Help diagnosing my garage floor

[Rejiggered]

Hi all,

Big newb here, to the forum and to the world of sealers and coatings. I'm considering the options for the garage in the house we recently moved into. I'm trying to diagnose if my garage floor has had any sealers or anything done to it, and am hoping any of you smart and experienced gents can pipe in. Here's the details:

- house built in 2014, I'm the second owner, so no knowledge of the concrete's history
- live in WI, so rough winters with lots of snow and salt
- tentatively considering the GS 4500/8510 route but still learning

Attached are two sections of the concrete in question, both wet and dry. There are two clearly different surfaces, depending on the area you look. One appears bare concrete that soaks up the water and doesn't appear to have anything done to it. It sits mostly under where the cars/snow sit and presumably has taken the brunt of the wear.

The other areas are more on the perimeter, and have a much more smooth, polished appearance, slightly shiny. It has a noticeable spider-webbing appearance as if there's cracking of the surface.

It doesn't look like a coating, but I have no idea. Is it just a more polished concrete? Any smart folks know the answer?

Thanks much,
Steve

 

[benwah]

It looks to me like the smooth concrete is standard power troweled concrete. Does it also absorb water?

The rough stuff looks like it ate up a lot of chlorides over the years. Are you willing to grind your floor and/or acid etch?


You mentioned ghostshield so are you looking for a penetrating sealer, or a topical coating? You will get more protection with a topical coating, but it also requires more surface preparation. A small sacrifice if you ask me.

 

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Thanks for your response. Yes the smooth areas appear to absorb the water, albeit more slowly. I don’t think I’m willing to grind the floor, but I can see possibly etching it if needed. Would that be needed with a penetrating sealer?

I’m willing to do some work but I don’t want to bite off more than I can chew, which is why I was leaning towards a penetrating sealer (largest benefit for least amount of work). I also don’t want to have to do this again soon so whatever would give me the longest longevity is important. I’m open to suggestions. Your opinion is appreciated.