Winter proofing your concrete garage floor might not be the first thing on your mind, yet it goes beyond just improving the appearance and safety of your garage.
Concrete is a sturdy material that holds up well under the weight of various machines, tools, heavy vehicles, and other bulky items usually found in the garage.
However, temperature changes affect concrete during harsh winters.
Due to the freezing and thawing cycle, you’re more likely to experience cracking, chipping, flaking, or even crumbling with concrete.
Luckily, there are some inexpensive and straightforward alternatives to protect your garage floor and prevent future damage. Below are some solutions you can attempt today to prepare your garage for the winter season.
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1. Epoxy Garage Coatings
As noted by the flooring experts at Garage Floor Coatings – Epoxy Garage Flooring can be used as a sealer to provide a protective layer on the surface of your garage floor.
But it’s more than just a clear coat. It can be blended in with an assortment of color chips and pigments to make flooring that isn’t only durable but also appealing.
Perhaps the most significant advantage of epoxy is that it is not affected by water, chemicals, or battery acid. Another advantage is the simplicity of maintenance.
The smooth, even surface that is created by the pouring and spreading of epoxy makes it easy to clean with a simple mop.
However, if you need an epoxy coating applied in your garage now, you may need to wait until winter ends.
Epoxy usually needs temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit to cure appropriately and cannot be installed below freezing temperatures.
2. Floor Mats
The simplest and fastest way to protect your garage flooring is by using floor mats.
Also known as floor containment mats, these protective mats collect any snow, snowmelt, road salt, ice, or deicing solution that might be tracked in by your boots or vehicle.
Floor mats are simple to install. Just set the mats out over trouble spots, such as in front of your garage door or where you park your car.
These mats will collect any leftover debris and absorb any water, and are very easy to clean. When winter is over, the mats can be rolled up and stored.
There are various types of floor mats available on the market, depending on your requirements.
Some are perfect for snowier areas since they absorb snowmelt and other deicing chemicals, while others are great for rainier climates.
If you are hoping to cover the entirety of your garage floor, look at the wide assortment of roll out floor mats that are available.
They are perfect for keeping your feet warm and protecting your entire space. Most floor mats allow for dry or wet vacuuming, so cleanup is simple.
3. Garage Floor Interlocking Tiles
Interlocking rubber PVC floor tiles are another approach to ensure your garage floor is protected throughout the winter.
Apart from being cost-effective and easy to install, they come in various designs and it is simple to replace a damaged tile.
When using self-draining floor tiles, it’s imperative to seal the floor or have a drainage system in place before laying them down.
If you do not, any water melted from ice or snow will be channeled to the concrete underneath. Normally, moisture on your garage floor’s surface would evaporate or be mopped up.
Also, if you plan to convert your garage into a working space, ensure the concrete slab or tiles are insulated.
4. Sealant
If you’re up for a DIY project, yet searching for an option that is simpler than epoxy, then the concrete sealant is a decent alternative.
Not only is it a more straightforward task than applying epoxy, but it’s also more affordable.
You or your developer might have done it previously or when the garage was initially set up, but concrete sealers don’t last for long.
If it’s been a couple of years, chances are that it’s been worn out and showing signs of normal wear and tear. Concrete sealant is usually clear, so you will be left with a floor color of standard cement.
If you want to camouflage small stains, you could add concrete paint to the blend to add a touch of color to the garage floor.
5. Polyurethane-Based Coatings
Polyurea is a resin-based coating and is the most durable floor coating on the market. In addition, it cures faster and can be used in different conditions.
It requires an expert’s installation, however, which can be more expensive than the other alternatives available, especially when combined with the costs of material.
In any case, polyurea is environmentally friendly, UV-resistant, and lasts a long time, so it won’t stain or fade. However, if you’re on a budget, polyurethane-based coatings may not be right for you.
6. Protect Your Garage Early
Remember that it’s never too late to winterize your garage floor. Explore the various flooring solutions available today to protect your garage floor against the harsh winter and avert damage early.
Consider all the pros and cons before deciding what garage floor protection to use and always refer to an expert when uncertain.
Experts in garage floor coatings will help you understand what’s involved when choosing the right product and requirements for the installation.
The effort and time you spend now will save you from the headaches and unsightliness of a damaged floor in the future.
