Unless you live in the heart of Manhattan or some similar urban setting, one of the most important features for a house that you intend to live in or market is the garage. If you don’t believe this, simply ask someone who made the mistake of moving into a house without one.
The average garage is fairly simple in design and usually consists of an open space with a concrete slab foundation. To get the most from it, there are certain things that should be taken into consideration. Drainage and HVAC availability are, of course, on that list, but so is the garage flooring. Left in its natural state, concrete may look solid but is, in fact, quite porous. Oil, antifreeze, chemicals for the lawn and garden and all of the many other liquids stored or used in the garage quickly seep in and leave ugly stains that are nearly impossible to remove.
There are several garage floor covering solutions that can be employed to not only protect your flooring from staining but also change the entire look and feel of the space. These include special coatings, paints, mats and tiles.
Garage Floor Paint
One of the most common methods of protecting garage floors is to paint them. While this sounds like a simple, relatively inexpensive solution, it can turn out to be anything but.
There are many factors that can prevent paint from bonding to a concrete surface. Dust or dirt, oil, grease and sealers are often the guilty parties. Moisture migrating from beneath will cause almost any kind of coating to peel away. There is a simple way to test for this by placing a rubber mat or securing a piece of plastic that is roughly a yard square in size, to the concrete and leaving it overnight. Pull it up the next day and see if moisture has accumulated. If you find that there is a water issue, it may be possible to use a special garage floor coating, but your chances for success are slim. It would be wise to consult a professional before proceeding.
If you do decide to go ahead with some sort of coating, you will want to look for epoxy garage floor paint. Many manufacturers offer an attractive option with the addition of colorful chips between the base epoxy layer and the sealer topcoat. The chips or flakes not only look great but also hide imperfections in the floor. With proper surface preparation, which will make all the difference, this is a project that can be accomplished by the average do-it-yourselfer.
Garage Floor Mats
A much simpler method of protecting your garage floor from leaks and spills or hide those already present is with the addition of mats. Normally designed to be movable, these mats come in a variety of sizes, colors and thickness and typically come with an anti slip backing. Easily cleaned or even replaced, if necessary, they also provide a degree of cushioning, which will be appreciated if the garage also doubles as a workroom.
Garage Floor Tiles
An increasingly popular alternative is the use of garage floor tile. Available in a wide range of colors and design, the ease of installation has moved them from the realm of the car collector to the average suburban home. Unlike paints and coatings, which require extensive preparation, tiles can be applied to any surface with little to no prep work. There is no need for venting the area because there are no adhesives or chemicals to worry about and no waiting period before the garage can be used.
Whether you use your garage to simply park your vehicles, for storage, recreation or as a workspace, making the investment in protecting and upgrading your garage flooring will pay off for many years to come.
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