Harsh Winter Conditions, Damage Garage Floors: Inspect Yours Today!
Winter is coming to an end but not without consequence to your garage floor. It is essential to conduct a full inspection of the concrete flooring as chemicals like magnesium chloride can cause damage. It is recommended to fix any underlying issues promptly, however, before implementing improvements, pre-testing for damage and moisture is a must!
It’s advised to have certified technicians like the professionals here at Zenith Painting & Coating, inspect your concrete. However, below are a few tips for the do-it-yourselfers to help you prep your floor before applying a new epoxy coating or fresh paint.
Testing for Sealers:
Some concrete floors were previously sealed. Testing for this is a piece of cake. Merely pour a small amount of water onto the surface in several areas, and if the water beads up, a sealer is present and should be removed chemically or with a diamond grinder.
Concrete Moisture Mitigation Testing:
Moisture in concrete slabs is the culprit of concrete flooring failures. To determine if your garage floor has high moisture levels the process is quite straightforward. Grab a sheet of plastic, 3×3 will do, and securely tape down the edges. Allow it to sit for 24-48 hours. After the allocated time, remove the plastic. If condensation appears on the inside of the bag or the concrete itself looks wet, the moisture is too high. For large commercial projects, you must comply with ASTM regulations. For this, make sure to contact Zenith Painting & Coatings.
Proper Temperature Conditions:
The temperature range can impact the working time and speed of the curing process of a new sealer. Ideally, temperatures should range from 40F-90F as warmer temperatures will shorten working times. Areas with high humidity can impact the coating and cause color variations, so it’s not recommended to apply a new top coat in conditions where moisture is above 85%.
Concrete Inspection:
Concrete consistency varies. To test the density, grab a sharp object, like a screwdriver and drag it over the surface. If the concrete is easily damaged or removed, chances are it is weak and should be sanded down with a diamond grinder before coating. Additionally, all scratches, holes, and saw cuts need repairing after sanding.
Application over Previously Coated Floors:
It’s possible to cover old coating with fresh epoxy if it bonds well. To determine this an adhesion test needs to be completed. Just cut an X through the current surface and apply a 6” piece of duct tape over the cut. Press the tape down firmly and then remove it in one fell swoop. If at least 5% of debris comes off, the original coating is not bonding correctly.
Though these tests are pretty straightforward, Zenith is happy to step up and make sure the complete job is done right to guarantee your new garage floor lasts well into the future!
For a free estimate, please contact us today!
