Learn How To Prep Your Garage Floor and Get Ready for Winter

Although concrete is durable, it’s far from waterproof, so this type of flooring requires extra care to protect it from the elements. Unchecked water can lead to substantial, permanent damage to the structural integrity of a foundation, so protecting it is essential.

Most notably, waterproofing is essential to prepare for the winter months. Winter put all kinds of structures to the test due to freezing and thawing temperatures and precipitation. So, just as you would winterize a car, if you want your garage to last, you’ll need to winterize the floor with garage coatings.  

Why Should I Prepare My Garage Floor for Winter?

If your goal is to avoid any excess damage to your garage floor, you must winterize it. Melting snow and freezing temperatures put significant strain on a concrete foundation. And fixing any issues that arise from this will be more costly and time-intensive than preventing the damage in the first place.

Road salt that gets stuck in your tires also can be a serious issue for garage floors. In only a few years, you’ll likely start noticing holes where your salted tires often park.

Fortunately, avoiding winter damage to your garage isn’t too difficult or expensive. You can take several actions to help your concrete garage floor survive the winters.

Getting Your Garage Ready For Winter

The first step in getting your garage’s concrete surfaces ready for winter is to shore up any existing deformities on the floor. Untreated concrete has trouble adapting to changing temperatures, so winter cold will often cause cracks to develop. Ahead of this coming winter, fill in any of these gaps before starting prep work.

Here are some steps you can take to make your garage as winter-proof as possible.

Containment Mats

Dealing with all the harmful chemicals and salt that come from driving in winter is essential to keeping a garage floor intact. One way to add some chemical resistance to your floor is to keep those materials off with a containment mat.

These mats are easy to install. They keep your concrete garage floor clean and protect it from eroding. Containment mats also catch vehicle fluids and anything else that your vehicle may pick up, making them useful year-round.

Protective Floor Sealants

Floor sealants provide an extra layer of security to a garage floor. Properly applied floor sealants made from a silicone penetrating or acrylic sealer equip a garage floor with excellent waterproofing and durability.

Not only does a well-applied floor sealant improve the waterproofing of a cement floor, but it also improves how well a floor holds up against freezing temperatures.

If you want to prevent long-term damage to your garage, few options are as helpful as a floor sealant.

Ensure Your Garage Door Seal is Intact

A garage door seal is the first step in keeping water and snow from entering your garage. Before doing anything else, you must ensure that this seal is doing its job.

While you can resolve issues with a garage door seal yourself, you may want to let a professional handle it. As the first line of protection against the elements, you’ll need it to function as well as possible.

Carpet-Crete Matting

Carpet-Crete matting helps prevent mold and water from cultivating on your garage floor. This carpet-like material includes synthetic substances that make it resistant to water and mold. This winterizing solution is simple to install as it comes in rolls and is easy to cut.

Full-Coverage Garage Coating

The best way to protect your garage from the harmful effects of winter and the other seasons is with a professionally installed floor coating. Professional concrete coatings such as epoxy, polyurea, and polyaspartic add an extra layer to your garage floor that makes it waterproof, slip-resistant, temperature-resistant, and more.

Professional concrete coatings come in a wide variety of colors and styles. With a large number of choices available, you can give your garage floor nearly any look you desire. As an added bonus, garage coatings even insulate your garage against extreme temperatures, making it perfect for a garage without heating or air conditioning.

The Perfect Garage Preparation for Winter In and Around Mecklenburg County, NC

Winter is a hard season, so preparing your garage for it with coated floors helps immensely when the snow begins to fall.

For expert garage coatings in Mecklenburg County and the Greater Charlotte Metro area, our team at Southeast Floor Maintenance is here to help keep your concrete floor waterproof and crack-free. We offer a lifetime warranty on residential garage floor coatings and a 10-year warranty on commercial floor coatings.

For a free quote, call us at (704) 932-1122 today.

