4 Reasons to Update Your Garage Floor

If your garage floor is like most, it has seen better days. It is likely covered with oil spots and paint stains. If it is older, it may have become cracked or pitted. There are other problems you may not even be aware of, like mold from constant moisture.

When there are so many other items on your home improvement “to-do” list, upgrading the flooring in your garage may not be a top priority. However, here are the top four most compelling reasons you should consider updating your garage floors sooner than later.

Because Your Garage Floor Is not as Durable as You Think it is

For years, poured concrete was the top choice for all garage and basement floor construction. While the material does last many decades, it also needs periodic care to ensure its safety and durability. Concrete is a porous surface, and as such, it soaks up any spills, including oils, toxic liquids like gasoline, antifreeze, and paint thinner. Over time this not only creates an unsightly mess but also can be hazardous to the health and well-being of your family and pets.

Coating your concrete garage floor does help but is only a temporary fix. The coating or paint can wear off quickly, especially if you are using tools and heavy equipment or even parking your car there. This means you need to repaint your floors with highly noxious chemical sealant frequently. This can be bad for your health and the environment. Furthermore, failing to coat your floors aggressively can lead to moisture and damp; a perfect breeding ground for harmful mold.

Because Those Cracks Could Be a Sign of Structural Damage

Some cracks are just ugly, while others spell disaster. According to Inspectapedia, the various types of foundation cracks, their patterns, and the foundation materials used as well as site conditions are important in distinguishing which are cosmetic and low-risk from those more likely to be the result of structural damage and costly to fix. There are three types and causes of garage floor cracks.

• Cracks from shrinkage are unlikely to be of concern, structurally. However, they might become a source of water or even radon gas entry and may also be a safety hazard due to the resulting uneven surface.

• Cracks caused settling indicates the site was inadequately prepared but are most likely just cosmetic or superficial in nature. These will still collect dirt, liquids and other debris and therefore need to be filled and kept sealed

• Cracks caused by frost heaves and expansive soil can indicate substantial damage to your basement, crawl spaces, and garage

A qualified contractor can help you diagnose which of these types of cracks you have and offer advice on how to proceed.

Because It Will Save You Money in More Ways Than One

Constantly filling cracks and coating your floors with chemical sealants can be a time-consuming and costly process. However, that is not where all the cost savings comes in.

Traditional garage floors are not efficient energy savers. Since concrete has no give, when your house settles, gaps form that allows the outdoor elements to make their way inside. This can cause problems ranging from flooding to increased energy bills. Weatherproofing is only a temporary fix. However, by updating your garage floor, you can avoid the hassle, improve floors appearance and save money.

Because Updating Doesn’t Always Mean Replacing

According to ForConstructionPros.com, only in the last few years has updating garage floors become a viable option. Because homeowners like you demanded a more cost-efficient way to maintain, repair, and update their garage floors, the industry responded.

With the advanced technology used in creating stronger, and longer lasting, polymer and epoxy resins, you may be able to refresh and update your floors without the expense of removal. This flooring can coat an existing concrete floor once it has been cleaned, repaired, and etched. The epoxy can be colored to match any decor, and metallic flecks can be added for more interest.

Options like interlocking tiles made from industrial grade, vinyl and rubber are great for hiding cosmetic cracks in your garage floor if the surface is level. Your contractor can combine different colored tiles to create patterns or borders.

Of course, the options available depend on the condition of your existing floor, and you will need to seek the advice of a professional contractor to learn exactly what your options are.