Garage Floor
The garage floor is the last thing which we worry about. This is especially true for the lady of the house. As for the guys - hmmm... - this is the space which we often utilise. And the topic of the garage floor will certainly interest many men (unless you have already installed a private shed with the beer bar!).
Garage Floor Structural Issues
Despite the non-glamorous appearance, the garage floor needs to withstand a lot of forces. The main reason is the car which is housed by the structure. Unfortunately, car can be parked at any spot (except close to the walls). This means that the pressure ratings of the concrete slab must withstand the forces anywhere with in the garage area. For example, a small 1 tone car will exert about 250kg per 100 centimeters square (for each wheel). Most builders will provide concrete with much higher strength values and reinforce it with metal rods.
Garage Floor Coverings
The structural aspects of the garage floor are normally the responsibility of the builder. We have very little, if any, influence on the engineering aspects of the product. However, the garage floor coverings is a different issue. There are few options which can seriously improve the floor:
- Garage floor epoxy paint
- Garage floor polished concrete
- Garage floor tiles
Garage Floor Epoxy Paint
The first on the list is the garage floor epoxy paint.
This is a relatively inexpensive method to extend the lifespan of your concrete slab.
Epoxy is a fantastic product.
It protects the subfloor from moisture, cracks, mold and mechanical stresses.
Unfortunately, not all epoxy paints will suit all garage floors.
If there is a lot of moisture in your garage then most epoxy paints cannot be applied.
The best way to check for the moisture level in your garage is to leave a rubber mat for a night.
If the surface of the object is wet then most likely your epoxy paint will fail.
There are various colours to choose from epoxy paints.
The clear options are also available.
However, you must always clean the floor from the debris, dirt and cracks before applying the paint.
This may mean a thorough vacuuming, filling-in cracks and finally painting.
The best results are achieved with 2 coats but 1 coat is often sufficient for epoxy flooring.
Garage Floor Polished Concrete
The polished concrete is stronger than the ordinary cement material. The reason for this are the hardening chemicals which provide the luster look and compact texture. Garage floor made of the polished concrete are really beautiful. There are many options to decorate the structure. The polished garage floors are resistant to moisture and mechanical stresses. However, the product is not as durable as the epoxy paint.
Garage Floor Tiles
There are garage floor tiles made from the heavy duty clay materials.
However, nowadays you can do better and cheaper.
Most garage floor tiles are vinyl products which use an interlocking system.
That's right - no concrete, no glue and no nails.
Just a one big, floating tile-puzzle, which can be installed in few hours.
If you decide to cover your concrete garage floor with these tiles then definitely go for DIY option.
Most installers will try to fool you about the difficulties of the installation.
However, this particular product is simple to fix.
Garage Floor Contractors
Covering garage floors is essentially the same as covering any concrete slab. A lot of contractors advertise themselves as the garage floor coating services. However, any contractor specialising in concrete floor works can successfully provide the service.