Important Things to Consider Before Applying Garage Floor Epoxy
When you are looking for a durable and effective coating for your garage floor, you may have considered garage floor epoxy. Various factors include application, cost, and durability. Read on for more information. Here are some important things to consider before applying this type of coating:
Durability
There are several benefits to choosing a durable garage floor epoxy. These include being resistant to high traffic and impact, and resisting rough abrasions. They can also withstand various chemicals and water, which is especially important for garages that store vehicles. This means that you can enjoy a beautiful, durable floor for years to come. If you’re considering installing epoxy flooring for your garage, make sure to read on to learn more about its benefits and advantages.
When considering which type of garage floor epoxy to install, it’s essential to consider the weight of the vehicles. A heavier vehicle will require a more durable coating. A commercial-grade floor coating, such as polyurea, is more likely to withstand the weight of heavy vehicles. The higher-quality sealant is more expensive, but the investment will pay off in the long run. There are two types of garage floor epoxy, including one that is water-based and one that is solvent-based. The latter is eco-friendly and emits less VOCs and odors, but the downside is that it takes longer to dry. Lastly, the application process can take hours and requires proper knowledge of the product.
The main difference between polyurea and epoxy is their curing time. Polyurea is fast-cured while epoxy takes several days. This makes it ideal for business owners who need to keep their garage open for extended periods of time. However, for homeowners who need the garage floor epoxy to last longer, it is important to choose a long-curing system. The longer the cure time, the stronger the coating will be. However, if you’re trying to save money, a faster curing process may be preferable. A great post to read.
Cost
The cost of a garage floor epoxy coating varies greatly depending on the size of the garage, the type of epoxy used, and the prep work involved. A standard epoxy floor can cost as little as $750, but the price of a high-quality, professionally installed epoxy floor can reach three thousand dollars. Other factors that influence the price include the condition of the concrete slab and the prep work needed. Regardless of the type, a garage epoxy floor can add thousands of dollars to the value of your home.
While the price of a garage floor epoxy can be a little high, remember that the labor involved is relatively inexpensive. The average cost of a professional garage floor coating is about $3-12 per square foot. However, the price of labor can be even higher if prep work is needed before the epoxy coating can be applied. If you’re performing the job yourself, expect to spend between $100 and $400 on materials and equipment. However, it’s still worthwhile to ask about the cost of materials and labor.
Before getting the epoxy installed, you’ll need to repair your existing concrete garage floor. If it’s already cracked and needs repair, the cost of garage floor epoxy installation will be around $250 to $8000. If you’re going to hire a professional installer, a free estimate is highly recommended. You’ll be able to have your garage epoxy floor installed within a day if you hire an expert. Depending on the size of your garage, this may even be cheaper than DIY epoxy kits.
Application
Before you apply garage floor epoxy, you must first mix the epoxy product thoroughly. You can add color additives to the mixture if you wish. Afterwards, stir the mixture with a brush and allow it to settle. If you are applying the epoxy to a concrete surface, you can use a paint roller. Then, spread the mixture evenly over the surface of the concrete. Leave it for a couple of days so that the epoxy can dry completely.
Depending on the type of epoxy you choose, you can perform the application yourself or hire an expert. Before starting, clean and level the concrete floor. A self-leveling formula is best for garage floors, and it should dry completely before you walk on it. Make sure to check the product’s drying time before you begin. You should allow enough time for the epoxy to dry completely, which varies depending on the weather conditions and other factors.
Most garages require a full day of preparation work before the coating process. A new concrete slab needs at least 28 days to dry before it can be treated with epoxy. If it’s an older garage, you may need to make some repairs to the concrete before applying the coating. If your garage is an older one, you may also need to repair any cracks or uneven areas. Then, you can apply the epoxy coating by using brushes or rollers. Discover more interesting article.