A fresh coating transforms any garage into a clean, organized space. It’s also highly durable and resistant to impact, chipping, surface abrasion, and chemical stains.
The cost of professional epoxy installation can range from $3 to $12 per square foot, but local labor costs and the type of coating chosen can affect the price. A pro can also supply tools, power washers, and concrete prep materials, which may add to the total cost of a project. Learn more by clicking here.
Price
The price of garage floor epoxy depends on the type and quality selected. The least expensive option is water-based epoxy, which costs around $30 to $50 per gallon. High-performance products cost more than that, including solvent-based epoxy. Solid epoxy is the most expensive option, and it costs up to $150 per gallon.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, an epoxy floor increases the value of your home. Potential buyers may be willing to pay a higher offer for your property if they are attracted by the flooring’s reflective qualities, which make it easier to navigate large spaces and rooms.
The epoxy coating can be applied directly to concrete, so it doesn’t require extensive site preparation. However, you will need to empty out the garage or storage space so the flooring company can apply it. This could add to the overall cost of the project. The price can also increase if the epoxy contractor discovers concrete repairs during their inspection.
Durability
Epoxy is a great choice for high-performance flooring. It stands up well to hot tires, oil spills, and more. It can also be custom-mixed in a variety of ways to create an attractive appearance.
It is important to choose a reputable contractor who has extensive experience with epoxy coatings. This will ensure that the flooring is properly prepared and applied. It is also essential to work with a contractor that offers a warranty.
The best way to evaluate the durability of an epoxy floor coating is to look at its abrasion rating in mgs. The lower the abrasion loss number, the more resistant it will be to vehicle and foot traffic.
A good epoxy will not yellow, chip, or dull quickly and will stand up to heavy equipment like jacks, shovels, hammers, and crowbars. It will be able to withstand changes in the concrete floor’s temperature and UV exposure. This makes it a great choice for garages where the floor may be exposed to extreme cold or heat and sun.
Appearance
An epoxy coating can transform a drab concrete garage floor into something that is not only durable and easy to clean but also looks fantastic. It can be applied in a wide variety of colors and appearances to match any lifestyle or design aesthetic.
Garage floor epoxy is a much more durable product than the paint that you can buy at a home improvement store. Epoxy is resistant to oil, automotive fluids, and chemicals that can degrade a retail paint job.
Epoxy coatings are available in full-color flake or clear with a high-performance topcoat. The topcoat acts as a wear coat and locks in the color flakes, providing added durability. It can also be anti-slip if a non-slip media is mixed into the final coating. The most common clear topcoat is polyurea, which is U.V. stable and will not amber in direct sunlight like some low-quality epoxy can. This is a major benefit over a standard urethane topcoat.
Maintenance
If you want your garage floor epoxy to look great for a long time, you must keep it clean. This can be done with a mop and bucket or, for higher productivity, a mechanized scrubber. A diluted solution of a safe cleaner like ammonia or Simple Green is best for removing stubborn stains and marks. Some chemicals, such as oil or car chemicals, can cause etching if they sit too long. If this occurs, it’s important to remove the chemicals and wipe down the floor as soon as possible.
Epoxy also requires a very long cure time, usually 5 days before you can park your vehicle or open a door. This can be a huge inconvenience for commercial and industrial clients. Polyurea is a much better choice because it can be driven 24 hours after application. It also has a very long pot life and adheres well to concrete. This is a huge advantage over epoxy. Next article.