Deciding between epoxy and Racedeck

[MrSandman]

New guy here

I have a 3 car garage in SW Florida that I want to resurface. Currently it has a builders standard epoxy finish that has stood up very well over the last 5 years with only one small spot (about 3 inches in diameter) that has pulled up.

If I recoat with a higher quality epoxy, I assume I should diamond grind what is there now to insure a good bond. Maybe I could get away with rough sanding only since the epoxy on there seems to be well bonded to the concrete, I’m not sure.

What I really like is the Racedeck but I’m very concerned with water settling underneath and creating mold or other breeding ground.
Also, I would be putting a in lift. I haven’t decided between a 4 post and a mid rise scissor. I don’t know how well the Racedeck will hold up for that.

The epoxy is less expensive, more labor intensive to install and easy to maintain. The Race deck is far better looking but more expensive and the unknown moisture issue.

Any experience or advice is appreciated.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

New Guy.
Use the "search" feature on the site. There is plenty of good info on this site for both options and lifts too.

 

[csp]

The Race deck is far better looking but more expensive and the unknown moisture issue.

I realize it isn't my floor, but I'd have to disagree with Race deck looking better, especially with a quality epoxy job (not the stuff anyone can find at Home Depot). Racedeck looks like cheap, plastic tile to me, not that my opinion really matters.

 

[Wingnut65]

I live just north of you a bit. The reason I have RaceDeck is because of the standing water issues. I had a sealed concrete floor and every one in my family has slipped at one time or another. I ruled out VCT pretty quickly. If I had epoxy, it would need to be skid resistant, but the amount of work it would take to put down, especially in my full 3-car garage. RaceDeck solved all those concerns. No slip problems and no standing water under the tile that I have been able to see.

I agree with Scotty - Search is your Friend. Lots of good info on both RD and Epoxy. Good luck on your decision.

BTW, Welcome to GJ.

 

[Sarki]

New guy here

I have a 3 car garage in SW Florida that I want to resurface. Currently it has a builders standard epoxy finish that has stood up very well over the last 5 years with only one small spot (about 3 inches in diameter) that has pulled up.

If I recoat with a higher quality epoxy, I assume I should diamond grind what is there now to insure a good bond. Maybe I could get away with rough sanding only since the epoxy on there seems to be well bonded to the concrete, I’m not sure.

What I really like is the Racedeck but I’m very concerned with water settling underneath and creating mold or other breeding ground.
Also, I would be putting a in lift. I haven’t decided between a 4 post and a mid rise scissor. I don’t know how well the Racedeck will hold up for that.

The epoxy is less expensive, more labor intensive to install and easy to maintain. The Race deck is far better looking but more expensive and the unknown moisture issue.

Any experience or advice is appreciated.

Been following posts regarding Racedeck for the past year. Here's my thoughts:

1) Don't recall reading a single post about anyone having any issues with mold forming under their Racedeck floor, no matter what part of the country/world their in.
2) Same as above in terms of 4 post lifts. Don't recall anyone complaining of any issues having to do with their Racedeck flooring and compatibility with a 4 post lift.
According to Racedeck a 4 post lift can sit on top of their product while a 2 post lift CANNOT. I don't know about a midrise lift but a call to Jorgen/Racedeck should provide you with a quick and reliable answer.
The bottom line is go with what you like as either way you'll be spending some substantial coin.
Rumor has it they may run a sale around Father's Day. If so, I know I'll seriously consider pulling the trigger.

 

[OceanStateTuning]

Well as Epoxy being more labor to install... I've installed it twice, once being the cheapo kit from home depot for a friend's garage and Ive used Scott's kit. Other then a problem I had with my blue chips it was easy, took only a few hours to apply and a few hours to clean but it was easy - I would much push a roller for a half hour then spend all day snapping tiles together. Just add the Polymer non skid - it works very well even in standing water.

 

[Carl B]

Any experience or advice is appreciated.

I've had painted floors in a couple of garages over the years. I put a RaceDeck floor down this time. Personally - I'd never mess with epoxy paints again. You can put a RaceDeck floor down in a 24'x30' area easily in three hours by yourself. Less time if you have someone feeding you tiles as you go. Given the almost unlimited colors and the ability to easily design your floor - in my experience you simply can't beat RaceDeck.

