Category: Blog

What to Know About Garage Floors and Garage Floor Coating

Garage floors often receive less attention compared to other parts of a home, but they play a vital role in providing a clean, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space. If you’re considering upgrading your garage floor or simply want to know more about the benefits of garage floor coatings, this article is here to guide you. Whether you reside in Tucson or anywhere else, understanding the essentials of garage floors can help you make informed decisions. 

The Role of Garage Floors 

Garage floors serve multiple purposes beyond just providing a place to park your vehicles. They: 

1. Protect Your Foundation: 

Garage floors act as a protective barrier for the underlying concrete or foundation. They shield it from moisture, oil, chemicals, and other potential sources of damage. 

2. Enhance Safety: 

A well-maintained garage floor can reduce the risk of slips and falls, especially in wet or oily conditions. 

3. Improve Aesthetics: 

A clean and visually appealing garage floor can enhance the overall look of your garage and even increase the resale value of your home. 

4. Support Versatility: 

Garages are versatile spaces used for parking, storage, workshops, and more. A quality floor can accommodate various activities without suffering damage. 

5. Simplify Cleaning: 

Garage floor coatings make it easier to clean and maintain the floor, as they resist stains and are less susceptible to dirt and debris buildup. 

Understanding Garage Floor Coatings 

Garage floor coatings are a popular solution for enhancing the performance and appearance of garage floors. Here’s what you need to know about them: 

1. Types of Garage Floor Coatings: 

There are different types of garage floor coatings available, including epoxy, polyurea, and polyaspartic coatings. Epoxy coatings are among the most common and provide a durable, glossy finish. 

2. Benefits of Garage Floor Coatings: 

Garage floor coatings offer several advantages, such as: 

Durability: They are resistant to impacts, chemicals, and abrasion. 

Easy Maintenance: Coated floors are easy to clean and require minimal maintenance. 

Customization: You can choose from various colors and finishes to match your garage’s aesthetic. 

Enhanced Safety: Some coatings can be customized with slip-resistant additives for safety. 

Longevity: Properly installed coatings can last for many years. 

3. Surface Preparation: 

The success of a garage floor coating project largely depends on proper surface preparation. This involves cleaning, repairing cracks or imperfections, and ensuring the surface is free from oil or grease. 

4. Professional Installation: 

While DIY kits are available, professional installation is recommended for the best results. Experienced installers have the skills and equipment to achieve a flawless finish. 

5. Drying and Curing Time: 

After installation, garage floor coatings require adequate drying and curing time. Epoxy coatings, for example, may be touch-dry within 8-12 hours, but full curing can take several days. Avoid placing heavy objects on the floor during this period. 

Maintenance Tips for Garage Floor Coatings 

To keep your garage floor coating in top condition, consider these maintenance tips: 

1. Regular Cleaning: 

Sweep or mop the floor regularly to remove dust and debris. For more stubborn stains, use a mild detergent and a soft-bristle brush. 

2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: 

While garage floor coatings are resistant to many chemicals, avoid using harsh or abrasive chemicals that can damage the finish. Opt for gentle cleaning solutions. 

3. Prompt Cleanup: 

Clean up spills promptly to prevent staining. Chemicals like oil and gasoline should be wiped up immediately. 

4. Protect High-Traffic Areas: 

Place mats or rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear on the coating. 

5. Periodic Re-Sealing: 

Depending on the type of coating used, periodic re-sealing may be necessary to maintain the finish’s integrity. 

Choosing a Garage Floor Coating Installer 

Selecting the right garage floor coating installer is crucial for a successful project. Here are some considerations: 

1. Experience and Expertise: 

Look for installers with a proven track record and experience in garage floor coating installations. 

2. Licensing and Insurance: 

Ensure that the installer is properly licensed and insured to protect you in case of accidents or damage during the project. 

3. Portfolio and References: 

Request to see examples of their previous work and ask for references from satisfied customers. 