Breathe New Life into Your Garage: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Garage Floor Coating in Charlotte, NC

By CMC Team • 17 Apr, 2024
Is your Charlotte garage floor tired, cracked, and stained? Maybe it's simply become an eyesore you dread pulling into. Whatever the reason, a garage floor coating can be a transformative upgrade, adding functionality, beauty, and value to your home. But with so many options available, choosing the right coating can feel overwhelming. Here at Southeast Floor Maintenance, we understand. We're Charlotte's trusted resource for garage floor coatings , and we're here to guide you through the entire process, from educating you on your options to flawlessly applying the perfect coating for your needs. Understanding Your Garage Floor Coating Options The first step is knowing your choices. Here's a breakdown of the most common garage floor coating types: Epoxy : A popular and affordable option, epoxy offers good durability and chemical resistance. It comes in various colors and can include decorative chips for a unique look. However, epoxy can be susceptible to hot tire pick-up and may yellow over time. Polyurea : This high-performance coating offers superior durability, chemical resistance, and faster cure times than epoxy. Polyurea is ideal for high-traffic garages or those exposed to extreme temperatures. Polyaspartic : Similar to polyurea, polyaspartic boasts exceptional strength, chemical resistance, and a very fast cure time. It's a great choice for busy garages or when a quick turnaround is desired. Choosing the Right Coating for Your Garage At Southeast Floor Maintenance, we don't offer a one-size-fits-all solution. We take the time to understand your specific needs and preferences to recommend the ideal coating. Here are some key factors to consider: Durability : How much wear and tear will your garage floor experience? Polyurea and polyaspartic offer the highest durability, while epoxy is a good choice for moderate traffic areas. Budget : Epoxy is generally the most affordable option, followed by polyurea and polyaspartic. Aesthetics : Do you have a desired color or finish? All these coatings offer a variety of options, with epoxy offering the most decorative possibilities with colored chips. Desired Functionalities : Do you need a slip-resistant surface? Polyurea and polyaspartic naturally offer more slip resistance than epoxy, which can be enhanced with additives. Cure Time : How quickly do you need your garage floor back in service? Polyaspartic cures the fastest, followed by polyurea and then epoxy. Benefits of Garage Floor Coatings Beyond aesthetics, garage floor coatings offer a multitude of benefits: Increased Durability : Coatings protect your concrete floor from cracks, chips, and stains, extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance needs. Easier Cleaning : The smooth, sealed surface of a coated floor makes cleaning spills and dirt a breeze. Improved Aesthetics : A beautiful garage floor elevates your entire home's curb appeal and value. Enhanced Safety : Certain coatings offer slip resistance, which can be crucial in a potentially wet or oily environment. Potential Increased Home Value : A professionally installed garage floor coating can be a selling point for potential buyers. How Southeast Floor Maintenance Stands Out Choosing Southeast Floor Maintenance for your garage floor coating needs comes with several advantages: Expert Advice : We don't just sell products; we offer expert consultations to guide you towards the perfect coating for your unique situation. Quality Products : We use only the highest-quality garage floor coating materials from trusted brands. Meticulous Preparation : Proper surface preparation is key to a long-lasting coating. Our experienced team ensures your floor is thoroughly cleaned, repaired (if necessary), and prepped for optimal adhesion. Skilled Installation : Our certified professionals meticulously apply your chosen coating, ensuring a flawless and durable finish. Peace of Mind : We back our work with comprehensive warranties, giving you peace of mind for years to come. Free Consultation and Quote Ready to breathe new life into your Charlotte garage? Contact Southeast Floor Maintenance today for a free consultation and quote . We'll answer all your questions, assess your specific needs, and recommend the perfect coating solution for your dream garage floor. We can even provide you with a free downloadable checklist summarizing the key points to consider when choosing a garage floor coating.  Don't let your garage floor remain an eyesore any longer. With Southeast Floor Maintenance, you're just a step away from a beautiful, functional, and long-lasting garage floor that adds value and enjoyment to your Charlotte home.

Do you want to improve your spaces? These are the benefits of concrete coatings

By Southeast Floor Maintenance • 12 Dec, 2023
With our team's expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to customer satisfaction, you can trust us as the ideal partner for your garage floor project. Choose Southeast Floor Maintenance, and you'll enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, long-lasting, and functional garage floor that enhances the overall appeal of your home.
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