No muss, no fuss, no hassle.
Good luck,
Carl B.

 

[Garage Flooring]

I think we all like to thing that their is a single product, or at least our product will fit all the needs of all the applications. If this were my floor, I would put a product I don't sell (Swisstrax Ribtrax) or I would put a product down that I do sell Norsk Garage Floor tiles

I would not put down a garage floor epoxy or a garage floor mat. Garage floor mats are one of my favorite products and we just signed an agreement with BLT to start selling their product, but this is not the right application.

Florida... Epoxy... If you are going to do it, do it right. Have a LOCAL, PROFESSIONAL company come in, test for moisture content, prime if necessary and professionally coat. Personally, I am not a big fan of epoxy in wet climates. That said, there have always been a host of epoxy people in this forum. Most of them are not your go to home depot and by a $40 gallon kit. They are buying high end products and installing it right. Epoxy is beautiful if it is done right. Easy to clean, attractive and affordable. BUT, if you don't do it right and you don't buy the right product its a disaster!

Sincerely,


Justin Krauss
Managing Member
Garage Flooring LLC

 

[OceanStateTuning]

I guess it is all what you do in your garage... I can't see Race Deck being a good choice if you use your garage like a garage is made for but if you are just parking a car on it then probably be better

 

[Full Size 66]

Both of these products, tile or coating, are not good ideas for my garage. I have been advised by dealers, manufacturers, and installers that my garage habbits will be better suited with a polished concrete finish. My whole point being to really look at what you'll be doing before you lay out the money. The polishing looks to be almost equal in cost with a professionaly instaled epoxy.

 

[Garage Flooring]

That is exactly what I am saying.

1. Every garage is different.
2 Do it right or not at all.

Justin Krauss
Managing Member
Garage Flooring LLC

 

[MrSandman]

Thanks for the replies and the advice about using the search. I found some good info from past threads as well as some things to think about posted in this one.

I see there really isn’t any concern about using a lift with Racedeck and I’m feeling much better about my fears of mold. The biggest concern I have is preparing the existing surface to accept a new epoxy layer. Epoxy is easier to maintain once it’s down but I’m not excited about the week of renting equipment, prepping, applying and waiting to drive the cars back in the garage.

I’ve applied the low cost big box store 2 part epoxy before and was very happy with it. Even though it came out great, I wouldn’t use it again because I would want something to wear for a long time.

For the most part I use my garage as a garage but also like most people, especially in Florida, I use it for projects and storage.

 

[Truebluecoupe]

I have had the industrial 2 part epoxy down for 10 years and I would not do it again. I plan on switching to race deck to avoid the chipping and pop up problems. My epoxy floor is also very slippery. I am also avoiding projects that have a lot chemical exposure, as I have cancer. Racedeck is completely non-toxic to install!

 

[Cal Concrete Restoration]

Both of these products, tile or coating, are not good ideas for my garage. I have been advised by dealers, manufacturers, and installers that my garage habbits will be better suited with a polished concrete finish. My whole point being to really look at what you'll be doing before you lay out the money. The polishing looks to be almost equal in cost with a professionaly instaled epoxy.

Concrete polishing is good in certain applications. HOWEVER, it does not hide cracks and imperfections in the slab. A good quality epoxy will wick into properly prepared concrete surface, provide a substantial moisture barrier and the decorative chips will hide surface imperfections.

There is no question in my mind. A professionally installed epoxy floor for a garage will look better and stand the test of time.

Patrick

 

[Carl B]

Just a comment on terms....

"Epoxy" - is a thermo setting polymer formed via a chemical reaction between a resin and a hardner.
The quality of any "Epoxy" is mostly based on the specific type of resin used and its matching hardner.

"Epoxy floor coatings" - - in my experience/use - are painted on the floor.

"Vinyl Chip Epoxy" floor coating - is really a different product. In the same vain as Fiberglass is different than an Epoxy paint on your car.

