Step By Step Process of Refinishing Damaged Garage Floor

Step By Step Process of Refinishing
Damaged Garage Floors

Upgrading your garage floor with a Garage Perfect Epoxy Coating is an affordable way to create an ultra durable, clean and functional space. In case you’re wondering what the installation process is like, we documented the process of residential restoration and created this step by step description to help you know what to expect.

Diamond Polishing Machine

To prepare the floor’s surface, we use an industrial powered floor grinder with diamond polishing pads. It aggressively removes the top layer of concrete and opens the pores to create more surface area for the epoxy to attach to. Preparing the surface is the most critical step, resulting in a long-lasting floor without peeling, cracking or bubbling.

In this garage there were four cracks spanning the slab. To prevent further damage, we ensure crack repairs are level with the rest of the floor. Using a hand grinder, we excavate the crack, creating a solid surface to apply mortar to and hold the surface together.

The perimeter of the garage and verticals require hand grinding because the machine won’t reach them. After the grinding is finished, we thoroughly vacuum the floor – the cleaner the floor, the better the epoxy will perform.

Repairing the Damaged Floor

The garage floor in this example is extremely damaged from years of Ottawa’s harsh winters and deicers. The condition of your garage will dictate how much repair is needed.

In this garage we had to repair about 90% of the surface, but new or well built and cared for garages may not need any repairs before coating. Unfortunately, we can’t accurately estimate the repairs needed until we see your slab’s structure. Call or e-mail to schedule an appointment and we can inspect your floor quickly.

How Do We Repair The Slab?

We grind the concrete to profile the surface, open the pores and level the cracks. Next, we mix an epoxy mortar which is poured and troweled on the damaged areas.

Once the mortar is set we use the diamond polishing machine to grind the floor and profile the surface. A well profiled floor will have a very rough surface which means the epoxy coating will have a better bond and last longer. We vacuum the entire floor and once all the dust is gone we are ready for an epoxy undercoating.

APPLYING THE EPOXY UNDERCOATING

We mix the two-part epoxy and apply it to the floor with a roller from front to back. The workable time of the epoxy is brief, so it must be applied quickly. While the epoxy undercoat dries, we broadcast decorative paint chips.

Our skilled technicians ensure an even covering of chips and flakes. Excess paint chips are scraped off and vacuumed before sealing the floor.

EPOXY TOP COAT

We are onto the final step! This layer seals everything in, makes the floor virtually indestructible and creates a waterproof seal.

At the mixing station, we prepare the top coat of epoxy to pour and roll onto the floor, ensuring the surface is completely covered. We let that dry (~20 minutes) and add additional layers until it reaches the desired thickness (usually 2-3 coats).

Your floor is now finished! You can walk on it in under an hour. You can put smaller items back in your garage within 24 hours, but your vehicles need to wait 72 hours.

For most garages, the process is complete in under a day. The Ottawa Garage Transformation is a dust-free and low-odour process.

Our clients consistently feel satisfied with their new garage floors. This client has a 12′ shuffleboard and dart board set up to enjoy with his family. We can help you take back your garage and make a clean, usable space for exercise, hobbies, and rainy day activities.

How Can I Prepare For Garage Coating?

The garage floor must be completely empty for us to start. You’ll need to store everything in a safe location for about two days. Most garages can be completely coated in a full work day, then you need to wait 24 hours to move the items back in.

Critical Advantages Of Epoxy Garage Floors

What To Expect From Our Consultation & Estimate

During this visit we will discuss the options available to you for refinishing your floor (colour, finishes, customization, etc.). We will measure the square footage of your floor and verticals. Finally, we assess the amount of damage and repairs (if any) that need to done in preparation for the final epoxy coating. We service Ottawa and the surrounding regions in Ontario.

What factors make up the price?

The main factor in your estimate will be the square footage or your garage, but damaged floors with cracks, deep pitting, salt damage also need to be assessed.

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