Allykat's Tales
How often do you hit the button on your garage door opener and as the door is lifting think, “I’ve got to do something about that floor”? If you are like most of us, the prospect of clearing everything out of the garage so that some sort of coating or flooring material can be installed is simply too overwhelming to seriously consider.
Unfortunately, the longer you wait to protect your garage floor, the more difficult it will be. Concrete may look solid, but it is actually extremely porous, which not only makes staining from oil and other chemical spills a problem, but it also means that the stains go so deep that they are nearly impossible to remove. The cleaner your floor is, the more options you will have when you do decide to finally tackle the project.
There are several alternatives in garage flooring. The one that most people usually consider first is painting. While there are epoxy paints designed specifically for concrete, preparing the surface of the floor can be a herculean task. Any dust, dirt, oil, sealer or moisture present will interfere with the bonding and in no time your beautiful new floor may start to peel. If you are at all unsure about painting your floor, it might be wise to call in a professional to at least give you some advice.
Installing garage mats or tile is far easier than painting. The mats come in all sorts of sizes and shapes and are easily cleaned. Being made of vinyl, they also provide some cushion, which can be a good thing if placed in an area used as a work space. Garage tiles come in a wide range of colors and styles. The floor itself requires no prep work, prior to laying the tile and you can drive your car over them the instant you finish.
Whichever method you choose, the important thing is to protect your garage floor with some type of covering. Not only will you be surprised at how much it adds to your enjoyment of the area, but it will also increase the market value and buyer appeal of your home, should you ever decide to sell.
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