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What You Need to Know Before Buying Epoxy Garage Floor
If you're looking to epoxy your garage floor, there are a few things that you need to know before making the purchase. Epoxy is not only an expensive product, but it's also toxic and requires thorough preparation of the surface that will be coated. This blog post will cover epoxy in general, detailing what epoxies are made out of and how they affect people with allergies or asthma. It will also include a list of epoxy companies in Fort Worth that do installations for customers.
What is epoxy, and how does it work?
Epoxy is a chemical compound, which can be used to apply paint coatings and flooring. In the case of epoxy for garage floors, it creates a highly durable coating over bare concrete or other types of layers. This kind of material does not crack easily, but repairs are straightforward if you do happen to damage it somehow.
Epoxy can be applied in a variety of different ways. Some people choose to pour the epoxy onto their garage floor and then roll it into place, while others will use an applicator gun or sprayer that allows them to apply the material with more precision. The type of application method you use is really up to your preferences, but it's a good idea to let the epoxy set for at least twenty-four hours before using your garage.
Epoxy is a highly durable, versatile material that can be used on various surfaces and, in most cases, will not crack or peel over time. An epoxy floor creates a protective coating that resists stains from oil spills and other types of accidents.
Why use epoxy floor coatings?
There are different reasons why you would want to use garage floor coatings.
- First, it is very easy and quick to apply on the concrete surface.
- Second, they come in many different colors so that you can add more style and design elements to your space while protecting it from any damage at the same time.
- Third, you can walk on them once they are cured without worrying that they will damage the surface.
- Lastly, garage floor coatings increase the value of your home.
Types of epoxy garage flooring materials
There are different types of concrete flooring epoxies to choose from, depending on your requirements.
Epoxy flooring is a tough-wearing flooring solution that will not crack or peel. It's also very simple to install and maintain, making it the ideal choice for many homeowners.
The three main garage epoxy floors are basic two-component kits, one water-based component system (WBS), and solvent-free versions.
- A basic two-component kit is our most popular choice, and they allow you to mix the two parts when installing.
- One component of water-based systems (WBS) comes in a single part form that needs mixing with water before applying it to your floor.
- There are also solvent-free options available that need no additional chemicals for application - this is an excellent choice for those looking to follow a green approach.
Concrete epoxy flooring comes in many different colors and finishes, so you can be sure that there will always be an option that matches your requirements. Epoxy coatings are made from poly aspartic, meaning it has excellent chemical resistance properties - making them the perfect solution if your garage is used for storing chemicals and paints.
How to properly prepare your garage for epoxy installation?
Preparing your garage floor for epoxy installation is an important step. Read on to find out what you need to know before getting started.
Before anything else, please read the epoxy manufacturer's instructions for your specific product and application method carefully. It will help you understand how much space is required around objects in your garage, which tools are needed (and possibly purchased), safety precautions that should be taken, and more.
Now that you have a general idea of the epoxy installation process, let's talk about properly preparing your garage for its new flooring.
Sweep up any debris or dirt on top of your concrete. You don't want anything getting trapped in between the layers! Test out different methods to determine which one works best for you. Try out a broom, whisk broom, or leaf blower to clear away the crumbs and dust.
Once your concrete floor has dried after sweeping and cleaning, you're ready for installation! Remember that the epoxy flooring should only be installed on a dry, clean surface. You don't want to trap any debris or dirt in between the layers, or it will turn into a pebble-filled mess!
Epoxy companies will usually require that you remove all objects from your garage floor before they offer to do an installation. This is because the epoxy needs at least six hours after application to dry, and you can't allow anything with sharp edges (such as tools) in contact with it while this process takes place.
Epoxy companies also require that you clean your garage thoroughly before asking them for an estimate. This is because the cleaner your garage floor, the more accurate and reliable their measurements will be.
They need to measure each concrete slab that they plan on coating with epoxy so that they can offer you an exact installation price. If there are any cracks or rough places in your garage floor, these figures aren't going to be accurate, and you may end up with a mess on your hands and an even bigger headache to deal with.
When it comes time for the actual installation, make sure that any holes in your garage floor are patched. This is important because, after application, epoxy becomes very hard and durable (in some cases as strong as concrete) but not impervious to damage.
In the meantime, you can purchase a temporary flooring solution for your garage. This will allow you to keep moving any heavy objects indoors and out of harm's way until installation is complete. If needed, use cardboard or other disposable products as a base upon which to place large appliances such as washing machines and dryers temporarily during this process.
What tools are needed in the epoxy flooring installation?
There are several tools needed for the epoxy floor coating installation in your garage.
First, you will need to get a concrete cleaner and degreaser designed specifically for use with epoxy floors. This product should be applied vigorously using a pressure washer or garden hose to remove dirt, mildew growth, and grime from the garage floor's surface.
Next, you will need to mask the garage door and other objects that should not be coated with epoxy flooring. It is also essential that all of your tools and supplies are within easy reach before starting the installation, as once the product has been mixed, it cannot be stored for later use.
Lastly, you will need to purchase a roll of plastic sheeting and duct tape to cover the floor completely. This ensures that no epoxy gets on objects or surfaces that do not require it and prevents any spills from getting onto your driveway or lawn.
The final step is applying the concrete coating using an acid etching tool. To get a smooth, even surface, you will need to mix the resin and hardener according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Once it has been applied, you can remove the plastic sheeting from your garage floor so that you have access to vehicles again. At this point, epoxy is dry enough where traffic can be reestablished. However, you will want to allow the concrete to cure for several hours before driving on it.
Once fully cured, your floor should be beautiful and durable so that it can last for many years without wearing out or cracking under pressure.
Professional garage epoxy installation
You can install epoxy if you have the expertise and tools, but hiring a Fort Worth TX professional is the best way to go. Floor epoxy contractors have the tools, are highly knowledgeable, and are experienced in getting things done right. They have access to different colors of epoxy so that they can match your garage floor color perfectly.
Also, a garage floor epoxy company has everything he needs in terms of supplies for any job size or complexity level, ensuring that there are no shortages of materials that would slow down the installation process.
Not only that, but Fort Worth epoxy professionals are experienced in working with garage epoxy. Hence, there is no need to worry about doing any extra preparations or dealing with the mess of other chemicals used for prep work which can leave stains on your driveway and neighborhood if it's not done correctly.
Conclusion
Epoxy is an affordable and durable option for those looking to protect their garage floors. It's a great way to cover up any cracks or uneven spots on the floor, as well as reduce noise from foot traffic.
If you have your heart set on epoxy – but don't know where to start – we can help! Our team of experts at Epoxy Fort Worth are happy to answer all your questions about the best epoxies, how much they will cost, installation options, etc.
Contact us today so that we may provide you with some guidance before making this important decision! Call us from Mon-Fri: 9 am-6 pm for a free quote!