A Homeowner’s Guide to Garage Floor Sealing
Sealing your garage floor serves several purposes, from protecting the floor from stains and water damage to covering imperfections and creating a safer surface. An epoxy or epoxy-aggregate sealer consists of a polymer that creates the waterproof seal over the concrete. A sealed garage floor is easier to keep clean and less likely to suffer damages. Learn more from this guide to garage floor sealing.
Floor Preparation
A concrete floor, especially in the garage where dirt and stains can be an issue, requires proper preparation before you can apply the epoxy sealer. Sealers will last much longer and look nicer if proper attention is given to this initial step.
Cleaning
A clean floor is necessary for the epoxy to go on smoothly. Sweeping and mopping will get up most of the debris, although a vacuum may be helpful for ensuring no dust or grit escapes. Once the debris is up, a degreaser is necessary to ensure that there is no oil or fluids on the floor that can prevent the epoxy sealer from properly adhering from the concrete surface. Once the floor is clean, any necessary crack repairs will be completed.
Etching
The etching process roughens up the concrete surface, which helps the epoxy sealer adhere better to the concrete. An acidic wash is used to lightly etch the concrete surface. Muriatic acid is commonly used, but your concrete service may use a different acid. The acid is applied to the floor and allowed to work for a few minutes before the excess is mopped up.
Design Options
You may not think that design matters in the garage, but the right sealer choice is both attractive and useful. Design choices are limited in DIY kits, but professional contractors typically can provide a greater range of options.
Coloration
You have many choices when it comes to color, including both solid and flecked designs. Although clear sealers are available for those that prefer to keep the garage utilitarian in design, you can also choose from a range of solid colors. The benefit of a colored sealer is that it will hide any stains or patches that are present on the floor. You can also opt for a flecked sealer, which features a solid color that contains small flecks of other colors.
Texturing
One aspect to consider for the garage is a textured design since texturing can help make the surface anti-slip. Texturing is handy when the car brings in water from rain or snow. An epoxy-aggregate mix is used, which generally consists of quartz sand that is mixed in with the sealer before application. The aggregate gives the final seal both an attractive texture and a surface that provides grip.
Installation
The installation process is relatively quick once the floor is prepped, with more time needed for curing as opposed to application.
Application
Epoxy sealers are typically painted on with rollers. The contractors will first use paint brushes to cut in around the base of the walls, then they will use rollers on long poles to apply a smooth coating of the sealer.
If you are adding flecks of color, these color chips will be applied while the first coat is still dry. The first coat is allowed to cure for several hours to a day, and then a second coating is applied. A clear second coating may be used if you are using color flecks.
Curing Time
Curing time varies depending on relative humidity and temperature, but it will generally take up to a week before you can park your car in the garage again. You may be able to walk on the floor in as little as 16 hours.
Contact Hastings Construction, Inc., for more information.