Newbie with fresh canvas

[ironfistt]

Hey All, Im building a house and wanted to do something with the garage floors. Ive been reading around and dont have a clear picture of what needs to be done. Ive read/heard things such as: dont epoxy floor for 90 days on fresh concrete; wash floor with baking soda and water; acid wash floor, etc.

So the facts are that its a brand new garage with no stains and I would like to fit it with garage tiles but feel I still need something underneath for those times fluid seeps between the tiles from random brake jobs or whatever.

Do i need to acid wash or another form of prep given this is a brand new garage? Should I epoxy, paint, clear seal or something else on the concrete before laying down the tile? What tile is recommended by this board? I got a sample of the racedeck and really like it, but the cost is a lot more than its competitors.

If it matters, I dont wrench on cars like i used to and Im just a hobbiest now, so I dont plan on doing anything heavy duty in there. Also, Im in chicago and I would need it to hold upto the temp changes, salt, snow, etc.


Thanks in advance!

 

[bczygan]

Welcome to GJ!

All the experts will be along soon!

Where in the world are you located?

 

[ambenz]

Welcome neighbor to the GJ!
Having a virgin garage floor is great!
I would just seal it with a good concrete sealer.

I would avoid paints, anything glossy, or products that can show wear after several years of use.
I am also not a big fan of any engineered plastic tile or anything that hides the floors natural look...moving things around, adding a lift, building things that need anchoring to the floor and your gonna have to pull up those tiles to do that.

Protecting the floor and keeping it clean during the winter months, they make rubber pads with raised sides to catch the slop, if your so inclined.

But ultimately the decision is yours, having a nice floor is cool, as long as your remember...anything you do to it is gonna require future maintenance.
I am a big fan of Kiss...keep it simple studly.

 

[ironfistt]

bczygan: thanks for the welcome. Im located in the Chicago area

ambenz: thanks for the input! I totally agree that future maintenance is always going to be there, but my goal is to try and minimize that. Does the sealer you posted protect against chemicals (brake fluid, coolant, etc) or just good for protecting against mother nature? Also is the sealer you posted the recommended one for concrete driveways? I could be way off base but I guessing that an epoxy coating would protect better against chemicals and would require less maint (less frequent re-applications).
Regarding the tiles, you bring up some good points about moving things around, needing to anchor things to floor, etc... but I feel the cool look factor out weighs the "hassle" of having lift/cut tile to make room for an anchor which shouldn't happen often in my case. Lastly, what are these rubber pads you mentioned that catch the winter slop? Im picturing a weathertech for your garage.

 

[ambenz]

Sorry for the late reply....
Yes, This product is great for concrete!
I use it on my concrete driveway and that out in the elements, winter and summer.
I apply every 4 years outside...inside, it still stopping the salt drip and chemical spills since I applied it back in 2002...probably could use a refresh, in the garage.
The parking pads you can get here.... http://www.autogeek.net/parsmarclean.html

Wider selection here.... http://www.autoanything.com/garage-accessories/20A50239A1.aspx

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Welcome neighbor to the GJ!

Having a virgin garage floor is great!

I would just seal it with a good concrete sealer.

I would avoid paints, anything glossy, or products that can show wear after several years of use.

I am also not a big fan of any engineered plastic tile or anything that hides the floors natural look...moving things around, adding a lift, building things that need anchoring to the floor and your gonna have to pull up those tiles to do that.



Protecting the floor and keeping it clean during the winter months, they make rubber pads with raised sides to catch the slop, if your so inclined.



But ultimately the decision is yours, having a nice floor is cool, as long as your remember...anything you do to it is gonna require future maintenance.

I am a big fan of Kiss...keep it simple studly.

Stay away from this type of product. It contains wax which will repel other coatings should you opt to put something really good down.

Glossy is long lasting and more chem proof then flat or matte.

Listen to all the voices.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[4AudiQ]

You may be thinking of something like this?
I had 2 of these under our cars when we lived in Bend, OR:
http://www.ultimategaragefloors.com/Garage_Accessories.htm?m=26&s=233
When you call Greg, tell him I referred you.

 

[4AudiQ]

Forgot to subscribe.