Maintaining a Garage Floor Through Winter
The first is action to keep the humidity at a minimum.
Garage floors may seem tough and unyielding at first glance. Yet, they go through a lot during winter. The combination of snow, ice, road salt, and sand stain and erode concrete floors. This erosion occurs when the salt seeps into the concrete, forming crystals that damage the surface. Meanwhile, ice can worsen cracks that are already on the floor.
Let's discuss how to care for garage floors in winter, especially where road salt and ice are commonplace.
Humidity control
The first is action to keep the humidity at a minimum. Avoid parking a car covered in snow and ice inside the garage without giving it some time to dry or at least leaving the garage door open for ventilation. Installing swales or porous materials in driveways is also a good idea to prevent water from pooling around the garage and soaking the floor.
Driveway maintenance
Keeping the driveway in top shape will prevent issues from spreading to the garage floor. It's easier to manage draining water and reduce snow buildup when driveway cracks are repaired or upgraded with asphalt or concrete.
Protective measures
Garage mats protect the floors. These are usually PVC, vinyl, or rubber mats that absorb water and chemicals that could come into direct contact with salt and cause a more damaging chemical reaction. They're also non-slippery and thus safer for residents.
A sealer-like epoxy forms a barrier on the floor that repels water and debris. However, epoxy doesn't absorb water, so having mats on top of it makes for better absorption.
Insulation improvements
Better garage insulation means more comfortable temperatures inside and less ice forming on the floor. But always regularly remove snow and ice from driveways so that dampness doesn't invade the garage's interior.
Floor repairs
Inspect and repair garage floors before winter. Dealing with small cracks and repairing major ones like settlement cracks before the cold and snow set in can stave off more damage from ice and salt.
Additional protective coatings
As mentioned, epoxy and polyaspartic floor coatings create a seal that shields against water, chemicals, and abrasion damage. Sealants also cover imperfections and add a protective layer that makes the floor less likely to crack.
Regular cleaning
Last but not least, keep the garage floor as clean as possible. Sweep it to remove salt residue and abrasive debris. After the cold days of winter are over and spring comes, it's a good idea to clean the floor thoroughly with non-harmful products.
Safeguard the garage floor during winter
Get ready for winter by speaking with a local garage maintenance service. They will offer tips and tricks on keeping a garage floor in top shape and ready to endure many more winters.
Quick Response Garage Floor Coating offers epoxy, flake, solid, stain, and specialty flooring options to Phoenix Valley residential and commercial clients. Call us today for a free estimate at 602-428-8626.