A garage floor coating should be a long-term upgrade, not a short-lived fix. The best way to avoid premature failure is to ask the right questions before choosing an installer.
Below is a simple installer interview homeowners can use during the estimating process.
Can you install a 1-day polyurea-polyaspartic coating?
A reliable installer will say, “Yes, but we prefer to do it right.”
If moisture levels in your concrete exceed 1% (and most do), applying a 1-day polyurea-polyaspartic coating direct-to-concrete can lead to blistering and peeling. Professional installers test moisture levels first and recommend a 2-day system when conditions require it for long-term durability.
What materials do you use?
Your contractor should have access to all coating product types: epoxies, polyurethanes and polyurea-polyaspartics. Industrial-grade epoxies are commonly used as primers and build coats, while polyurea-polyaspartics provide UV stability, chemical resistance, and durability as color and topcoats. The right combination depends on the condition of your concrete and how the space will be used.
How do you prepare the concrete?
Concrete preparation is critical to coating performance. Proper prep requires professional diamond grinding to achieve the correct concrete surface profile. Cleaning alone or acid etching does not create the bond needed for a long-lasting garage floor coating.
Are your garage floor coating products zero- or low-VOC?
Modern coatings are designed to minimize odors and protect indoor air quality. Unfortunately, some contractors still use “older” products with high-level volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A professional installer should be able to provide technical data sheets that clearly list VOC ratings and product safety information.
Can your coatings be applied in extreme hot or cold temperatures?
Michigan weather presents real challenges. Temperature and humidity affect curing and adhesion. Experienced installers select coating products designed to perform under varying seasonal conditions, and should be able to work year-round.
What does your warranty cover?
Warranties should be clear and specific. Ask what is covered, what is excluded, and how workmanship and materials are protected over time.
Considering a garage upgrade? Contact Garage Floor Coating of Michigan to learn which solution is right for your home.