Want to nail the garage floor in our new build, but need input!

[nevesxis]

I'd really appreciate help on getting this right. We are new to the Denver and I'm finding some HUGE differences due to soils, climate, and temperature. Learning a lot, let's just say, as I'm used to TN, TX and NorCAL. Things are very different in CO -- and we're building at an elevation of 6,400 feet.

BACKGROUND:
First, I've had 4 prior garages with epoxy floors (in TN, TX & NorCAL) that were perfect, meaning:

1. No appreciable odor after a week or so (I'm sensitive to chemicals, which can be a PITA)
2. Zero chipping or damage over time
3. Zero discoloration after chemical or oil spills

PROJECT:
We'll have roughly 1,600 square feet of coated concrete floor, and this will have radiant heating. Our garage is 4-bay L-shaped design with 2 bays connected by a square corner piece. Each 2-bay side is roughly 26' x 26', with the connecting corner roughly 16' x 16'. My side has 16-foot ceilings, which allow me to install a 4-post lift without worrying about the Big *** ceiling fan, an 8-footer that will be centered over the bays. Copy of plan (without any of my mods) is attached.

SOURCES OF CONFUSION:
First, I'm hearing a LOT of dissatisfaction with folks here who don't like their epoxy floors. Many are covering them with SwissTrax to get rid of these issues -- spalling, chipping, and what sounds like delamination of the top layer.

Second, I'm honestly unclear regarding the different chemistries. In previous locales everyone generically referred to these as "epoxy", but I'm hearing a lot of "polyurea" and "polyaspartic" in discussions. Guessing that's a more accurate representation of the actual chemistry involved?

GUIDANCE:
I'd really appreciate hearing the experience of others, specifically around preferred products and methods.

1. What is the impact of altitude (6,400 feet), low humidity, and low temperatures regarding product selection and application methods?
2. Is there one coating chemistry that is ideal for my situation?
3. A lot of folks here diamond-cut control gaps into the floor, as they get a neater result and more options to control cracking. Good idea or bad?

 

[nevesxis]

Forgot to add: THANKS, in advance, for any input and advice the Forum can offer!

 

[Overboost44]

Too bad you can't figure out what you had in the 4 previous garages. I am of no help but will be interested in the responses.

 

[nevesxis]

Too bad you can't figure out what you had in the 4 previous garages. I am of no help but will be interested in the responses.

I wish I'd been paying more attention; I just hired contractors who'd done other jobs I was impressed with. Trying to find old receipts to see if there's any info there, but no luck so far...

 

[benwah]

I'd really appreciate help on getting this right. We are new to the Denver and I'm finding some HUGE differences due to soils, climate, and temperature. Learning a lot, let's just say, as I'm used to TN, TX and NorCAL. Things are very different in CO -- and we're building at an elevation of 6,400 feet.

BACKGROUND:
First, I've had 4 prior garages with epoxy floors (in TN, TX & NorCAL) that were perfect, meaning:

1. No appreciable odor after a week or so (I'm sensitive to chemicals, which can be a PITA)
2. Zero chipping or damage over time
3. Zero discoloration after chemical or oil spills

PROJECT:
We'll have roughly 1,600 square feet of coated concrete floor, and this will have radiant heating. Our garage is 4-bay L-shaped design with 2 bays connected by a square corner piece. Each 2-bay side is roughly 26' x 26', with the connecting corner roughly 16' x 16'. My side has 16-foot ceilings, which allow me to install a 4-post lift without worrying about the Big *** ceiling fan, an 8-footer that will be centered over the bays. Copy of plan (without any of my mods) is attached.

SOURCES OF CONFUSION:
First, I'm hearing a LOT of dissatisfaction with folks here who don't like their epoxy floors. Many are covering them with SwissTrax to get rid of these issues -- spalling, chipping, and what sounds like delamination of the top layer.

Second, I'm honestly unclear regarding the different chemistries. In previous locales everyone generically referred to these as "epoxy", but I'm hearing a lot of "polyurea" and "polyaspartic" in discussions. Guessing that's a more accurate representation of the actual chemistry involved?

GUIDANCE:
I'd really appreciate hearing the experience of others, specifically around preferred products and methods.

1. What is the impact of altitude (6,400 feet), low humidity, and low temperatures regarding product selection and application methods?
2. Is there one coating chemistry that is ideal for my situation?
3. A lot of folks here diamond-cut control gaps into the floor, as they get a neater result and more options to control cracking. Good idea or bad?

I am in the Denver area now, I'd be happy to meet and explain all of this. The information is already here on this forum but you'd have to search for it.

 

[Burt Shaver]

I wish I'd been paying more attention; I just hired contractors who'd done other jobs I was impressed with. Trying to find old receipts to see if there's any info there, but no luck so far...

Could you call one of them?

 

[nevesxis]

I am in the Denver area now, I'd be happy to meet and explain all of this. The information is already here on this forum but you'd have to search for it.

I'd be thrilled to meet and go over this and thanks for the offer. I don't want to sound lazy, but I studied Architecture and am doing a huge amount of the design work and selection of all finishes and fixtures. It's taking up most of my time these days, and your input would be a huge help. How long will you be in the Denver area?