When it comes to enhancing your garage, a quality garage floor coating can make all the difference. Whether you want a stylish, durable space or a functional workshop, the question arises: should you tackle it yourself or hire a professional? DIY epoxy coatings are out there — you can buy them locally or online. On the other hand, professionals generally know all those aspects about installation that the lay person may not. So what do you choose? Let’s explore why professional installations may be the best choice for homeowners in the Grand Junction area.
Challenges of DIY Garage Floor Coatings
Surface Preparation: It’s More Than Meets the Eye
Proper surface preparation is vital for a garage floor coating’s success. Most DIY kits only include basic etching instructions, which isn’t enough to guarantee proper adhesion of the primer coat. The unique climate of Western Colorado, with its hot, dry summers and cooler winters, causes the concrete to expand and contract. Without thorough concrete preparation using industrial-grade grinders, the coating may fail to adhere, resulting in peeling or bubbling over time.
Inferior Product Quality
DIY epoxy kits often contain lower-quality materials, which don’t perform well under the harsh weather conditions. With significant temperature swings, inferior coatings may crack or discolor and are less resistant to stains. Professionals use high-quality epoxy, polyurea, and/or polyaspartic coatings specifically designed for durability — the real trick is in the mixology behind these elements, catering it toward your specific home (or business) and the concrete we’re working with.
Professional Installations: Why Hire a Professional?
Local Expertise and Proper Tools
Professionals understand how to handle the expansion and contraction of concrete surfaces, using specialized equipment and techniques to mitigate moisture and repair cracks. Their expertise ensures proper bonding of the coating, resulting in a flawless and durable finish that withstands the area’s unique environmental challenges. This is the quality level that drives the ability to cover common coating failure issues (like moisture damage) under our warranties.
Superior Coating Systems
Professional installers use top-quality products that offer better UV stability and chemical resistance. In a region where the summer sun can be intense, this means your garage floor coating won’t yellow or fade, keeping it looking great throughout the year. A professionally applied epoxy and polyaspartic coating is way more durable and attractive, enhancing both the aesthetic and practical value of your garage. That’s what also raises the value of your home long-term, even if you aren’t planning on moving out for a few years (properly installed epoxy floors can last for decades, not just the months-2 years you’ll get out of a DIY kit).
Conclusion: Professional Garage Floor Coating Is the Smart Choice
While DIY kits may appear to be a cost-saving option, the risks involved in using lower-quality products, coupled with inadequate preparation, often lead to subpar results — leading to replacements and all the headaches that come with that. A professional garage floor coating provides a long-lasting, durable, and beautiful finish.
