The garage is often seen as a vital extension of the home. While it’s primarily a parking space for your car, many garages are also storage areas for various tools and a hub for weekend projects.
As it faces daily foot traffic, the flooring in your garage eventually becomes susceptible to significant wear and tear. Still, you must recognize that having garage floor issues should not automatically mean a complete overhaul of the entire place. Alternative solutions can still effectively prolong the life span of your existing garage floor.
What Are the Common Garage Floor Problems?
Like many parts of the house, your garage floor will have problems at some point. These can include:
1. Cracks and Pitting
Cracks and pitting are common garage floor problems that can occur due to freeze-thaw cycles, heavy vehicle loads, and major ground settling. These imperfections compromise your garage’s aesthetics and can lead to further structural damage, especially if left unattended.
2. Spalling and Chipping
Spalling and chipping are usually formed when the surface layer of the concrete floor begins to deteriorate, resulting in small chips breaking away. The problem can be due to moisture infiltration, poor concrete mix, or the use of harsh de-icing chemicals.
3. Stains and Discoloration
Garage floors often face stains from oil leaks, chemicals, and other substances that can penetrate the porous concrete surface. These mar your floor’s appearance and can corrode the concrete over time.
4. Uneven Surfaces
Uneven surfaces can arise from the settling of the ground beneath the garage floor. An uneven surface is a tripping hazard and can cause difficulties in moving vehicles or tools, and may also become a source of water pooling. Depending on the severity of the damage, solutions can range from simple leveling techniques to more extensive repairs.
How Long Does a Garage Floor Last?
Generally, a well-constructed concrete garage floor can last several years, but proper maintenance can significantly extend its longevity. However, factors like heavy vehicle traffic, exposure to harsh chemicals, temperature fluctuations, and the overall wear and tear from day-to-day activities can result in various garage floor issues.
You need to monitor these variables regularly and take appropriate measures when needed to ensure that your garage floor remains functional for many years.
Should You Repair or Replace a Damaged Garage Floor?
When faced with a damaged garage floor, the decision to repair or replace it depends on factors like the problem’s severity and your long-term goals. Small cracks, minor pitting, and surface stains are often best repaired, especially if they don’t compromise the structural integrity of the garage or pose safety risks.
However, replacing your garage floor might be the more viable option if the damage is extensive. For this, factors like the age of the floor, its present condition, and the available budget will play crucial roles in the decision-making process.
Consulting with the experts is recommended so that damage assessment can be made. They can help you choose the most suitable course of action for your garage floor problem.
When Should You Replace a Garage Floor?
Often, you should consider getting your garage floor replaced because of the following:
1. Extensive Structural Damage
If your garage floor has widespread cracks and deep fissures, it can seriously compromise the structural integrity of the area. When this is the case, replacement becomes imperative to ensure the safety of both the garage and its occupants.
2. Frequent Repairs
When your garage repair expenses accumulate and frequent interventions become the norm, replacing the garage floor is more cost-effective in the long term. A new floor eliminates the need for continuous repairs and can give you a fresh start.
3. Safety Hazards
Uneven floor surfaces and deep pits can lead to tripping accidents. They can also make it difficult for you to maneuver your car in and out of the garage. Your safety is at risk in such cases, but replacing your garage floor can eliminate this.
4. Enhanced Functionality
Many home garages are more than a storage space for cars. They often double as a workshop, a gym, or a second living room. A new garage floor can significantly enhance its usability.
5. Property Value Boost
Upgrading your garage floor can positively impact the resale value of your home. If it’s newly-replaced, it can be an added attraction for potential buyers.
6. Long-Term Plans
If you need a larger and more modern garage due to plans of getting additional vehicles, replacing the old floors is a sound decision. This will also allow you to easily work on other related future goals.
How Much Does a Garage Floor Replacement Cost?
On average, for a basic concrete garage floor replacement or new installation, you might expect to pay anywhere from $2 to $13 per square foot. However, the cost can easily increase if you opt for higher-end materials or intricate designs.
You must also factor in additional expenses, such as removal of the existing garage floor, surface preparation, labor costs, and any desired decorative elements. Given these things, you should consult a professional contractor who can provide you with detailed quotes based on your requirements.
Can You Pour New Concrete Over Old Garage Floors?
You can pour new concrete over old garage floors, but several considerations must be taken into account.
For starters, the existing surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned, repaired, and prepared to ensure proper adhesion between the old and new concrete layers. Any cracks or unevenness in the old floor must be fixed before the new concrete mix is poured. Additionally, a primer should be used to help improve the bond between the layers.
One concern, however, with pouring new concrete over old floors is that it might slightly increase the surface height. This could consequently affect door clearances and transitions to other areas. Consulting with professionals is advised to assess this approach’s feasibility and ensure successful execution.
Key Takeaway
Garages are more than private parking spaces for family cars. Often, they also serve as storage areas for many plumbing and carpentry tools. As such, it’s not uncommon to find the garage floor having scratches, stains, and ugly marks. Making them look good can take some effort, but it should be worth it, especially if the garage is where you often hang around with friends.
Of course, you can choose to get a professional company to do the garage floor renovation for you. While this might entail cost, you’re assured that you’ll get outstanding and long-lasting results.
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If you’ve always wanted to replace or renovate your damaged garage floor but are unsure how to do it, stop all your worries. Let Barefoot Concrete Coatings handle everything for you.
We have an expert team that delivers exceptional garage floor coating in Eden, UT. Rest assured that we’ll deliver the results that you need. Call us today, and let’s discuss the details.
