If you’re a homeowner in Dallas looking to level up your garage with some epoxy flooring, the preparation steps are critical. Proper preparation ensures a flawless installation and long-lasting results. Here’s how to get ready to best set up for the garage floor epoxy installation to ensure a smooth, successful process. Note that, whatever company you choose, their customer service should be knowledgeable and transparent on the subject as well.
Clear the Space Out
Your garage should be fully emptied to allow for proper garage floor coating installation. Hence, consider these options for temporary storage:
- Move items into your house: Smaller items can be moved into a spare room or basement.
- Rent a storage pod (however, only if necessary): Portable storage units are an excellent option for temporarily housing larger items.
- Neighbor’s garage: If space is tight, borrowing a neighbor’s garage can also be a helpful solution.
- Outside under a tarp: Large items like refrigerators can be stored outside temporarily, however, make sure they’re securely covered and locked to prevent access by children.
No need to remove wall-mounted items, unless they are within 36 inches of the floor. Albeit, you must wrap or remove electronics that cannot be removed.
Clearing the garage completely allows the installation team to work freely and ensures the coating is applied evenly across the entire surface.
Turn Off the HVAC System
During the installation of any residential epoxy flooring, it’s essential to turn off any HVAC systems located in the garage. The HVAC should remain off until the top coat is fully cured. This prevents dust and fumes from being pulled into your home’s ventilation system, ensuring a cleaner, safer installation environment.
Don’t Worry About Prepping the Floor
Once the garage is cleared and the HVAC is off, you can step back from the project. At this point, the installation team will begin preparing the concrete surface:
- Grinding the surface: Specialized equipment is used to grind the surface of the concrete, removing any old coatings or concrete floor paint. This step is vital because it creates the texture needed for the new coating to bond with the concrete.
- Crack repairs and joint filling: In addition, any cracks or joints in the floor will be filled with a material that bonds with the coating, ensuring a seamless, smooth surface.
During Installation: Hold Off on Yard and Home Maintenance
It’s important to avoid any yard work or home maintenance projects around the time of your garage floor installation. Activities like mowing the lawn, blowing leaves, or using power tools near the garage can stir up dust and debris, which could interfere with the coating process. Therefore, to ensure a flawless finish, hold off on those projects until the coating has fully cured. Your new garage floor coating will thank you!
Why Epoxy Coatings Work for Dallas
Dallas weather can be harsh, with hot summers and occasional rainstorms. A properly installed epoxy floor provides protection against chemicals, heat, and the number one enemy of DIY or 1-day epoxy flooring solutions: moisture. These industrial-grade coatings create a durable, easy-to-clean surface that enhances the overall look and functionality of your garage.