Epoxy is one of the more popular garage floor coverings. Time has shown it to be durable over time and require very little maintenance. However, if it is misapplied, the floor will show signs of mistakes. Some common mistakes in the application of garage floor epoxy in Ottawa can easily be avoided.
Common epoxy mistakes and how to avoid them
Peeling
The epoxy must be applied under the correct weather conditions. If it is too hot, too cold, or too damp, it will peel sooner rather than later. It also will peel if the floor is not appropriately prepared with a good cleaning. Any oil, grease or debris will cause the epoxy to pull away from the floor. The floor also should not be smooth before the epoxy is applied. Proper preparation includes etching with acid and/or grinding. These are not easy for the average homeowner to accomplish.
Moisture
Too much moisture and the epoxy will separate itself from the concrete. This happens because there is moisture on or in the concrete. The more common cause is if there is too much temperature difference between the epoxy and the floor. If you have etched the floor with acid, you need to wait at least 24 hours before trying to apply the epoxy. Otherwise, the moisture will rise and cause bubbling.
Air Bubbles
There are a number of reasons air bubbles are appearing.
- If the air temperature is too hot or too cold.
- Applying epoxy on concrete that is too porous.
- Mixing the epoxy too quickly, especially with a paddle mixer.
- Mixing Part A and Part B in wrong proportions.
- Some brands require epoxy to sit for a prescribed period.
Colour
Again, this can be caused by several reasons.
- Improper mixing.
- Remaining oil or grease on the concrete.
- Slight variations in colour in different batches.
- Ultraviolet will change the colour, allowing one batch to sit in the sun but not the other.
Insufficient Epoxy
The instructions on commercial products you purchase at hardware or big box stores are often inaccurate about the amount you will need to cover a floor. If the floor is properly prepared, it will absorb some epoxies, and the estimates will be short. If you try to stretch the epoxy, you won’t get enough of a seal, or it won’t harden properly.
The best way to avoid these mistakes is to hire a professional company.
If you consider using garage floor epoxy in Ottawa, make sure to contact Garage Perfect. We are a professional epoxy flooring company with many years of experience. We will come to your home and give you a free estimate. We can also answer any questions you have about the process.
Don’t make the mistake of trying to do it yourself. Contact Garage Perfect to get the job done right the first time.