Once you decide that you want to upgrade your garage with an epoxy floor coating, you will need to decide to either hire a professional, or test your Do-it-yourself (DIY) skills. There are things to consider before making this decision, so read on to learn the advantages and disadvantages of both.
Cost
The is no doubt about it, the cost different is huge; DIY costing under $1000, while professional installations can costs from $4,000 and up for average 10×20 storage sheds. You have to consider what your time is worth when deciding which way to go. It will take a considerable amount of time and effort to pull this off and get the result you want by doing it yourself.
Project Complexity
Applying epoxy from a kit purchased from your local home improvement store is not as easy as opening the can and rolling it on the floor. You have to prepare your garage floor first and depending on the condition of the existing concrete, this could be a considerable chore. You will either have to rent specialized equipment or utilize an acid etch to clean and scour the surface of the garage floor. Not performing this step properly can result in your floors peeling after a year or two.
A professionally installed garage floor can last for more than 20 years. A garage floor contractors ensures the epoxy will adhere properly to the concrete and not peel by either using a diamond grinder or a shot blaster to mechanically clean and strip the floor. Proper floor preparation is essential and determines the visual outcome and durability of your garage floor project.
Project Appearance
Your options are considerably limited with store bought epoxy. Your choices include either a solid color or a solid color with a light spread of colored vinyl flakes. You will also need to accept the fact that there will be imperfections in the finished coating. Roller marks, bubbles, and pin holes are not only possible when applying a store bought epoxy coating but almost guaranteed.
A professional garage floor contractor can provide you with many style and color options to choose from. From full or partial spreads of speckled vinyl and/or quartz flakes to metallic or marbled epoxy, you will have no problem finding a look that is right for your garage.
Durability and Longevity
This is where the real difference is glaringly apparent. It is highly unlikely that your DIY epoxy garage floor coating will last for more than a couple years before it starts to flake, crack and yellow. To correct these imperfections, you will need to remove the initial coat before new coats can be applied.
A coating from most professional installers will last a lifetime without ever peeling, flaking, or yellowing. The main reason for its longevity is due to the higher level of concrete preparation and the quality and thickness of coating used by professionals.
Value
Based on the pros and cons above, the only real value to a DIY epoxy kit is the initial costs. The long-term value you will receive from a professionally installed coating is actually more cost effective since it will last 5-10 times as long as a DIY epoxy kits. Contact us today to get a complimentary quote on getting your garage floors professionally coated and refinished.
