What do I look for when picking an epoxy flooring contractor?

[blinn]

I finally have my garage floor leveled (1/2 slab raised by mud jacking) and now need to contract with a company to install the floor. What are the things that I need to look for from the contractors such as product type ( epoxy, polyaspartic, clear coat etc.), steps needed to be taken, etc. I have probably 20 year old cement paint that will need to be ground off.

Let me know if you need more details and thank for all that reply.

 

[P0234]

Time in business and warranty were key for me. I talked to a few but one stood out so much that it was an easy choice. Also make sure you ask how much product they will be applying in gallons. I like epoxy with polyaspartic clear but some people are sensitive to the smell. One guy here had to have his removed IIRC.

 

[blinn]

So, what's the going price for installation these days. Prep floor, including Ardex patching some chip-out areas between slabs. Grinding entire floor (650Sq ft) including removing old floor paint. Polyurea base, full chip and Polyurea topcoat with lifetime warranty. I've been quoted 6.50 sq ft.

 

[Imatk]

I can only speak for myself so take it for what it's worth.
I had one floor done at my previous house by a "reputable" company that has been in business for years.

At my current house I did it myself... BECAUSE I hired a "reputable" company before.

If I was forced to hire someone because I simply couldn't physically do it (which would be the only reason... for me) here's what I would do.

1. Floor must be completely ground - no partial grinding on parking surfaces and then acid wash everywhere else... that's bush league **** no matter what the contractor tells you.

2. After floor is completely ground every single imperfection, crack, hole, divot, etc. must be repaired correctly.

I only have experience with Polyurea so I will only be talking about that from now on. I don't have experience with Epoxy so can't comment.

3. Polyurea floor MUST have full broadcast of flakes... flakes MUST be leveled (scraped flat with a scraper)

4. Floor MUST have two layers of clear applied.


And I would know full-well that if I didn't oversee the job it wouldn't be done correctly because they want to get in and out as fast as possible and will never care about your floor as much as you do.

I hope if you hire someone you get lucky and get a person who actually takes pride in their work.

What will likely happen is you'll hire a company and then they'll hire some dudes who may or may not actually do the job correctly.

Watch them... make sure they're doing what you pay for... good luck.

 

[MOS3522]

Amateur move is when your epoxy company only does a chemical treatment. As @Imatk said, full grinding or don't bother.