Don’t Fall for These Concrete Coating Myths — What You Need to Know
Garage floors see it all, from dirty boots to salty run-off from your vehicle; garage floors are the unsung heroes of storage. They don’t complain and keep on working hard. Unfortunately, there is an abundance of myths about concrete coatings, and consumers fall prey to bad advice. Avoid wasting your hard-earned money, precious free time, and a slew of tension headaches by learning how to separate fact from fiction when it comes to concrete coatings.
If you are ready to learn more about professional concrete floor coatings myths, you have come to the right place!
Myth #1: Coatings Are Optional
With garage floors, it’s not a question of if they will show signs of wear, but when. One of the most prevalent concrete coating myths is that you can simply repair the garage floor later on if damage occurs, but that is not true. Added upfront expense of having a professional coating applied can save you money over time. While professionally installed coatings do not eliminate the need for ongoing care, they do significantly simplify the care for your garage floor.
Any area that’s exposed to the elements or harsh chemicals, salts, oils will meaningfully benefit from a concrete coating. This is especially true for those situated in Midwest locations like Minnesota and Wisconsin that deal with temperature extremes which translates to heavier exposure to those harsh chemicals and salts.
Myth #2: Anyone Can Do a DIY Install
DIY shows and online video tutorials make everything seem easy while also guaranteeing you perfect results; you may be tempted to try your hand at applying a concrete coating to your garage floor. However, before you decide to try your hand at concrete coatings, carefully consider the technical requirements and results that a professionally installed concrete coating will provide you with as compared to a DIY installation.
If you cut corners in the preparation, such as not utilizing the appropriate equipment (diamond grinders and other heavier surface prep equipment), not mixing the product correctly or not allowing the coating to cure properly in between applications, you’ll be left with poor surface adhesion resulting in a failed coating that could peel, bubble, or even delaminate. If you encounter this, unfortunately, you will be back at square one, only this time, you’ll also have to remove the failed surface material as well.
You can avoid all of these unnecessary pitfalls by simply hiring professionals like Concrete Science to install a concrete coating for you! We have all the essential equipment, training, and installation experience to ensure that you get the results you want and a concrete coating that you will enjoy for years to come!
Myth #3: Surface Prep Doesn’t Really Matter
The importance of surface preparation cannot be stressed enough. Sweeping up dust and debris and then mopping the surface will not suffice. Residue left behind will leave an unclean surface that won’t bond to the coating.
Prevent problems from occurring by ensuring you have a contaminant-free surface to work with. More often than not, professional tools such as shot blasting and diamond grinding, are necessary to rid the garage floor of dirt and oil, creating a new layer that will optimize the bond with the coating being applied. The extra skillset and investment in appropriate equipment is well worth it to maximize your investment and save you time in trying to accomplish this yourself.
Myth #4: A Big-Box Epoxy Kit Is “Good Enough”
While you can find epoxy kits at select home improvement retailers, it doesn’t mean they’re the quality of product you want, or should demand, for your home. Do your due diligence and look up the results from customers who have used them versus those that have hired our professional installation team at Concrete Science.
Avoid epoxy durability myths by forgoing store-bought kits and go with professional-grade coatings instead. These systems are far superior in durability while maintaining resistance to chemicals and abrasions from movement across the garage floor. While the cost of a professional grade coating installed by a professional will cost more than a DIY kit, the modest incremental investment will be clear after you get your time back and are able to enjoy your new coating carefree for many years.
Myth #5: You Need to Recoat Every 1 to 3 Years
Avoid an endless cycle of a lifetime of concrete coatings and recoatings by going with a professional application. With do-it-yourself kits, you’ll have to redo the flooring every 1 to 3 years and deal with the headache of removing the old materials first before recoating.
With a professional concrete coating service, your coating can last for 10 to 20 years in most settings with some basic, simplistic ongoing care. Typical and frequent seasonal cleaning to remove any excess salt, dirt, or other chemicals will keep your coating lasting for a long, long time.
Myth #6: All Systems Are the Same
Believing that all coating systems are the same will leave you with an unsatisfactory result. Many people think all application materials are interchangeable. In fact, educating yourself about paint versus epoxy versus polyurea will help you make the best decision for your needs. It will also help you to better understand why hiring a professional for your installation is the right way to go. Different systems and applications have varying thickness levels, chemical resistance, UV stability factors, and adhere better than others. Consult our team of experts at Concrete Science to determine what system is right for you and your home.
Contact the Professionals at Concrete Science Today
When you’re ready to separate fact from fiction about concrete coatings in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, the experts at Concrete Science are here to help! Our team delivers the right flooring solution for your garage—using proven products, professional preparation, and precise application to avoid the costly mistakes that come from common coating myths.
Do your homework, ask the tough questions, and make sure you understand a contractor’s warranty, materials, and preparation methods before making a decision. Then, give us a call. We’ll be ready to show you why working with Concrete Science saves you time, money, and frustration—right from the start.
