Are you considering having an epoxy floor installed in your garage? Epoxy flooring is an excellent choice for durable, low-maintenance flooring that can last for decades. However, like any DIY or home improvement project, there are some important things to consider before diving in.
Whether you plan on doing the work yourself or hiring garage floor installers near you in Worcester MA, you need to avoid these top epoxy flooring mistakes to ensure a successful installation.
1) Neglecting Floor Preparation
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when installing epoxy flooring is neglecting floor preparation. Before applying any epoxy coating, you need to ensure that the garage floor is clean, dry, and level. Any dirt or debris left on the floor can cause bubbles or bumps in the coating, while moisture can cause the coating to peel or chip. Make sure to thoroughly clean your garage floor and address any cracks, holes or damage before proceeding to prep it for the coating.
2) Incorrect Application of Epoxy Coating
Another common mistake people make during the epoxy flooring installation process is inadequate application of the coating. The epoxy coating needs to be applied evenly and in the right thickness to provide proper coverage and protection. Applying too little coating will not provide enough protection, while applying too much coating will cause the coating to pool in certain areas, giving an untidy appearance. A reputable garage floor installer near you in Worcester MA should have experience applying epoxy coatings and should ensure that the correct thickness and even application is followed.
3) Failing to Choose Appropriate Epoxy
Choosing the wrong epoxy coating can lead to a failed garage flooring project or damage to existing structures due to the strong chemical component that epoxy contains. Failure to assess correctly, select, and install adequate epoxy may cause the coating to peel, discolor, or loosen. More so, the type of epoxy used on a garage floor in Worcester MA would depend on various factors such as periodicity of foot and vehicular traffic, temperature, exposure to sunlight, and anticipated load.
4) Ignoring Safety Precautions
Epoxy flooring is a safe and healthy option for home flooring users. However, during application, it releases a strong acrid odor that may potentially cause respiratory issues. It is important to use adequate safety measures such as wearing protective clothing, gloves, goggles, and respirator masks to avoid inhaling fumes. Ensure that the application area is properly ventilated to avoid hazardous fumes in enclosed spaces within the home.
5) Not Following Post-installation Best Practices
The installation of epoxy flooring shouldn’t end with the application and drying of the coating. Ensuring that you maintain your garage floor can prolong the lifespan of the coating. It is advisable to take steps like avoiding dragging heavy loads or vehicles across the coating, avoiding the use of acidic or abrasive cleaners, and adhering to periodic cleaning and maintenance schedules. Consult with garage floor installers near you in Worcester MA to get recommendations on how best to maintain your newly installed epoxy flooring.
Epoxy flooring is an excellent and cost-effective way to transform your garage into a clean, stylish and easy to maintain space. However, it is important to undertake adequate preparation, careful choice of epoxy coatings, and accurate installation by professional garage floor installers near you in Worcester MA. Avoid these common epoxy flooring installation mistakes, and you’ll enjoy a beautiful and sturdy garage floor that will serve you for many years to come.