Racedeck, Fast Flor, Swisstrak,....

[Winding Road]

All these floor coverings have 1 thing in common: they are removable (unlike the epoxies such as Rustoleum or uCoatit). I've seen them being promoted with the advantage that liquids will drain through these "tiles" and thus keep the surface dry. My concern is that the liquid, and also sand, dirt,..., will get trapped underneath and cause stains on the concrete floor, not to mention possible mold growth. Is this a valid concern? I'm leaning towards the ucoatit epoxy product btw. I like the racedeck stuff for ease of installation however.

Thanks,

 

[Tyson]

Each product has it's advantages.

Racedeck and other tiles make noise when you walk on them. Some of the meshtop ones don't make noise but let water and "grime" get below them.

If money weren't an option, I'd racedeck the garage as I don't mind the noise the tiles make....But I'm on a budget so I did epoxy, and I'm very happy with it.

 

[Ed and Sandra]

We considered doing an epoxy finish on our garage floor but in that respect were concerned, among other things, about the hairline cracks that appeared in the concrete and the expansion joints in a couple of places that open and close a little bit. (The floor is minimum 6 inches thick on a heavy base of crushed, compacted rock – built 7 years ago.) We were totally convinced that any epoxy eventually would be cracking on our floor.

Our investigations led us to the floor covering products like SwissTrax and Racedeck which, frankly, we believe to be significantly superior to epoxy finishes, though certainly more expensive. In the case of the SwissTrax DiamondTrax product that we chose http://www.swisstrax.com/diamondtraxabout.html we feel it provides a much more attractive appearance; provides interesting colors and opportunities for different designs; is extremely easy to clean; is tough and resilient (withstands over 5,000 psi); can be easily repaired if it were damaged (just replace the damaged tile); and can be removed and used elsewhere if one chose to do so.

The SwissTrax is extremely easy to install. Where cutting was needed to fit around corners or other objects we used a radial saw or a heavy knife. Any type of saw would work quite nicely. It’s also very fast to install.

As far as the concerns that have been raised about using this type flooring, first of all we would not use an “open” surface style like the Sportrax line from SwissTrax for a garage floor. We think it would be prone to catching fluids and general dirt. In the case of the DiamondTrax it is a “closed” surface and the seams between the tiles are quite snug – we have observed water has a difficult time penetrating the seams and they’re certainly not open enough to allow grit, sand or dirt to go through. The SwissTrax itself will not grow mold or mildew and we have a very difficult time believing any moisture which made its way through to the underlying concrete would cause it to happen there. Also, keep in mind that the design of the tiles is such that any significant moisture (maybe from a flood?) that made its way beneath the tiles would still drain, although more slowly, as it would without the tiles, i.e. according to the slope of the floor. As we said, it’s extremely easy to clean and maintain! We just vacuum and mop ours. Walking on the DiamondTrax does produce a “different” sort of sound from a surface like bare or epoxy coated concrete. It’s a slightly hollow, muffled sound – not loud and certainly not obtrusive or annoying.

Some disadvantages of the DiamondTrax include the pattern being very hard on one’s knees when kneeling (use a pad) and it’s awkward to roll things with small wheels or rollers like the refrigerator in our garage.

By now you’re clearly under the correct impression that we’re very enthusiastic about and pleased with our SwissTrax flooring. You’ll find some pictures of our application here (click on the smaller ones to see larger versions):

http://edsandra.com/esgeneral/Garage1.htm

Best regards,
Ed and Sandra

 

[Hammerdown]

With the snap together tile systems you do get ease of installation. They do not seal the concrete in any way. The concerns that you voice about liquid penetration is real. Fluids and solvents will go through the seams and onto the concrete. They will stain the floor if not cleaned up. Mold growth is also a possibility. I prefer epoxy systems. Just my $.02

 

[Tyson]

Nevermind.......

