Racedeck freeflow vs solid confusion & question

[dtbingle]

There's an endless number of threads of racedeck reviews and installs, but I'm still stuck on why freeflow tiles are used in certain garages. For freeflow, I see two main benefits:

1) Liquids/debris fall under the tile keeping surface nice
2) Less expansion buckling

For point 1 however, a lot of these freeflow installs appear to be on flat garage floors with no drains. With no drain, I would think that solid tiles are preferred considering cleanup. For example, spilling oil, you can just clean the solid tile surface. But with freeflow, oil will go onto the surface underneath and flow wherever the surface takes it, which would require pulling the tiles to clean up. What am I missing?

For point 2, is expansion buckling really an issue if a clearance gap is maintained around the edge of the entire solid tile layout? Would laying a strip or two of free flow down the center of the garage help the floor expansion if solid tile was used everywhere else?

 

[Shea]

If you don't have direct sunlight shining on the tile, then expansion to the point of buckling rarely occurs. As long as you trim the tile with 1/2" separation from the borders you should be fine. Running a strip of FreeFlow down the middle will not help since it does not contract to absorb expansion like an actual expansion joint would.

FreeFlow tile has less surface area than solid tile so it will not expand nearly as much as a solid top will when exposed to direct sunlight. As an example, my sister's house has RaceDeck tile. It's a south facing garage and the door will be opened for periods of time. The floor does not buckle because only the FreeFlow is exposed to the sunlight. I posted a pic below.

FreeFlow is also easier to keep clean since it has less surface area as well. Dust does not show up as easily. The solid top is much easier on the body for working on cars or other projects that put you on the floor. I can attest to that. The FreeFlow is hard on the knees and is not comfortable to lay on. And yes, spills do wipe up easily with the solid top. It's all a trade off.

 

[jfranco]

I put in both. On the side I park my hotrod, I have the solid tiles. If something is leaking from it, I want to know. I also do a lot of work and don't want fluids sitting there, small parts falling in, etc.
On the spot my wife parks her car, which is newer, the free flow is perfect for rain and snow running off. Floor does not stay wet and slippery. If fluid does stand for some reason, shopvac pick it up, but so far have not had to.
Buckling has not been an issue other than under my car. The headers are only 3 inches off the ground. After I park it, the floor rises up about two inches under the headers. After everything cools down, it goes back to normal.
So far this set up is working great.
Can see some pictures here:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6801918#post6801918

 

[Garage Flooring]

There's an endless number of threads of racedeck reviews and installs, but I'm still stuck on why freeflow tiles are used in certain garages. For freeflow, I see two main benefits:

1) Liquids/debris fall under the tile keeping surface nice
2) Less expansion buckling

For point 1 however, a lot of these freeflow installs appear to be on flat garage floors with no drains. With no drain, I would think that solid tiles are preferred considering cleanup. For example, spilling oil, you can just clean the solid tile surface. But with freeflow, oil will go onto the surface underneath and flow wherever the surface takes it, which would require pulling the tiles to clean up. What am I missing?

For point 2, is expansion buckling really an issue if a clearance gap is maintained around the edge of the entire solid tile layout? Would laying a strip or two of free flow down the center of the garage help the floor expansion if solid tile was used everywhere else?

I have solid tiles at home. Our showroom is freeflow. Stuff gets through both. With freeflow you can clean it up.

Expansion gaps are half the battle. Heavy objects on top are another. There are very good ways to deal with this. Jorgen calls it 'capturing maximum expansion' in short leave em in the sun while your doing the install and put the heavy stuff on top right away

 

[dtbingle]

Got it, that all makes sense. Think I've decided on 100% solid diamond tiles based on the current garage situation and what you all have posted. Now if only the drywall will finish itself to be able to move onto the floor....

 

[RaceDeck1]

Got it, that all makes sense. Think I've decided on 100% solid diamond tiles based on the current garage situation and what you all have posted. Now if only the drywall will finish itself to be able to move onto the floor....

you can always call us to answer a specific question about your garage installation.. Thanks for choosing RaceDeck

 

[dta1984]

I've been thinking of doing a combo of free flow and solid. Free flow directly under where the cars park, and solid around the perimeter and in between. Just another option.

 

[Paycheck]

I guess my question is where do liquids flow to in the free flow?

 

[RaceDeck1]

I guess my question is where do liquids flow to in the free flow?

Our patented understructure allows liquids and moisture to flow freely. Typically a garage has a slope out the door or to drains, in addition, the combination of the understructure and open-rib design allows for quick evaporation. If you want to wash out your garage, you do not need to remove the floor, just hose it out. I live in the Utah mountians where we get all kinds of snow and road slop and I even wash my cars and trucks in my garage.

 

[sboxs]

I have racedeck in the main area of my garage. But by the door I have a area that is cement, what is happening is when the cars come in there is water stones gravel whatever coming off the tires. some comes off on the cement and more comes into the main area on the tiles. Debris that comes off on the cement is picked up by the next car in. I need something to clear off the debris before it gets to main area .

Will the freeflow help clear the tires ? the cement lane is 26 feet long.

thanks for any ideas

 

[Garage Flooring]

Perhaps a garage door threshold to start the process then a couple of rows of free flow

 

[RaceDeck1]

I have racedeck in the main area of my garage. But by the door I have a area that is cement....

You sir, have once very nice garage and cool collection of rides! Nicely Done

 

[Jack_Toepfer]

Buckling has not been an issue other than under my car. The headers are only 3 inches off the ground. After I park it, the floor rises up about two inches under the headers. After everything cools down, it goes back to normal.

Hi jfranco,

Great hotrod you have there! I'm sure it runs nice and warm - but are you saying that the tiles under the headers literally rise 2" upward? I can't see how there would ever be room for that sort of expansion, nor do I understand how it would be able to recover on its own from that sort of movement. I'd imagine if your headers were 2" off of the ground, you'd have a fire.

Is anyone else having that sort of dramatic reaction to parking on their tiles?