The Truth About Your Coated Garage Floor: Why "Epoxy" Might Be a Mistake

If you are looking for a coated garage floor that will actually last, you have probably stumbled into a confusing world of chemistry and marketing. You might be staring at a dusty, cracked, or oil-stained concrete slab, wondering how to fix it. At Floortek Coatings We speak to homeowners across the United States every day who are tired of looking at ugly concrete.
You deserve a garage that feels like part of your home, not a storage unit for dirt. However, there is a significant misconception in the home improvement industry. Most people use the word "epoxy" to describe any shiny floor. The truth is, relying on traditional epoxy products for your coated garage floor might be a decision you regret in just a few years. We are here to explain why, and to show you a solution that is 10X better than epoxy.
The Problem with Standard Epoxy
We have all seen it. You pull into a neighbor's driveway and glance into their open garage. You know, a floor painted a few years ago is now flaking, peeling, and yellowing.
Why does this happen?
Standard epoxy is essentially a glue. It sits on top of your concrete. When you park your car after a long drive, your tires are hot. In the summer heat, your tires expand and contract. This heat transfers to the floor. This is called "hot tire pickup." Standard epoxy softens under that heat. When your tires cool down and contract, they grab the epoxy and pull it right off the concrete.
Furthermore, concrete is porous. It acts like a hard sponge. Moisture from the ground seeps up through the concrete slab. This is a natural process. If you have a rigid, impermeable layer of big-box-store epoxy on top, the moisture pressure (hydrostatic pressure) builds up and pops the coating off.
When you hire us, you are getting a system designed to handle these issues. We do not use cheap paint. We use industrial-grade materials that bond mechanically with your concrete.
The Floortek Difference: 1-Day Floor Coatings
At Floortek, we specialize in 1-day floor coatings. We know you are busy. You do not want your garage unusable for a week while you wait for layers of old-fashioned epoxy to dry.
Our secret is the use of Polyaspartic and Polyurea coatings. Unlike epoxy, which can be brittle, our coatings are flexible. They move with your concrete. If you live in a region with freezing winters or scorching summers, your concrete slab will expand and contract. Our coating expands and contracts with it, meaning it won’t crack or peel under normal conditions.
We are so confident in this technology that we offer a Life-of-home warranty. This isn't just a promise; it is protection for your investment.
How We Install a Coated Garage Floor
Getting a coated garage floor correctly installed is 80% preparation and 20% application. This is where the "DIY" kits fail. If you do not prep the concrete correctly, nothing will stick to it.
Here is what a typical day looks like with us:
Grinding: We use massive planetary grinders with diamond tooling. We grind off the top layer of your concrete. This opens the "pores" of the concrete. Think of it like sanding wood before staining it. We need the concrete rough so our base coat can soak in.
Repairs: We fix the cracks and pits. A smooth floor starts with a soft base.
Base Coat: We apply a pure Polyurea base coat. This wicks deeply into the concrete, creating a powerful bond.
Flake: We broadcast vinyl flakes into the wet base coat. This gives the floor its beautiful look and adds texture.
Top Coat: We finish with a polyaspartic topcoat. This layer is UV-stable (it won't turn yellow in the sun) and chemical-resistant.
If you want to see what this transformation looks like, you should check out our Gallery. The difference between a raw slab and a finished floor is night and day.
More Than Just Garages
While we are famous for garages, our system works everywhere. Concrete is everywhere in the United States, and it all needs protection from the elements.
Patios: Your outdoor space is more prone to UV damage than any other area. Our coatings are UV stable. If you need a patio coating service We can match the color to your home's exterior.
Pool Decks: Concrete around pools can get dangerously hot and ugly. Our pool decks coating service Provides a surface that is cooler to the touch and comfortable for bare feet due to its texture.
Driveways: Your driveway is the first thing people see. A cracked, oil-stained driveway ruins curb appeal. Our driveways coating service Seals the surface and protects it from oil leaks and road salts.
Sidewalks: Crumbled walkways are a hazard. We provide a sidewalks coating service To keep your paths safe and beautiful.
Basements: Do you have a dusty basement? Finish it off with our Basement coating service. It seals out moisture and brightens the room.
Understanding Climate Factors
The United States has a diverse climate. In the North, we deal with freeze-thaw cycles and road salts. Salt destroys concrete. It eats into the surface, causing pitting. According to concrete researchers at Purdue University The ingress of chloride ions from de-icing salts is a primary cause of concrete deterioration.
A coated garage floor acts as a shield. The salt sits on top of the coating, where it can be easily washed away, rather than eating into your slab.
In the South and West, the sun is the enemy. UV rays will turn standard epoxy yellow in a matter of months. If you leave your garage door open, you will see a distinct "yellow line" where the sun hits. Our Polyaspartic topcoats are UV-impervious. They remain crystal clear for the life of the floor.
Choosing the Right Style
Aesthetics matter. You want your floor to look good. We offer a massive variety of Colors and Flake Options. Whether you want a "terrazzo" look, a stone look, or something solid and modern, we have it.
When you browse Our Coating ProductsYou will see that we don't just offer one generic solution. We tailor the look to your specific home decor.
Why "Epoxy" Keeps Coming Up
You might be asking, "If epoxy is so bad, why does everyone talk about it?"
That is a great question. "Epoxy" has become a catch-all term, like "Kleenex" for tissues. When people search for types of garage coating They usually type "epoxy" because that is the only word they know.
However, technology has moved on. We are in the business of educating homeowners on types of garage floor coatings That actually performs. The old epoxy technology takes 3 to 5 days to cure. Who has time for that? Our system is walkable in 6 hours and parkable in 24 hours.
Navigating the Market
