on the advanced chemistry of commercial-grade products and a properly trained professional coating installer. The professional-grade products are not readily available to the general public. Most DIY products are water-based, which makes them easy to ship, store and use. The trade-off is often the quality, longevity and long-term durability of the applied coating.
Even though the easy-to-use homeowner systems have come a long way in the past few years, commercial grade systems remain far superior. The material, whether an epoxy or polyurethane, is often times more volatile and therefore requires special precautions during its handling and installation. The products go on thicker and require more skill in their application. And finally, the products become harder and more durable because of their advanced chemistry.
In order for any type of coating system to perform properly, there are basic fundamental rules that must be followed:
1. The product must be rated and designed for the specific use. It should be resistant to any chemicals that might be spilled on it; wear-resistant for the amount of traffic it will see; and durable enough for the items moving across it.
2. A coating is only as good as the substrate it is applied to. The concrete substrate must be clean, profiled and ready to accept a coating.
3. The coating must be applied according to the manufacturer's directions: at the recommended thickness and coverage rates and in the right temperature and humidity.
4. Let the product properly cure before use.
5. Keep the surface clean, and repair any damaged, chipped or spalled areas immediately.
Courtesy of ConcreteIdeas.com.
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