 

[mikeyr]

The racedeck and I assume others allow ventilation under the floor which should eliminate any mold issues. The racedeck don't sit on the floor completely and as a result do have a groove for fluids and ventilation. I got flooded one year when a drain in the back was clogged, it was funny, there was 3 inches of water in the garage and where ever there not something on top, the racedeck floated. I never pulled them up and water was "oozing" out the front for at least a week.

As far as oil, etc. stains, yes that will happen since that will not drain and flow but that is why the tiles are on the floor to hide those stains. I did not even clean my floor when I put my racedeck down, 15+ years of motor rebuilds, etc. I had quite a nice thick coating of grease, gunk and all that, I swept the floor and put my racedeck on. I figure the next owner can powerwash the floor after I pull up the racedeck, if there is ever a next owner.

 

[wilbilt]

mikeyr,
how did you fit the racedeck around your lift?

 

[Ed and Sandra]

how did you fit the racedeck around your lift?

In our case, we trimmed the SwissTrax to fit around the Bend-Pak lift which is mounted directly on the concrete floor. We were able to do it so precisely that people often think without looking closely that the lift is sitting on top of the tiles.

We have a few more comments about liquids reaching the concrete beneath our SwissTrax DiamondTrax. For months now every evening after work Sandra’s Escalade is parked on it and a large puddle of water from the air conditioner forms. It always spans several seams, but it never seems to seep in, though we suspected that was occurring at least to a small degree. The puddle is always still standing there the next morning and finishes evaporating during the day. Because of this thread, curiosity got the better of us and a short while ago we separated and lifted the tiles in that area. The concrete was bone dry and there were no markings of any sort. Again, we’ll say some of the water is bound to be seeping through the seams but there was absolutely no evidence of that occurring. We are extremely skeptical that mold or mildew would ever form under this product, even though intuitively it might seem that could happen (a dark place that under some circumstances might have some moisture present). In fact, unless someone with appropriately relevant, credible and verifiable credentials can cite firsthand knowledge of that occurring or someone can produce photographs of it, we’ll go so far as to say we think the supposed problem is a myth.

Another “fluid experience” we had with the DiamondTrax soon after it was installed involved spilling a quart of hydraulic fluid for the lift on it (don’t ask – it was an incredibly clumsy move). It easily wiped up and then we cleaned the tile with Lysol Tub and Tile spray cleaner – you would never know anything happened. Well, as we said earlier, curiosity got the better of us today. We checked beneath the tiles where the hydraulic fluid had been spilled and there was not a trace of it on the concrete or between the seams. Our prompt cleanup appears to have prevented any penetration.

Hope the information we’ve shared has been helpful.

Best regards,
Ed and Sandra

 

[mikeyr]

mikeyr,
how did you fit the racedeck around your lift?

I did not fit them around the lift, the lift is sitting on top of the tiles, I asked Racedeck about it and they said no problem at all. The tiles cut easily and I was going to cut the tiles for the posts but I have the caster kit for my lift and cutting the tiles around the lift legs would have prevented the use of the casters.

Ok, so I have NEVER used the casters except the first day just to see how it worked (quite well) but the lift has not bothered the tiles at all, absolutely no deformation. Racedeck said the tiles were capable of some ridiculous amount of lbs. per sq. ft. like 12,000lbs or like that, I don't really remember the exact number but they said and were right it would not harm them.

 

[dboat]

Ed,
That is one sweet garage you have there..all I can say is WOW!!, nice job.

Dana

 

[snorvet]

Ed,

You have a great garage there! I have epoxy in my detached garage and it was a ton of work, so I want to put Racedeck / Swisstrak in my attached garage. My only concern is moisture getting below the tiles and forming mold, but you almost have me convinced that this will not be a problem.

But my situation may be different than some with these tiles. In northern Illinois, I sometimes have 8 inches of snow on my vehicles when I pull into the garage. The snow melts and the next day I have a significant amount of water that needs to be pushed out. My garage is 32' long with a minimal slope that has a few ponding spots, so water away from the doors will not drain to the doors. I hope this situation isnt a problem if I choose tiles over epoxy.