While the vinyl chips are held in place and adhered to the floor by an epoxy - there is a huge difference in strength and durability between the two different products ie....Epoxy Paint for a concrete floor and a Vinyl Chip floor coating. Likewise there is a huge quality range available in Vinyl Chip/Epoxy coatings.

Maybe there are better terms or names to use - but I just didn't want there to be any confusion for people following the Thread.

FWIW,
Carl B.

 

[YourGreatGarage]

I Live in Tampa - I install epoxy floors for a living, but I have a racedeck floor in my Garage. ( It was the first one I ever installed). I layed the floor in 2006 and its stating to fade with the sun here in Florida. I'm going to replace the floor soon and I will be using Epoxy. One question is how do you enter your garage - if you pull in straight Racedeck is ok, if you turn in - NO Racedeck. Call a Pro - It will save you money in the long run.

www.YourGreatGarage.com

 

[MrSandman]

I Live in Tampa - I install epoxy floors for a living, but I have a racedeck floor in my Garage. ( It was the first one I ever installed). I layed the floor in 2006 and its stating to fade with the sun here in Florida. I'm going to replace the floor soon and I will be using Epoxy. One question is how do you enter your garage - if you pull in straight Racedeck is ok, if you turn in - NO Racedeck. Call a Pro - It will save you money in the long run.

www.YourGreatGarage.com

Could you explain why you don’t recommend Racedeck in garages that you turn into?

 

[mikeyr]

I am almost tired of posting this picture, a search would have answered all your questions.

4post sitting on top of Racedeck and scissor lift also on top, no damage. Also evidence of my garage being used as a garage, no damage to the tiles in near 10 years of use. Well that is not true, I have melted some spots when welding or plasma cutting but I expected that damage. My garage has also been flooded twice, its pretty cool the tiles float on top of the water and you don't know you are flooded until you walk out in your socks and sink, they drained just fine and no mold issues. Oh, I turn, cars, trucks, engine hoists, engine stands, welders, just fine on my tiles.

 

[YourGreatGarage]

What I meant is if you pull in straight you will be fine, but some garages have driveways that you have to pull in then tun the wheels to enter the garage - If you turn the wheel on any tile floor it will unlock - the last floor I sold that locked I had a very old lady turn into her garage and the tiles came up, so when she walked around her car she tripped and broke her arm, and she laid there all day until her husband got home and found her. That being said - I have a black and yellow floor. I installed it in 2006. The edges curled some because my wifes car had a oil leak and the hot oil made the tiles curl. and at the front of the garage the yellow has faded from the Florida sun. Other than that it was a HOT floor when I first installed it.

Hope this helps
Tony
www.YourGreatGarage.com

 

[YourGreatGarage]

What I meant is if you pull in straight you will be fine, but some garages have driveways that you have to pull in then tun the wheels to enter the garage - If you turn the wheel on any tile floor it will unlock - the last floor I sold that locked I had a very old lady turn into her garage and the tiles came up, so when she walked around her car she tripped and broke her arm, and she laid there all day until her husband got home and found her. That being said - I have a black and yellow floor. I installed it in 2006. The edges curled some because my wifes car had a oil leak and the hot oil made the tiles curl. and at the front of the garage the yellow has faded from the Florida sun. Other than that it was a HOT floor when I first installed it.

Hope this helps
Tony
www.YourGreatGarage.com

 

[mikeyr]

tun the wheels to enter the garage - If you turn the wheel on any tile floor it will unlock - .... The edges curled some because my wifes car had a oil leak and the hot oil made the tiles curl.

Are you sure it was Racedeck brand tiles ? I have a VERY hard time believing they could unlock when you turn the wheel, they don't unlock in my garage. And I own British cars and a FIAT, they constantly drip hot oil, never a hint of damage.

The fading I can understand, mine have not in 10 years but I doubt they are UV stabilized.

 

[RaceDeck1]

MikeyR , you are right there are a few copy-cat tiles out there that have failed and RaceDeck is confused or lumped into the same group.
As for fading? we actually have use an outdoor color package with RaceDeck and in a indoor garage enviroment, you should never see fading? some of the cheap China and other competing tiles do not have an outdoor UV package and can fade within a short while, even with just the doors opening when cars come in and out of the garage. Lastly, if it were RaceDeck ( yes we have made mistakes every now and then ) ...we would have replaced any defective tiles asap...
I don't know YourGreatGarage other than he is new to this forum and he is a competitor?

