Flooring Problems That Even The Best Coatings Cant Fix

Floor coatings, such as polyaspartic coatings, are a great way to create and maintain durable floors. However, it’s important to remember that there are just some garage flooring troubles that even the best floor coatings can’t solve. In today’s post, Guardian Garage Floors takes a look at these problems, and how they can be addressed.

Poor Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation is a critical first step in garage floor construction. A clean and well-prepared concrete surface is needed for any type of coating to adhere to. On a poorly-prepared surface, floor coatings can peel, crack or become discolored. This is why working with experienced floor coating companies is important, even if the existing concrete floor looks fine — flooring professionals will not apply the first layer of coating unless they’re 100% sure that the concrete layer is well-prepared.

Trapped Moisture

One of the most important steps of building anything with a slabbed floor is making sure that it has a moisture barrier. Moisture can cause significant damage to concrete, and if a waterproof coating is applied on top, it will trap the moisture underneath. In addition to the concrete damage, the floor coating can form bubbles or delaminate. Again, proper build methods and thorough preparation can help prevent this problem: garage floor coating companies will always check the moisture levels in the ground and note potential sources like water mains or drains before applying coatings.

Structural Damage

Floor coatings are not like plaster that fills cracks and gaps, nor should it be used to flatten uneven areas. While we do have a fix for cracked floors — we use a polyaspartic filler to seal cracks in the concrete before applying the outer coatings — cracks or holes stemming from structural damage require more extensive repair. In some cases, it may involve pouring new concrete or laying new slabs. Avoid individuals who offer “fixes” or “hacks” that involve filling such gaps; they’re short-term solutions at best. Keeping in mind that a typical garage floor load is the equivalent of at least one parked vehicle, you’ll need a solid foundation regardless of your choice of floor coating.

Learn more about what makes polyaspartic coatings the better choice over any other epoxy garage floor options available. Call Guardian Garage Floors at (615) 645-3696 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.