If you’re planning on installing a garage floor coating in Phoenix, proper preparation is key, especially given the desert environment. Phoenix’s extreme heat and dry conditions can affect how the coating is applied and how well it adheres to the concrete. But, here’s what you need to know about proper preparation for your garage floor coating…before the installers even show up on day one.
Clear Out the Garage
All items must be removed before the epoxy floor installation begins. Here are a few storage options to consider:
- Use a basement or spare room: Small items like tools and boxes can be moved into your home for temporary storage.
- Rent a storage container: Portable storage units or “pods” are a flexible option for holding larger items like appliances or furniture.
- Neighbor’s or friend’s garage: If you have a trusted neighbor, moving things to their garage for a short time can be a convenient solution.
- Store items outside under a tarp: Large appliances like refrigerators can be moved outdoors, but make sure they’re securely covered and locked to avoid exposure to dust or extreme heat.
Be sure to protect your electronics. Any electronics that cannot be removed should be securely wrapped to protect them from dust and debris during the installation process.
Luckily, you don’t remove wall-mounted items unless they are within 36 inches of the floor.
By clearing the space, you ensure that the installation team can apply the concrete coating across the entire garage floor without any obstacles.
Turn Off the HVAC
It’s critical to turn off any HVAC systems located in the garage. This helps prevent dust from being drawn into your home’s ventilation system during the installation. The HVAC should remain off throughout the entire process until the top coat is applied and fully cured.
Take a Break from Yard Work and Home Maintenance
In Phoenix, we know the desert can kick up plenty of dust, so while your garage floor is being coated, it’s best to hold off on any yard work or home maintenance projects near the garage. Activities like mowing the lawn or using power tools can stir up dust, which could settle on the fresh coating. Give your garage floor a dust-free environment to ensure the coating cures properly and looks its best. Once the top coat is done and cured, feel free to get back to your usual projects!
Surface Preparation and Coating Application
As the customer, you can leave the surface prep to the professionals. After the garage is cleared and the HVAC system is off, the rest is up to them…the surface preparation can begin:
- Grinding the concrete: The concrete surface is ground to remove old coatings, sealers, or concrete paint. This process opens the pores of the concrete, allowing the polyaspartic coating or epoxy flooring to bond effectively with the surface.
- Crack filling and repairs: Any cracks in the concrete will be filled and smoothed out to ensure a seamless application of the first primer coat. This step is especially important in Phoenix, where temperature fluctuations can cause cracks in untreated concrete.
Why Phoenix Garages Benefit from Coatings
In Phoenix, where temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, a durable 100%-solids clear polyaspartic top coat provides essential protection. These coatings provide extreme resistance to UV light and chemicals…and they keep your floor looking clean and easy to maintain. The added protection helps reduce cracking and wear, ensuring your garage floor lasts for years.