6 Reasons to Install Quality Garage Floor Coatings Before it Starts Snowing
You probably have several home improvement projects you want to finish before winter sets in. Coating your garage floor is usually not one of them. Make a change this year and consider installing a quality garage floor coating before the first snow falls. Let’s discuss in this article the reasons why.
1. Protect Your Floors from Winter Damage
One of the common questions in winter is, "How do I protect my garage floor from the snow?" Coating the floor is one of the solutions. While concrete is strong, it is not invincible. It still takes a beating, especially in winter. The temperature gets cold, which can cause concrete slabs to contract. Aside from that, there’s the road salt to contend with.
Salts are used for thawing ice and snow on sidewalks, driveways, and roads. However, deicing salts contain calcium chloride that reacts with the calcium hydroxide in the concrete, forming a substance called CAOXY. This substance can severely damage your concrete, causing your floor to crack and crumble.
Rock salts can also cause aesthetic damage. Salt carried in by vehicle tires and human boots can scratch the floors and even leave unsightly white marks. Aesthetic damage may be easier to fix than physical damage, but it still requires money and effort.
2. Increase Insulation Value
Garages are notorious for being cold in the winter, making it quite challenging to get in the car and uncomfortable to work on projects. Garage floor coatings can help keep your garage warmer by providing an extra layer of insulation.
When you search for “What is the best time to epoxy a garage floor?” online, the answer points to the temperature of the concrete. It should be at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Garage floor coatings create a thermal barrier that prevents heat from escaping through the concrete floor. In addition to making your garage more comfortable, the increased insulation value can help lower your energy bills. When your garage is better insulated, your heating system does not have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. It can keep your place warm without using more energy than needed, leading to cost savings over time.
3. Prevent Moisture Build-up
Moisture is an enemy of an uncoated concrete floor. And moisture tends to accumulate in a garage in winter. It happens because air can hold less moisture when the temperature is low, making it relatively humid indoors. Moisture also builds up when warm air from your heating system comes in contact with cold concrete. Aside from that, you introduce more moisture every time you drive your wet or snowy car into the garage or track in road salts.
When moisture settles on your porous, uncoated concrete garage floor, a cold temperature will cause it to freeze and expand within the substrate. As a result, the floor cracks. The constant freeze and thaw cycle also damages the concrete, causing spalling or scaling. Moisture build-up causes aesthetic damage as well. The salt that recrystallizes in the concrete pores after the moisture evaporates leaves hard-to-remove white stains.
Quality garage floor coatings act as a protective barrier against moisture infiltration. The material creates a sealed surface that repels and prevents water from seeping into the porous concrete. It means applying a high-quality coating can safeguard your garage floor from the damaging effects of moisture, keeping it in excellent condition for many years.
4. Enhance Curb Appeal
A well-maintained garage with an attractive and well-preserved floor can make your entire property look more appealing. Installing a fresh coating of paint or an epoxy finish is an excellent way to breathe new life into your garage and increase your property’s value.
There are various color and finish options available for garage floor coatings, allowing you to choose a style that complements the overall aesthetics of your home. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern look or a classic and timeless appearance, garage floor coatings offer versatility in design.
A visually appealing garage will not only make you proud of your property. It may also help you make more money should you decide to sell your property in the future.
5. Reduce Cleaning Time
Winter comes with a fair share of mess and chaos, especially in the garage. The combination of snow, slush, and mud can make garage floors dirty. Without a protective coating on your garage floor, cleaning up these messes can be a time-consuming and challenging task. Stains can become deeply ingrained, and the porous nature of concrete can make it difficult to remove all traces of dirt and contaminants.
The best garage floor coating can make garage floor cleaning a breeze. The sealed surface prevents any liquid from seeping into the concrete, making it easy to wipe away spills, mud, and other debris. In addition, many coatings are designed to be resistant to chemicals, so you can use cleaning products without worrying about damaging the floor. The result is a cleaner and more hygienic environment, which is especially important during the winter months when maintaining a clean garage is more challenging.
6. Create a Slip-Resistant Surface
Snow and ice in the garage increase the risk of slipping and falling. Slipping and falling can result in a wide range of injuries. You may get cuts and abrasions, sprained ankles, and bruises. But in more severe accidents, you can end up with spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal bleeding, and other serious injuries.
That is why creating a slip-resistant surface in your garage is essential before snow falls. This project may require some investment, but it surely is more affordable than paying medical bills when you get injured after slipping and falling.
Anti-slip coatings are specifically designed to provide traction and prevent accidents. These coatings incorporate textured elements or additives that create a rough surface, making it less likely for you to slip and fall. This added safety measure is especially crucial if you have children, elderly family members, or anyone with mobility issues who access the garage regularly.
Please note that garage floor coatings come in different types, and the benefits you’ll reap will depend on the product you use. Penntek floor coating is one of the best garage floor coatings you can find in the market. This product brings you all the benefits a coating has to offer. But if you’re looking for a temporary solution, epoxy coating is a good option.
Can I install an epoxy garage floor in the winter? Yes, it is possible. However, it will require more thorough planning and preparation because epoxy should be applied within a certain temperature range. Consider leaving the task to professionals so you’re certain you get quality results.
Ensure Quality Garage Floor Coatings With Anderson Painting
When you are ready to coat your garage floor to prepare it for the winter, Anderson Painting is just one call away. We guarantee quality garage floor coatings that last for years.
Our team uses Penntek floor coating instead of epoxy paint for cement floors. The epoxy coating may be a common choice for many contractors, but this material wears down easily. We want to provide you with a long-term solution to sealing the garage floor, so we choose polyurea material instead. In addition to its long lifespan, Penntek floor coating is also flexible, aesthetic, resistant to chemicals and moisture, and easy to clean and install.
If you want to learn more about the best garage floor coating or need a contractor who can do it all, please contact us today.