 

[Ed and Sandra]

In northern Illinois, I sometimes have 8 inches of snow on my vehicles when I pull into the garage. The snow melts and the next day I have a significant amount of water that needs to be pushed out. My garage is 32' long with a minimal slope that has a few ponding spots, so water away from the doors will not drain to the doors. I hope this situation isnt a problem if I choose tiles over epoxy.

Hmmm, this may sound contradictory on our part, but we wouldn’t use SwissTrax type flooring where we knew there frequently would be a large volume of water standing that couldn’t drain. It’s not a concern about mold / mildew – we just wouldn’t do it. (By the way, we haven’t mentioned the fact that SwissTrax tiles are actually sold for use in spas and around pools http://www.swisstrax.com/poolapps.htm#na ).

Mind you, if we were going to the trouble of achieving a properly applied epoxy finish, we wouldn’t do that either without trying to level the low spots and maybe even strive to create a little drainage slope. Maybe some of the readers can make suggestions in that respect because we’ve never been faced with the problem and don’t know what’s practical as far as leveling.

It also might help if you indicated just how low the low spots are – ¼”, ½”, etc. – and how much surface space is involved. Anything less than 3/8” might be OK as far as the SwissTrax, but anything over that amount you might find the tiles “floating” a bit and they certainly would be “squishing” water when you drive or walk on them.

Definitely an interesting problem you’ve got there. Wish we had a better answer for you.

Best regards,
Ed and Sandra

 

[snorvet]

Thanks ed,

My little "ponds" are about 1/4" deep maybe 100 sf. There are two areas like this. Due to site grading, I couldnt build more slope in the garage without raising the foundation at the house or lowering the garage floor at the doors. If I go with Racedeck/Swisstrak, I'll do a elevation survey of the floor and drill little drain holes thru the concrete at the low points. The base material is sand and easily drains so that wont be a problem.

I'm leaning toward the tiles because they are a lot less work than epoxy.

 

[snoopykissedlucy]

Hey Ed and Sandra:
I know this thread is about flooring...(which I'm about to buy Racedeck) but I dont know if anyone happened to read your website:

I was amazed at the garage door openers that you used.....very clean installation and definately adds to the "look". I checked out the link but it doesnt mention the price. I live in Dallas, Texas, any idea on the price for one door for a typical two car garage?

 

[dboat]

Thanks ed,

My little "ponds" are about 1/4" deep maybe 100 sf. There are two areas like this. Due to site grading, I couldnt build more slope in the garage without raising the foundation at the house or lowering the garage floor at the doors. If I go with Racedeck/Swisstrak, I'll do a elevation survey of the floor and drill little drain holes thru the concrete at the low points. The base material is sand and easily drains so that wont be a problem.

I'm leaning toward the tiles because they are a lot less work than epoxy.

I live in Erie,PA and I would think that my snowload would equal yours. I plan on going with RaceDeck and am going to get the FreeFlow tiles under the cars for snow, salt and sand. I do have a separate drain for each car stall, so drainage isnt an issue for me though. But since the FreeFlow and the other RaceDeck tiles are compatible, that is what made up my mind. Also, during the winter, the tiles should be more comfortable than the concrete floor.
Dana

 

[snorvet]

I live in Erie,PA and I would think that my snowload would equal yours. I plan on going with RaceDeck and am going to get the FreeFlow tiles under the cars for snow, salt and sand. I do have a separate drain for each car stall, so drainage isnt an issue for me though. But since the FreeFlow and the other RaceDeck tiles are compatible, that is what made up my mind. Also, during the winter, the tiles should be more comfortable than the concrete floor.
Dana

I like Racedeck for the freeflow, but I like the Swisstrak design "look". I may paint walls/ceiling and install new lighting first and then put down the tiles next summer. I thought I read its best to put down the tiles when its hot so the gap between the wall and tiles is set when the tiles are at full expansion.

