Flooring options - my garage

[T_CHUD]

Hello,

I'm new to this site, but I have been reading many of the posts here to figure out what to do with my residential garage floor. Basically, it looks like ****... it has a "coating" on it now and it's probably some type of epoxy coating, but not really sure as it looks like ordinary paint to me. It is old and it's peeling up in spots and it was like this what I bought the house.

Anyway, I ordered a sample of the Racedeck tile, so I may go that route. I live in NJ, so with some snow in the winter and rain throught the year. I'm a little concerned with how the water will drain out with the Racedeck tiles. The garage is pitched a bit (I didn't measure it yet, but will to determine how much). I know they have the free-flow tiles, but I'm worried that "stuff" may get in between and that you will also see the ugly red colored existing floor beneath. Is mildew a concern with this product? I've read about clicking noise issues as well. Is it that big of a deal? I did an online chat with a C.S. lady, but will probably call with my other questions.

I think mat flooring is not really an option, but I'm not sure. I suppose I'm more concerned with a potential mildew issue because of the climate here. I'm also not crazy about glueing something down either.

Epoxy coating: I thought about this, but I'm not sure how much prep would be needed with an existing finish on the floor. Is it even an option for me? or is it more trouble than it is worth to properly prep the floor?

Sorry for the long first post, but I'm just looking for some opinions on what other options I could consider here.

Thanks.

 

[T_CHUD]

161 views and no comments

 

[Munich77]

I would guess something to cover up the old coating would require much less labor than removing the old coating. I am also trying to figure out what flooring to put on my garage. Since I live in a townhouse and don't have a driveway, I will be using tiles. I love the look of good epoxy, too.

 

[AlphaGarage]

It's possible your questions aren't specifically answered in your thread because they've been answered dozens of times specifically in this forum. Just last week there was a very active thread about mats - I think one of the big players in that field even posted a lot of good info. The RaceDeck CEO - probably the best source of info and tile product, regularly shares his insights here.

As for the epoxy, is it worth the prep? Clearly I'm going to say "yes," but that's expected, it's how I pay the mortgage. Rather than take my word for it, read what our clients have said, just search this forum for "Wolverine" - here's a few of the threads that will pop up...

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13347&highlight=wolverine

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44224&highlight=wolverine

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43547&highlight=wolverine

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43702&highlight=wolverine

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43702&highlight=wolverine

 

[TONE]

Hi-----

I would recommend RACEDECK!

Ive had mine for about 7 years now. Its been from one home and recently installed into another. Thats one of the reasons I purchaced it. I knew we would eventually move.

You can spend the same money on epoxy or stain or whatever but it stays with the house.

As for drainage I dont have the freeflow tiles. I have the solid diamond plate tiles.

I live in Chicagoland and havent had a proplem at all. Every once in a while I will squeegee out the snow if it becomes excessive after dropping off the car.

Then in the spring I mop it out. Then give it an overall hands/knees cleaning.

No chipping, no staining and to me it looks great.

You can sit on this site all day, everyday and people will have different opinions. And thats good, thats what makes this site so informative.

My best choice was racedeck, Im sure others will have their reasons for their choices as well.

Most importantly, have fun and post pixs!!!!

 

[thegarageguy]

Hey T_Chud,

I'll give you the pros and cons of all your flooring options;

Race Deck
Pros - easy diy, many color options, can be personlized, floating type floor, allows concrete to breathe, take it to your next home, can be installed in any season, good warranty

Cons - dirties easy, dulls out after a while, can warp in too much sunlight, clankity clank sound

Tuf Seal
Pros - easy diy, many color options, can be personlized, water tight seal, take it to your next home, can be installed in any season, good warranty

Cons - shows dirt easy, can stain, does not allow floor to breathe, at door seal - can trap moisture and accelerate detirioration

Epoxy/poly floor
pro install pros - many colors and styles to choose from, last much longer, maintains a cleaner look, easier to maintain, depending on company - can install in any season and great warranty

pro install con - choosing the right contractor, takes multiple days to install, more expensive, ensuring you got what you paid for

pros diy - less expensive than paying a pro

cons - there is a bit of a learning curve, can be fairly messy, ensuring prep is done right, choosing the right products, having the right tools, you only have once shot to get it right, cant install in cold weather, no one to go to when it all goes to hell...except for here


Let me now if I missed anything

 

[AlphaGarage]

TGG - Pretty good summation, but I need to disagree with one point...

For the DIY epoxy cons - "no one to go to when it all goes to hell...except for here" I feel compelled to retort: "that depends..."

Overall an epoxy floor application is an involved project, but if you carefully follow directions and pay attention, you can Do It Yourself. Clearly the prep work is critical, and it can be a very involved process, but with a floor in good shape, prep work isn't too complicated or involved either.

Even with solid prep work, applying the coatings is different from a simple painting job, and for most DIYers it's a unique first time experience. And even though someone has reviewed the instructions several times, has laid out the right tools, has worked out their game plan, even then things can, and have, gone wrong.

I have received a few of those panic calls. Almost every time the person knows exactly what went wrong - which is great because it helps us figure out how best to proceed.

And then we've also made a few errors - and when that happens we do what needs to be done to set things right.

I think we've done a pretty good job of being there when things do go to hell.

A bit busy these days, but I have started a short report detailing some of those projects that had "issues." I have a lot of confidence in our products, processes, and customer service, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvements. And more info (good, bad, and ugly) is always an improvement

 

[thegarageguy]

That part was meant as a joke. Sorry that sarcasm doesn't translate well. Regardless, most often than not, failure is due to application error. It's still a one shot deal for a diy'er. And even though you condone acid washing or organic prep or whatever you sell, it's still an inferior method of concrete preparation and have a much higher risk of future failure. Matter of fact, I don't think there are many industrial manufacturers that would warranty their flooring systems if a contractor acid washed before applying.

 

[AlphaGarage]

TGG - Which is why our instructions cover both mechanical and chemical profiling, and we state about grinding, "For the Do-It-Yourselfer this might be the best method." (page 4).

In the best of all worlds I'd opt for grinding, but in the best of all worlds I'd put down 8" of concrete, have my engines blue printed and balanced, drive a Aston Martin instead of a Volvo, have a 4,000 square foot garage with a 60" widescreen on the wall, and not one but two lifts. However in the real world sometimes I can't have it all, there are practical limits.

A a grinder is not always the most practical choice for some people - Grinders aren't always easy to find. Some grinders are simply too big/heavy/awkward for a homeowner to transport. If a smaller unit isn't available , the larger ones can be very difficult to use for some people. The rent fees might bust the budget. The floor might be very uneven, making it difficult to hit low spots.

That plus we haven't had any hot tire lifts or failures due to use of acid etch, and some of our pros use etching with great success when BondTite 1101 is used as the primer.

 

[T_CHUD]

thanks for the replies.

AG, thanks... and yes, I know there is a search funtion, but I didn't see many threads specifically addressing mildew issues. That is what I'm most concerned with for tiles and mats.

Also, I wasn't sure if a grinder was the only way to remove the existing coating.

Anyway, I received the sample of the Racedeck. It looks nice. I didn't realize how light the tiles are. I was imagining something much heavier.

I'm still undecided about what I'm going to do with my garage floor.

 

[RaceDeck1]

The reason RaceDeck is light is because it is not made from Rubber or VCT, which we do not recommend for residential use, due to odors, expansion levels and in many cases toxicity.
RaceDeck is made from high impact Poly-pro and is a suspended surface that allows air and liquids to flow freely -

Thanks