Upgrading your garage floor is a straightforward process, but proper preparation is key to getting the most out of your garage floor coating. By taking the right steps ahead of time, you can ensure a smooth, durable finish that lasts. Follow these guidelines in order to prep your garage for a professional floor coating transformation.
The Garage Clear-Out: A Must-Do
The first step is clearing out your garage, which may seem like a daunting task—especially if you’ve been using it for storage over the years. Use this as an opportunity to declutter by donating, selling, or tossing things you no longer need. Many local charities will even pick up larger items for donation, making it easier for you to clear out space if you want to go down that route.
If you have to keep items outside during the installation, make sure they’re well-protected from New Jersey’s unpredictable weather. A heavy-duty tarp can keep your items safe from sudden rain showers, which can pop up even on sunny days.
Protecting your garage’s HVAC system and any electronics in the garage is crucial during the floor coating installation. Any electronics that cannot be moved should be securely wrapped or covered. Be sure to turn off HVAC systems located in the garage to prevent dust from being drawn into the air ducts and circulated throughout your home during the installation.
Plan Ahead: Avoid Interruptions
New Jersey weather can swing between extremes, so it’s crucial to plan your garage floor epoxy installation during a window of calm. Make sure to check the forecast and avoid scheduling on rainy or windy days. Along with that, you’ll want to halt any yard work or home improvement projects during the installation process. Things like mowing the lawn, using a leaf blower, or sanding wood can all stir up dust and debris that may interfere with your new epoxy floor coating.
Be sure to also turn off any HVAC systems in your garage, as they can circulate dust and odors into your home during the coating process. This small step will go a long way in keeping your space clean and free from particles.
Let the Pros Handle the Heavy Lifting
A big benefit of hiring professionals is that they handle the hard work for you. There’s no need to prep the floor yourself—we’ll take care of grinding away any old concrete paint, filling in cracks or joints, and prepping the surface for a flawless finish. It’s tempting to try to patch the floor yourself, but the materials we use bond better to professionally prepped concrete surfaces.
Wall-mounted items only need to be removed if they are close to the floor—around 36 inches or less. Anything higher up can stay right where it is.
Why New Jersey Homeowners Choose Epoxy Flooring
With New Jersey’s ever-changing climate, homeowners often turn to epoxy flooring for their garage floors. These coatings offer exceptional durability, making them perfect for both coastal and inland regions. Not only do they stand up to the elements, but they also provide a clean, polished look that enhances the overall appearance of any garage.
By taking these preparation steps, you’re ensuring that your garage will be ready for a durable, long-lasting residential epoxy floor that can handle whatever New Jersey throws at it for decades.