I think I'll drill some 1" drain holes this fall and check the drainage this winter. Hope it snows a couple of feet for a good check!

 

[Ed and Sandra]

Hey Ed and Sandra:
I know this thread is about flooring...(which I'm about to buy Racedeck) but I dont know if anyone happened to read your website:

I was amazed at the garage door openers that you used.....very clean installation and definately adds to the "look". I checked out the link but it doesnt mention the price. I live in Dallas, Texas, any idea on the price for one door for a typical two car garage?

In addition to your inquiry, we've received a lot of others by email and consequently decided to start a new thread about the subject under the General Discussion segment of the board http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5513

Best regards,
Ed and Sandra

 

[DenaliX5]

Hey looks really nice.
Got a couple of questions for you. Why Swisstrak instead of Race Deck? Is that Black and Gray or is that Silver? Did you put anything under the tiles to stop the clacking noise when you walk on it?

 

[Ed and Sandra]

Hey looks really nice.
Got a couple of questions for you. Why Swisstrak instead of Race Deck? Is that Black and Gray or is that Silver? Did you put anything under the tiles to stop the clacking noise when you walk on it?

It’s been a number of months since we did our research in which we compared the various types of tiles and consequently aren’t certain we remember exactly all the reasons which caused us to prefer the SwissTrax over the RaceDeck. However, one reason that does stick in our minds is although similar in design concept we felt the interlocking mechanisms on the SwissTrax would be stronger and provide a more secure seam. Also, we saw wide variations in pricing for the RaceDeck which ranged from comparable to much more expensive than the SwissTrax. Something to keep in mind when comparing pricing is the standard RaceDeck tile is 12” square whereas the SwissTrax is 13”.

The SwissTrax colors we used are black and grey. We would suggest that one look at actual tiles before making a color choice – the colors on the websites (and how one’s PC monitor is adjusted) can be a little misleading. We don’t know about RaceDeck, but SwissTrax will custom make any color (no doubt at a premium cost) and we must say we were tempted to consider doing the floor in Bend-Pak blue and white to match the lift, but decided that would be a little much.

We did not put anything under the SwissTrax to alter the sound when walking on it, though we understand some people do that and it’s effective. We certainly wouldn’t characterize the sound produced as “clacking” (well, maybe it is a bit for Sandra’s high heels), but rather more of a slightly hollow, muffled sound.

Best regards,
Ed and Sandra

 

[Burner]

I have had RaceDeck down for over two years, with a lift on TOP of the tiles without any problems whatsoever. I agree with Ed that RaceDeck, like SwissTrax, allows for very little (if any) water through the seams. Most people don't believe me when I tell them that but it true.

Now when I am powerwashing the floor more water obviousyl get through and this is why I bought RaceDeck over SwissTrax. Take a look at the support structure of the two, RaceDeck allows for airflow beneath the tile SwissTrax does not. In fact the SwissTrax design will not allow for any movement liquid or air. So depending on your environment or application this may be a factor.

 

[DenaliX5]

I have had RaceDeck down for over two years, with a lift on TOP of the tiles without any problems whatsoever. I agree with Ed that RaceDeck, like SwissTrax, allows for very little (if any) water through the seams. Most people don't believe me when I tell them that but it true.

Now when I am powerwashing the floor more water obviousyl get through and this is why I bought RaceDeck over SwissTrax. Take a look at the support structure of the two, RaceDeck allows for airflow beneath the tile SwissTrax does not. In fact the SwissTrax design will not allow for any movement liquid or air. So depending on your environment or application this may be a factor.

I think I'm almost ready to make the plunge. Burner did you put anything under the race deck tiles to prevent that clacking noise when you walk on the tiles? If you didn't would you put the landscape fabric down if you had a chance to do it again? Thanks for your help.

 

[Burner]

I think I'm almost ready to make the plunge. Burner did you put anything under the race deck tiles to prevent that clacking noise when you walk on the tiles? If you didn't would you put the landscape fabric down if you had a chance to do it again? Thanks for your help.

