Debating switching floor from epoxy to plastic

[nc.detail]

I should know better than to start another flooring project but I'm just not happy with how my epoxy is holding up after three relatively short years.

The yellowing, overall discoloration, and saw cuts are my main gripes. For this reason, I started thinking about covering everying with the plastic tiles. We have two garages and the main one is having the issues but the smaller one is doing great. I'm attributing the difference in appearance to use as both garages have the same three layer epoxy treatment. For purposes of anonymity, I'll keep the company name private but it was $1800 in supplies for the ~1k sq ft total for reference.

If we ignore cost of redoing the floor for a second, am I crazy to think the plastic tiles will hold up better? My detailing volume is small, about five cars a month but I do wash inside. Iron removers, non-acid wheel cleaners, and paint correction will all be performed inside the space.

My main concerns with the tiles are the cleaning from washing cars inside and the dust created from the buffing process. Currently, I'm washing the floor with soap and water each week and using a squeegee to remove excess water. I have two minor bird baths that hold a little water longer than the rest of the floor but draining has not been a problem, especially during the warmer months.

How about some insight, fellow junkies?

Garage for reference:
garage by bishop_larry, on Flickr

 

[Garage Flooring]

I should know better than to start another flooring project but I'm just not happy with how my epoxy is holding up after three relatively short years.

The yellowing, overall discoloration, and saw cuts are my main gripes. For this reason, I started thinking about covering everying with the plastic tiles. We have two garages and the main one is having the issues but the smaller one is doing great. I'm attributing the difference in appearance to use as both garages have the same three layer epoxy treatment. For purposes of anonymity, I'll keep the company name private but it was $1800 in supplies for the ~1k sq ft total for reference.

If we ignore cost of redoing the floor for a second, am I crazy to think the plastic tiles will hold up better? My detailing volume is small, about five cars a month but I do wash inside. Iron removers, non-acid wheel cleaners, and paint correction will all be performed inside the space.

My main concerns with the tiles are the cleaning from washing cars inside and the dust created from the buffing process. Currently, I'm washing the floor with soap and water each week and using a squeegee to remove excess water. I have two minor bird baths that hold a little water longer than the rest of the floor but draining has not been a problem, especially during the warmer months.

How about some insight, fellow junkies?

Garage for reference:
garage by bishop_larry, on Flickr

Nice garage!

1. Polyurea systems would be less likely to yellow than epoxy systems, especially in lighter colors.

2. I would not use a white garage tile.

3. The only big issue I see with garage tile is if you are parking your car like that. If you come in in one fluid movement it will be ok. If you are stopping and cranking the tires --while standing still-- you could have issues.

Go with a higher end tile such as TrueLock HD Extreme or RaceDeck I also like the TrueLock HD Ribbed flow through -- or RaceDeck free flow

 

[Toomanytools?]

Well you can fill the saw cuts with a like color flexible caulk, but it will still be yellow. Race Deck free flow tiles are an option that comes to mind, do you have a floor drain? Otherwise you will have standing water under there. I guess depends on if this is a business or personal use and the cash you want to put out. I think I would wait till the epoxy failed or got too ugly to look at, then I would put down a locking coin or diamond pattern locking tile.

 

[nc.detail]

Nice garage!

1. Polyurea systems would be less likely to yellow than epoxy systems, especially in lighter colors.

2. I would not use a white garage tile.

3. The only big issue I see with garage tile is if you are parking your car like that. If you come in in one fluid movement it will be ok. If you are stopping and cranking the tires --while standing still-- you could have issues.

Go with a higher end tile such as TrueLock HD Extreme or RaceDeck I also like the TrueLock HD Ribbed flow through -- or RaceDeck free flow

Good point on number three. I do put cars like my s4 is shown to maximize working space. I'll start paying attention to how I'm moving the steering wheel but I feel like I'm fairly fluid with the two point turn. I requested a quote from RaceDeck on their flowform XL. The idea of a larger tile looks appealing, and would choose with the graphite and alloy color combo.

I don't have the appetite to get the floor grinded which is why I'm entertaining the plastic route.

 

[nc.detail]

Well you can fill the saw cuts with a like color flexible caulk, but it will still be yellow. Race Deck free flow tiles are an option that comes to mind, do you have a floor drain? Otherwise you will have standing water under there. I guess depends on if this is a business or personal use and the cash you want to put out. I think I would wait till the epoxy failed or got too ugly to look at, then I would put down a locking coin or diamond pattern locking tile.

This is a pic from last year but I did fill in the cracks over the winter but it's left me with yet another shade to contend with. Originally I thought I would epoxy over the now filled joints but it'll never match.

I don't have floor drains but a decent slope where standing water isn't a problem today. I'm assuming the floor will dry less quickly though even with the free form tiles. Yes, that's about where I'm at with the flooring. It's functional but ugly. It's not to the point where it's $3k ugly though, but I'll see.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Good point on number three. I do put cars like my s4 is shown to maximize working space. I'll start paying attention to how I'm moving the steering wheel but I feel like I'm fairly fluid with the two point turn. I requested a quote from RaceDeck on their flowform XL. The idea of a larger tile looks appealing, and would choose with the graphite and alloy color combo.

I don't have the appetite to get the floor grinded which is why I'm entertaining the plastic route.

Drop an a PM with the specs on the quote and we'll give you some numbers for comparison

 

[nc.detail]

Drop an a PM with the specs on the quote and we'll give you some numbers for comparison

pm sent

 

[Armorpoxy]

Hi
You could do a full broadcast of our SPGX non-yellowing polyurea one part hybrid which would solve your concerns. Please email us for quote and addl info, thanks.

 

[nc.detail]

Hi
You could do a full broadcast of our SPGX non-yellowing polyurea one part hybrid which would solve your concerns. Please email us for quote and addl info, thanks.

I sent an email

 

[ryan1000]

What is it you don't like about the saw cuts? I'm debating filling my cuts before epoxy. Is it you don't like dirt going in the crack or water?

 

[nc.detail]

What is it you don't like about the saw cuts? I'm debating filling my cuts before epoxy. Is it you don't like dirt going in the crack or water?

The appearance and that they trap dirt. I have since filled them in w/ foam and silka. Looks much better.

I'm doing this in preparation for the swisstrax as armorpoxy says my discoloration is normal. Their response doesn't work for me

 

[ryan1000]

The appearance and that they trap dirt. I have since filled them in w/ foam and silka. Looks much better.

I'm doing this in preparation for the swisstrax as armorpoxy says my discoloration is normal. Their response doesn't work for me

Your floor looks good to me. especially from what i can see in the pictures. maybe you can see more in person. for lots of water and dust, I would think tile would be more of a pain. and i just think a coated floor looks cleaner than a tiled floor.

I could see maybe after 10 years and your floor gets more wear and tear to put tile over but still looks good to me.

 

[nc.detail]

Your floor looks good to me. especially from what i can see in the pictures. maybe you can see more in person. for lots of water and dust, I would think tile would be more of a pain. and i just think a coated floor looks cleaner than a tiled floor.

I could see maybe after 10 years and your floor gets more wear and tear to put tile over but still looks good to me.

It looks like garbage in person. Of course it looked good at first but now it's discolored and uneven. I expected more from the product since it's only been on the floor for about three years now. Armorpoxy says the discoloration in the epoxy is normal and not covered by warranty.

I'll make a separate thread with my 3 year update.