Your Garage Epoxy and Extend its Lifespan
Many people who install epoxy flooring in their garage will tell you that there are certain procedures that you need to follow to extend the lifespan of your epoxy flooring. This is not because the epoxy product is defective, but rather an indication that there are many factors contributing to natural erosion and decay. Epoxy overlays are pivotal in protecting the concrete floor in your garage from moisture, heat, oils, and harmful chemicals.
You will get the most out of your epoxy flooring if you use the right cleaning products. We recommend using diluted ammonia or cleaners such as Windex that are also mixed with water.
You want to avoid using commercial cleaners that have an acidic base material for the mixture, such as vinegar or citrus. This is because the acid will eat away at the epoxy overlay and weaken it.
We also recommend that you avoid using soaps such as a dish-washing liquid to clean your floors. This can leave behind an ugly film on top of the epoxy coating and greatly mar its appearance. This will also stifle and ruin the colors of your garage epoxy.
No matter how much effort you put into cleaning and maintain your epoxy flooring, structural damage is likely to occur. If there is a minor crack in your garage epoxy, then you can easily fix this on your own.
If you repair the damage immediately, then you are preventing it from getting any worse and preserving the structural integrity of the concrete. If you neglect to repair your garage epoxy, then the damage can quickly spread to other areas. This will make it much more difficult and more costly to perform any repairs.
We recommend that you place a mat at the entrance of your garage so that you can wipe off any dirt or mud before entering. This ensures that any water or bacteria will not make contact with your garage flooring, which will protect and preserve the epoxy material. Also, small objects and gravel tend to get lodged in the tread of our shoes, and they can damage your garage epoxy if you don’t have a doormat to remove them.
A doormat is ideal for a garage that experiences a lot of foot traffic. So if you have a big family, or if you have friends coming over all the time, then a doormat is something that you should consider.
Routinely sweeping up dirt, dust, and debris that collects in your garage is a great way to extend the lifespan of your epoxy flooring because it will greatly reduce any damage done to your floor coating. We recommend that you sweep your garage floor at least once a week. If a lot of activity takes place inside your garage, then you should sweep it daily. The frequency with which you sweep will depend on how much dirt collects in your garage.
If something spills onto the floor, whether it’s soda or transmission fluid from your car, then you need to clean it up immediately. This is because they will eat away at the epoxy overlay and create unsightly stains that will be difficult to remove. Also, materials that contain acids will quickly react with your epoxy flooring.
You can clean up any spill with a clean rag or towel, and we recommend that you keep a healthy supply of them in your garage just in case you need them. Once you wipe up the spill from your floor, we suggest that you rinse the area with water and clean it with a neutral cleaner to prevent further damage from occurring.
To ensure that you get the most out of your garage epoxy, we recommend that you establish a regular cleaning schedule. Running an automatic scrubber through your garage ensures that you are removing any dirt or hidden bacteria from your floor. You should use a cleaner that is pH neutral. If you take a little time out of your week to clean your garage epoxy, then it will retain its original luster for many years to come.
Sometimes it is necessary to re-apply a coating of epoxy paint to your garage flooring to preserve and sustain the concrete material underneath. Scratches and natural wear and tear will eventually catch up with your epoxy installation, but applying a fresh new overlay will restrengthen your concrete flooring. This will also restore the glossy appearance of your flooring which will ebb and fade away over time. Applying a new coating of epoxy is more common with areas that experience a lot of foot traffic.
If you neglect to perform routine maintenance or cleanings on your garage epoxy then you won’t be getting the most out of your investment. Simple preventative procedures can greatly prolong the lifespan of your garage epoxy, which will benefit you in many ways. You can avoid having to fork over a lot of money for repair and replacement services, and your garage flooring will continue to appear brand new and pristine.
Is your garage epoxy experiencing symptoms of decline and structural degradation? Go ahead and give us a call today! You can speak with one of our representatives about everything that’s available to you in terms of repair and resurfacing solutions.
If you are also considering epoxy for your garage flooring, then we can also help you get started on getting it installed.