Do I Need to Empty My Garage Before Floor Coating?
Are you thinking about getting your garage floor coated but wondering what to do with all the stuff you’ve accumulated over the years? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! It’s one of the most common questions we get asked at Apex Concrete Coatings here in Kansas City, MO: “Do I really need to empty my entire garage before the floor coating process?”
Well, the short answer is yes, but not everything. Let us break it down for you, so you know exactly what needs to be moved and how you can prepare your space before our team arrives. Plus, we’ll explain why polyurea coatings are the best choice for your garage floors, and how they stack up against traditional epoxy coatings.
Should I Empty My Garage Before Coating?
So, what’s the deal with all your stuff? For the floor coating process to go smoothly, we’ll need everything off the floor. Yep, that means all the boxes, tools, and random garage clutter need to be relocated for a bit. The good news is that anything you’ve got stored on shelves or attached to the walls can stay put! Our team will carefully cover those items with plastic sheeting to protect them during the coating process.
But, what do you do with all the things sitting on your garage floor? Here are a couple of options to make it easy:
- Option 1: Use Your Storage Unit
If you’ve already got a storage unit, this is the perfect time to make use of it. You can move your garage belongings over there the day before our team arrives. - Option 2: Rent a Moving Truck or Mobile Storage Unit
Don’t have a storage unit? No problem! You can rent a moving truck or even a mobile storage unit (like a POD) that can be temporarily placed at your home. This way, you can quickly transfer everything out and back in without too much hassle.
We get it—moving stuff out of your garage isn’t the most fun task in the world, but we promise it’s worth it! With a clear floor, our team can focus on giving you a beautiful, durable garage coating that will stand the test of time.
Why Polyurea is the Best Choice for Garage Floor Coatings
Now that you’ve got the logistics sorted, let’s talk about your garage floor coating options. If you’re weighing your choices, you’ve probably come across two main contenders: epoxy and polyurea. While epoxy might be the more well-known option, we strongly recommend going with Penntek polyaspartic polyurea for a variety of reasons. Here’s why:
Impact Resistance: Polyurea vs. Epoxy
Your garage floor is going to face a lot of wear and tear over the years—whether it’s from cars, dropped tools, or heavy equipment. The coating you choose needs to be able to handle that.
Epoxy is a budget-friendly option, but it has low impact resistance. Over time, it’s more likely to crack or chip, especially if something heavy falls on it. On the other hand, polyurea is designed with high impact resistance. That means it holds up better to heavy use and won’t crack or peel as easily. If you’re looking for something that can withstand all the daily action in your garage, polyurea is the clear winner.
Flexibility and Stretch: Why It Matters
Another key factor to think about is how the coating will handle changes in your concrete. Here in Kansas City, most garages have floating slabs of concrete, which are designed to shift and move slightly with the natural movement of the Earth.
When your garage floor shifts, a coating that isn’t flexible—like epoxy—can crack or peel away from the surface. That’s where polyurea really shines. It’s more flexible and can stretch with the movements of your concrete, making sure your floor stays intact and looking great for years to come.
Additional Benefits of Polyurea Over Epoxy
Beyond impact resistance and flexibility, there are a few other reasons why polyurea is the best choice for garage floor coatings.
Stain and Chemical Resistance
Let’s face it: garages are messy places. Between oil, gas, cleaning chemicals, and other household substances, there’s always the chance of spills and stains. Epoxy coatings can be harder to clean and may even absorb some of these spills, leaving stains that are tough to remove.
Polyurea, however, is chemically resistant, which makes it super easy to clean. Spilled oil or gas? No problem—just wipe it up with a towel and some general-purpose cleaner, and you’re good to go. This stain resistance keeps your floor looking fresh and clean, no matter how messy things get.
UV Stability
If your garage gets a lot of natural sunlight, you’ll want to pay attention to how your floor coating handles UV exposure. Epoxy coatings can yellow or fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight, which can leave your floor looking less than perfect.
Polyurea, on the other hand, is formulated to be UV stable. That means it won’t yellow or fade, even in garages that get a lot of sunlight. Whether you’re coating a garage, a pool deck, or even a patio, polyurea will stay vibrant and looking great.
Take Your Garage to the Next Level!
So, do you need to empty your garage before getting a new floor coating? Yes, but only the floor! You can leave everything on the walls and shelves, and our team will take care of covering those items to keep them safe. With a clear floor, we’ll be able to deliver a top-notch coating that will transform your garage space.
And when it comes to picking the right floor coating, polyurea is hands-down the best choice. It’s more durable, flexible, and resistant to stains, chemicals, and UV rays than epoxy, making it the perfect long-term solution for your garage.
Ready to upgrade your garage floor? Contact Apex Concrete Coatings today for a free consultation, and let us show you how polyurea can take your garage to the next level!