 

[AFChief]

I am almost tired of posting this picture, a search would have answered all your questions.

4post sitting on top of Racedeck and scissor lift also on top, no damage. Also evidence of my garage being used as a garage, no damage to the tiles in near 10 years of use. Well that is not true, I have melted some spots when welding or plasma cutting but I expected that damage. My garage has also been flooded twice, its pretty cool the tiles float on top of the water and you don't know you are flooded until you walk out in your socks and sink, they drained just fine and no mold issues. Oh, I turn, cars, trucks, engine hoists, engine stands, welders, just fine on my tiles.

Thanks for the re-post Mike. I've been looking thru a bunch of RD posts and I hadn't seen it before.

I'm hoping to order up my Race Deck in a few weeks!

PS- I will be doing some welding. Will blankets protect the floor adequately?

 

[mikeyr]

PS- I will be doing some welding. Will blankets protect the floor adequately?

Yes and no

Yes, the blanket will protect the floor but after a few times you will get tired of putting it down for just one quick weld and ooops

I now have a small 5ftx6ft section that I left bare concrete and try to get all my welding and plasma cutting work done in that area, I built a nice little welding table and try to do all my work there. Of course there are times I can't and then I put the blanket down and it has protected the floor just fine. I also got a TIG which has no weld splatter just to protect the tiles (ok, not really but it sounds good ), now that I use a TIG instead of MIG I don't have to protect as much.

 

[472scout]

With the Racedeck I would think there would be issues with dirt and grease getting into the seams of the tile for those of us that do a lot of heavy automotive work? Also what does Racedecks warranty include? I wouldn't want to spend big bucks only to find out that it doesn't hold up as well as advertised and then get a denial on the warranty claim.

 

[mikeyr]

I have done many motors and 2 full frame off restorations on my 10 year old Racedeck tiles, come and take a look at them yourself. The seams are fine and don't show dirt. The only issue I have is the diamond patterns get grease caught up on one side or the other when cleaning up after a major mess, but its not a major problem. I tend to clean my tiles only after a major mess or finished project and just scrub in 2 directions.

Warranty, I can't answer, I will let Jorgen answer that one. I will say that he has offered to replace my tiles damaged from welding and he knows how I have abused my tiles my 10 year old tiles.

 

[m3seeto]

Mikeyr,
When you say the seams are fine, does the oil/coolant leak thru the seams and to the ground ?

 

[RaceDeck1]

Mikeyr,
When you say the seams are fine, does the oil/coolant leak thru the seams and to the ground ?

The seams are really tight making for hydro-static tension, keeping dripping fluids out from under the flooring. If you had a major spill, left a hose running, etc... liquids would get underneath, but the flooring is suspended and channeled to allow moisture and air to flow freely. This is what RaceDeck is designed for.

 

[rackeu]

Rumor has it they may run a sale around Father's Day. If so, I know I'll seriously consider pulling the trigger.

I would too.

 

[MSG C5]

MikeyR , you are right there are a few copy-cat tiles out there that have failed and RaceDeck is confused or lumped into the same group.
As for fading? we actually have use an outdoor color package with RaceDeck and in a indoor garage enviroment, you should never see fading? some of the cheap China and other competing tiles do not have an outdoor UV package and can fade within a short while, even with just the doors opening when cars come in and out of the garage. Lastly, if it were RaceDeck ( yes we have made mistakes every now and then ) ...we would have replaced any defective tiles asap...
I don't know YourGreatGarage other than he is new to this forum and he is a competitor?

Good to hear about the non-fading. That was a concern I had because I also live in SW Florida and my garage doors face south.

 

[RaceDeck1]

We are very familiar with UV protection. in our other division SnapSports , we manufacture outdoor modular surfacing that is designed to be used outdoors with a life expectancy of over 15 years

http://www.snapsports.com/residential.html