If you search for polyshield floors near meYou might find various vendors. It is essential to know that not all coatings are created equal. The chemical makeup matters. The preparation matters.
We have a dedicated blog post about the coated garage floor Industry to help you avoid scams. Many garage floor coating types Sold in stores are water-based. These are thick paints. They will peel when your tires get hot.
When evaluating garage floor covering companies Ask them about their prep work. Do they acid etch? Acid etching is an old, unreliable method. It often fails to clean the concrete deep enough. We diamond grind every single time.
The Investment Value
Upgrading your home is a big decision. You want to know you are making a wise choice. When you look at floor coating options Consider the long-term value.
A cheap epoxy job might cost less upfront, but if you have to redo it every three years, it becomes costly. A professional coating from Floortek is a "one-and-done" investment.
We run a serious garage floor coating business. We are fully insured, trained, and certified. We are not just a "guy with a truck." We are one of the premier garage floor finishing companies In the region.
Don't Fall for the "Paint" Trap
Many homeowners confuse coatings with paint. They look for a garage floor painting company. Paint is designed for walls, not for floors that support 4,000-pound vehicles. Paint has no flexibility and very little adhesion.
Even if you are looking for epoxy garage floor coverings Could you please look at the specs? Does it have UV protection? Is it flexible? If the answer is no, it’s not for you.
We often replace floors for clients who thought they bought the best epoxy garage floor covering Available at the hardware store, only to see it fail in the first winter.
Would you be ready for a Transformation?
We want to make this easy for you. We are offering 30% off on the first installation for new customers. This is the perfect time to protect your concrete and increase your home value.
We believe in transparency. That is why we offer a Free Quote. We will come out, measure your space, assess the condition of your concrete, and give you a price that doesn't change.
If you want to know more about who we are, visit our About us Page. We are proud of our reputation and our team.
Please don't let your garage floor deteriorate any further. Concrete damage only gets more expensive to fix the longer you wait.
If you are ready to stop worrying about your floor and start enjoying it, please Contact us Today. You can also reach us directly at 844-844-4164. Let's get that floor looking brand new.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a coated garage floor and epoxy paint?
A coated garage floor usually refers to a professional system using polyaspartic or polyurea layers that chemically bond to the concrete. Epoxy paint is a surface coating that is prone to peeling from hot tires and moisture.
How long does it take to install a coated garage floor?
With Floortek, the installation takes only one day. We start the prep work in the morning and apply the final top coat by late afternoon. You can typically walk on the floor within 6 hours of completion.
Will a coated garage floor withstand harsh winter climates?
Yes. Our polyaspartic coatings are flexible, meaning they expand and contract with the concrete during freeze-thaw cycles. They are also impervious to road salts and brine that usually eat away at raw concrete.
Is the floor slippery when it gets wet?
The vinyl flakes we broadcast into the floor provide a textured surface. This texture offers excellent grip, making it much safer to walk on when wet compared to smooth concrete or slippery epoxy paint.
Can I coat my garage floor if it is already cracked?
Yes, you can. Part of our professional installation process involves repairing cracks, pits, and spalls before we apply the base coat. The coating will cover these repairs, making the floor look uniform and new.
How do I clean my new coated garage floor?
Cleaning is effortless. Because the surface is non-porous, dirt and oil do not soak in. You can usually clean the floor with a squeegee and water. For tougher spots, a mild, non-filming detergent works well. You do not need harsh chemicals or waxing.
Why is my garage floor coating peeling?
If your current floor is peeling, it is likely due to poor preparation or inferior materials (such as DIY epoxy). If the concrete wasn't diamond-ground to open the pores, or if moisture is trapped beneath it, the bond breaks. Our mechanical preparation prevents this.
Does a coated garage floor increase home value?
Yes, a finished garage floor is considered a home upgrade. It adds to the "finished" square footage feel of the house and is a desirable feature for potential buyers who value a clean, organized garage.
Is a polyaspartic coating better than epoxy?
In almost every metric, polyaspartic is superior for garage floors. It is 10X better than epoxy in terms of UV stability (it won't yellow), abrasion resistance, and cure time. It creates a much more rigid surface that lasts longer.
How much does a coated garage floor cost?
The cost varies based on the size of your garage and the condition of the concrete. However, we offer a Free Quote so you know exactly what to expect. Plus, we are currently offering 30% off on the first installation to help you save money.
Get Your Free Quote Today
Your garage deserves better than dusty concrete or peeling paint. Join the thousands of happy homeowners who have upgraded to a Floortek-coated garage floor.
Call us now at 844-844-4164 To claim your 30% discount!
FREE In-Home Estimate
Plus 30% Off
Update Your Garage Today!
Get your new floor installed in just one day with Floortek’s garage floor resurfacing services! Call us today for a free quote!
Or contact us online to schedule your consultation!
Testimonials

We had both of our garages done and an outdoor concrete platform. The crew was courteous and professional. Everyone from Nancy our salesperson to Patrick, the manager, Logan and his crew were outstanding. Our floors look fantastic and we were very happy we chose this company.

I am very pleased with the quality of work FloorTek has done for me. The two employees that did the actual work were very courteous, worked hard, and explained everything they were doing. Thank you for a great job.

I was happy with the job Floortek did. Good customer communication and customer relationship. My old ugly porch was transformed and I love it. Nancy was very helpful throughout the process. Just know that rain may impact your schedule to make sure the products at highest quality during application.


Contact FloorTek Today


