Garage Flooring

Most of the time, garage floors are composed of concrete. It is a very common material used in construction because of its structural properties, the ease of forming it to desired shapes, and its strength and durability. But because concrete is a very porous material, it often cannot stand alone, and must be treated in some way to ensure its durability and structural integrity over time.

Protecting Garage Flooring from Water, Chemicals, and Impacts

Water is a primary enemy in places where concrete slabs are used as flooring. Water can penetrate concrete easily, from above or below. In environments where significant rainfall can saturate soil underneath concrete slabs, water can seep upward and create problems for items stored above. For this reason garage floors are often treated with some sort of sealer to prevent moisture penetration.

Due to the nature of garages, garage flooring is also often vulnerable to chemical spills such as oil, grease, or other solvents. Properly treating your garage floor will prevent deterioration from these types of substances. Wear and tear and mechanical impacts are also important issues to consider, particularly in garages where there is high foot traffic, such as auto repair shops.

As an alternative or addition to internal or topical sealers, many choose epoxy coatings for their concrete garage flooring. These have the advantage of being very durable and resistant to many chemicals. You can also add gritty substances such as sand to these coatings which will increase traction to prevent slips and falls. Before applying an epoxy coating, you will need to properly prepare the surface of your garage floor.