I just went out and tried the landscape cloth under a 10 x 10 section of my floor, I did not notice much difference if any. I figured I could spare 20 min to rip up a section and test it out, I was curious. Maybe there is different types of cloth, I am not a landscaper. I did use a large poly sheet under one section for a while to protect the concrete from oil etc.. while I was rebuilding my BMW 2002. That was a bad idea, the tiles will slide around on the poly!

 

[zr1mom]

I just went out and tried the landscape cloth under a 10 x 10 section of my floor, I did not notice much difference if any. I figured I could spare 20 min to rip up a section and test it out, I was curious. Maybe there is different types of cloth, I am not a landscaper. I did use a large poly sheet under one section for a while to protect the concrete from oil etc.. while I was rebuilding my BMW 2002. That was a bad idea, the tiles will slide around on the poly!

The tiles mostly make the noise when newly put down. Over a little time they settle down. It's more noticeable just after putting them down because the garage is empty and you get more of an echo sound.

Dave
Authorize Reseller of SnapLock Floors
http://www.zr1.net/ZR1store/floor.html

 

[DenaliX5]

I just went out and tried the landscape cloth under a 10 x 10 section of my floor, I did not notice much difference if any. I figured I could spare 20 min to rip up a section and test it out, I was curious. Maybe there is different types of cloth, I am not a landscaper. I did use a large poly sheet under one section for a while to protect the concrete from oil etc.. while I was rebuilding my BMW 2002. That was a bad idea, the tiles will slide around on the poly!

Did you use a plastic type sheeting instead of landscape fabric? Landscape fabric is a gray fiber type material that is rolled into sheets to wrap around drain pipe. Its not a poly, or plastic type material. Just wanted to see if that actually kept the clacking noise down. I was at auto show a few years ago, where they had the race deck sitting on a fabric type material to prevent the clacking noise. He had part of the flooring on the bare concrete and it did make a definite cracking type sound when you walked on it. If I go through all the trouble of putting the race deck down I don't want any clacking sound everytime i walk or drive on the flooring. It would just aggrevate me.

 

[65vetteracer]

I had looked at all the tiles and I went with Racedeck over the others for a number of reasons. The design of Swisstrax seemed too busy and would be very difficult to clean and the two samples I had were not very flat. The samples of Racedeck came within 2 days and they called to make sure I got what I needed, a sign of the type of company they are. When I asked how tough the floor was they told me to smack a hammer on the tile and do the same to any competitor .I did and to be honest on the Racedeck it did make a slight mark, but on the other it popped a hole in it, it actually shattered. I feel I bought the best floor, and it is holding up great

 

[65vetteracer]

I have landscape felt under mine and it has worked great so far.

 

[mikeyr]

I never really noticed any noise on mine, I do remember some noise when I first got them down but now with 2 lifts, welders, work bench, shelving, etc. it has settled down and its fairly quiet. I had to go out there and walk to notice that there was a clickety sound its so minor.

 

[Notch1988]

I never really noticed any noise on mine, I do remember some noise when I first got them down but now with 2 lifts, welders, work bench, shelving, etc. it has settled down and its fairly quiet. I had to go out there and walk to notice that there was a clickety sound its so minor.

What do you do when you're welding? Do you put anything down to protect from splatter or does it not hurt the tiles?

 

[mikeyr]

What do you do when you're welding? Do you put anything down to protect from splatter or does it not hurt the tiles?

it hurts them bad...the weld splatter will burn right through the tiles, I can show you each time I have welded on them I have also damaged them when I was grinding metal and the shower hit the tiles. That is the only damage I have done to the tiles in 4+ years of regular working out there.

I was very upset the first times and actually considerd getting rid of the tiles but I liked them too much. I now move stuff out to weld when I can or lay a welding blanket on the floor. With the blanket I have not had any problems but its a pain. I also got a TIG which splatters a lot less, see not a single problem you can't fix by buying bigger better tools.