A garage floor coating should be a long-term upgrade, not something you worry about a few years later. The best way to protect your investment is to ask the right questions before choosing an installer.
Below is a simple installer interview homeowners can use during the estimating process.
Can you install a 1-day polyurea-polyaspartic coating?
A professional answer should be, “Yes, but we prefer to do it right.”
If moisture levels in your concrete slab exceed 1%, which is very common, installing a 1-day system directly to concrete without proper moisture mitigation increases the risk of blistering or peeling. While faster installs may be appealing, experienced installers test moisture levels first and recommend the use of a moisture-mitigating epoxy primer (it acts as a moisture vapor barrier). It cures slower than a polyurea-polyaspartic so it typically takes 2-days of installation for these systems.
What materials do you use in your garage floor coating system?
Quality garage floor coatings rely on multiple coating types working together. Industrial-grade, moisture-mitigating epoxies are typically used as the primer (base) coat, and clear polyurea-polyaspartics as top coats. The latter provide UV stability, chemical resistance, and durability. The right system is selected based on the condition of your concrete and how the garage is used.
How do you prepare the concrete?
Concrete preparation plays a major role in long-term performance. Proper prep requires professional diamond grinding to achieve the correct concrete surface profile. Cleaning alone or acid etching does not create the bond needed for a durable garage floor coating.
Are your garage floor coating products zero- or low-VOC?
Modern coatings are designed to protect indoor air quality. Unfortunately, some contractors still use products with high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A reputable installer should be able to provide technical data sheets that clearly list VOC ratings and product safety information for every product used.
Can your coatings be applied in extreme heat or humidity?
Environmental factors like temperature and humidity can affect curing and adhesion. Experienced installers select coating products designed to perform under varying seasonal conditions, and should be able to work year-round.
What does your warranty cover?
Warranties should be clear and specific. Ask what is covered, what is excluded, and how workmanship and materials are protected over time. Many “1-day” contractors offer “Lifetime” warranties but don’t cover moisture-related issues (which begs the question: “Is the warranty even worth the paper it’s written on?”)
Ready to move forward with confidence? Contact Garage Floor Coating of Atlanta to learn which garage floor coating solution is right for your home.
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