Prep under freeflow/ribtrax

[BeachBoy]

I hate my current floor. It's dirty, wet, ugly. I rent so didn't do anything but we just bought a house and I want something clean.

No wrenching only parking and accessing the storage (freezer, food, few tools for home use, etc).

Here's what I am dealing with. Even if I sweep, wash, etc. it becomes dirty. The dust gets on everything and I hate it.

For the water I will put freeflow/ribtrax so the dirt and snow gets under.

The question is: what can I put on the concrete to have it less dusty, so that when I rince the freeflow the floor gets clean under?

Maybe just a sealer? Paint? I obviously want something cheap as it will be hidden under the tiles

Thanks!

For the info, here's the new garage... One stall instead of 2 but no more boxes to store and I will build a working garage 30x40 at the cottage.

If you're interested in the whole house: http://constructiongoldmax.com/maison_1.html

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

I would at least use a densifier with waterproofer to help protect the floor from damaging salts and run-off water. Inexpensive insurance.

http://legacyindustrial.net/cart/hd39-densifierwaterproofer-1-gal-p-138.html

 

[shaun oriold1]

I've never done it, but I was told you can use landscape fabric down below. I'm told it helps control the dust, and cuts down on the chatter sometimes caused by an uneven floor. Water will drain through fine.

Shaun

 

[Shea]

A densifier sealer is a good idea. It's fairly inexpensive, easy to apply, and will eliminate your dusting problem. You can read about them here.

 

[James-W]

Not trying to hijack the thread, just wanting to ask a question about densifiers and it seemed appropriate to do it here. How much prep is needed before you can apply a densifier? I know the floor is supposed to be completely clean and free of oil/grease areas, but is grinding needed as well? I know the densifier needs to soak into the concrete, so I am assuming you want the floor to be able to absorb the densifier as much as possible.

 

[BeachBoy]

Good and related question, I am interested in the answer as well, will dictate if I should do it right when I move to avoid oil stains (I have an air cooled 911 so it will drip someday)

 

[BeachBoy]

Reading on the subject, wondering if a densifier with siliconate (HD39) or a siliconate sealer (Vseal 101 or PS101) would be better.

Can't find info online that compares the two.

Seems the siliconate sealer is much cheaper ($50 / gal) where the HD39 densifier is $75 per gal.

 

[Croixboy]

I had the same concerns with my floor before putting down freeflow. I always had dust, ants, and spiders in the garage so here is how I prepped my floor.
First I filled all of the cracks in the concrete and where the wall meets the floor. I used a caulk gun with A DAP product for concrete. It drys flexible. This step drastically reduced the amount of insects and spider webs found in the garage. I think I went through like 4 tubes of DAP for an oversize two car garage.
Second, I put down a clear concrete sealer. I forget the brand, but remember it cost around 45-50 bucks a gallon at Home Depot or lowes. I simply put it on with a mop and it dried fast and clear. This keeps down any concrete dust and allows water to bead and drain between the freeflow tiles. I would not put down landscape fabric which would trap moisture, besides there is certainly no click clack noise while walking on freeflow.
And lastly, put down your floor
Here is my floor before...

And then after the sealer, and concrete caulk along the edges...

And after the freeflow was put down ...

Hope this helps. Your gonna love the new floor.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Our HD39 does both, helps to eliminate dust and adds the waterproofing agent.

We have a pure siliconate too, hd017. Less money but also a little less protection.

Hope this helps.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Garage Flooring]

Reading on the subject, wondering if a densifier with siliconate (HD39) or a siliconate sealer (Vseal 101 or PS101) would be better.

Can't find info online that compares the two.

Seems the siliconate sealer is much cheaper ($50 / gal) where the HD39 densifier is $75 per gal.

Go with Scotty.

 

[BeachBoy]

Who's scotty?

 

[Garage Flooring]

I would at least use a densifier with waterproofer to help protect the floor from damaging salts and run-off water. Inexpensive insurance.

http://legacyindustrial.net/cart/hd39-densifierwaterproofer-1-gal-p-138.html

The post above was from Scotty. The HD material is his I believe. In either case if I was not in the business he is who I would call.