Is it worth it to epoxy garage floor?- Yes, Expert answers!

You are here because you want to spruce up your garage, right? The floor is the first and the most obvious area to work on. 

Now, when you start thinking of the many options, you will come across epoxy. It is dubbed as premium and expensive, which is why the question arises – is it worth it to epoxy garage floor? And, we have the answers!

What is garage floor epoxy?

Epoxy is a thermosetting resin. It is not paint. Epoxy is made using equal quantities of epoxide resin and polyamine hardener. The hardener makes the epoxy floor tough and durable. Paint, on the other hand, is a latex acrylic product. It is not as durable as epoxy and has a completely different output. A few paints, however, have a little epoxy in their formulation. These paints are called epoxy paints and are still categorized as paints only.

Another major difference lies in what you see after applying epoxy. It does not dry like paint. It cures and becomes extremely thick. The curing adds more strength to it, giving you an aesthetic appeal and durability at the same time.

Is it worth it to epoxy garage floor?

To answer this question, we should look at the benefits of epoxy garage floors. Here are a few important ones:

• The hard floor is great to look at and resilient at the same time. It is resistant to chipping, surface abrasion, stains, and chemicals.
• It can cover flaws in the concrete such as spider cracks.
• It is anti-dusting.
• It is moisture-resistant. This benefit is especially important for those living in snowy areas.
• It is easy to maintain and clean. You just need soap water!
• Those who want extra grip can apply an anti-slip aggregate along with the final coat. The epoxy garage floor will then turn into a slip-resistant surface.

Things to remember about epoxy garage floors

While it has many benefits, it has a few downsides as well. 

• Welding is quite hard because there can be burn marks on epoxy due to slag
• If there’s too much moisture, the epoxy can delaminate

Application of epoxy garage floors

This is quite an elaborate process, best left to the experts. The floor needs to be prepared well so that the application is clean and successful. When we say “preparation,” we don’t mean just cleaning it with soap. We mean that you will need to use floor grinding or shot blasting. If this is not done properly, the epoxy’s adherence will be weak, causing problems later on. Also, if the concrete is damaged in anyway, it should be patched up before the process begins.

Epoxy application involves multiple coats along with the first primer. The final coat will give a glossy finish to the whole floor. 

FAQs about epoxy garage floors

Now, let’s answer a few common questions we keep receiving in the mail.

1. Does epoxy garage floor increase home value?

Yes! It can increase the value of your home because it looks great and is durable. Many potential buyers will be attracted to it and be okay with paying more for it.

2. How long will epoxy garage floor last?

A well-laid out and good epoxy garage floor will easily last for 10 to 15 years. Some services offer lifetime warranty but be sure to read the fine print before finalizing. Professional services always have at least a 10-year warranty, if not more.

3. Is epoxy garage floor very expensive?

Actually, no. If you consider its durability and the many benefits it offers, you will note that the price tag is worth it. However, you should beware of companies trying to rip you off with exorbitant prices. Always do a market study to be safe.

4. What’s the cost per square foot – epoxy garage floor

Professional services will cost you at least $4 per square foot. This may be more if certain areas based on local prices and competition. If you do it yourself, you may pay around $200 for the same. The cost also varies based on the number of coats and the type of final coat. The installation process usually takes 5-6 days.

5. Are epoxy and paint the same?

No, they are not. As aforementioned, paint is completely different and epoxy tends to be more solid and reliable.

6. Is cleaning the floor before epoxy enough?

Absolutely not. You must prepare it in accordance with the requirements. Otherwise, the epoxy won’t cure properly. You will not be able to enjoy the many benefits of this wonderful coat.

Final verdict – Is it worth it to epoxy garage floors? 

Absolutely, yes! It may be a time-consuming process but it is totally worth it. It beautifies and protects your garage, and is very low-maintenance. It also increases the value of homes, making it the perfect choice.

We hope we have erased all your doubts. Go on then, get ready to epoxy your garage floor! If you have any doubts or concerns, please comment and we will get back to you with answers.