4. Warranty: 

Inquire about the warranty offered for their garage floor coating installations. A reputable installer should stand behind their work. 

Conclusion 

Garage floors are an integral part of your home, and investing in garage floor coatings can enhance their performance and appearance. Whether you’re in Tucson or any other location, understanding the importance of garage floors and the benefits of coatings can help you create a more functional, safe, and attractive garage space. When it comes to garage floor coatings, professional installation and proper maintenance are key to enjoying long-lasting results. By following these guidelines, you can transform your garage into a more functional and visually appealing part of your home. 

Common foundation issues in San Jose

Common Concrete Foundation Issues and Costs For Repair

There is a reason concrete foundations are standard in modern construction – nothing else compares. It’s incredibly versatile and convenient in liquid form, and durable and long-lasting once it hardens.

Even though concrete is the best choice for a foundation, there can be issues almost immediately in some situations. Some are easy fixes, while others can take more complicated solutions and could even require total replacement.

Common Foundation Problems

Foundation Issues in Cold Climates

A foundation that has been poured in frigid temperatures can experience freezing; in these cases, concrete grey sand or grit could come off the top of the concrete slabs, reducing its strength. Before you bring out your jackhammer, test it to determine its costs of stability—a structural engineer should recommend a lab to go and get the test done (if needed).

If you suspect stability or strength issues in your newly poured concrete foundation, ask the builder to have it tested. If they do not know who to contact, ask them to get a referral from a structural engineer. This cost may need to fall on you upfront to prove that the company should replace the floor and reimburse you for the test.

Sinking Concrete Foundations

Most of the time, you only have to worry about this with older houses. Sometimes, under certain conditions, it might happen with a newer home.

No matter the technique, fixing a sinking foundation is a big, complex job. So it’s essential to keep an eye out for issues and get ahead of them.

There are obvious signs, such as a tilted house, but the symptoms are subtle more often. If your doors and windows become misaligned, it might be a good idea to call a professional for an inspection.

Foundation Cracks

Fractures in the foundation of an older home may be caused by settling and are usually insignificant. In a newer building, any noticeable problems with the foundation should be immediately addressed.

Average Repair Costs

General Cost to Repair Foundation

The average cost of a foundation repair is between $2,012 and $7,064, but it can be $10,000 or more if it’s a major repair. Minor repairs cost far less; as low as $500.

Because it can get so expensive and depends on the job, so it’s important to be educated about common types of foundation issues, how best to fix them, and the cost.

You might just need a simple slabjacking, or something as extensive as adding steel support beams. Having an idea of the options will help you better work with your contractor for an affordable solution.

Cost to Repair Foundation Leak

A foundation leak usually costs $2,000 to $7,000 to fix. Leaks can signal that there are drainage and moisture issues with the home.

To fix this, contractors will excavate around the foundation, put in new tile drains, and fill in the cracks with cement. Then they will waterproof the foundation with a sealant and waterproof wrap. Our friends the San Jose Concrete Contractor Pros, 408-539-9791, 2118 Canoas garden Ave #24 San Jose CA 95125 know this better than anyone, you can check them out here http://www.sanjoseconcretecompany.com/ for all foundation contractor needs, best concrete contractor we have used in a while . They said the cost depends on what needs to be done, but it’s worth fixing an issue like this because you want a stable home.

Cost to Repair Settling House and Sinking Foundation

Raising a home to its original height, which is called leveling, can be done in two ways. Piers are one way, which costs $1,000-$3,000, and mudjacking is the other, which costs $500 to $1,300.

Settling and sinking are major issues that should be addressed immediately, because they can worsen over time and cause other problems. You may not even know about it until significant signs like cracks or leaks occur, but if you get it inspected early, you might be able to catch it.

Oftentimes, the cause is an issue with soil or moisture. It’s best to address these issues at the time of repair.

Cost to Repair a Bowing Wall

This will be done with steel reinforcement strips or carbon fiber, at $350 to $1,000 per strip.

This issue usually signals poor soil conditions, weak fill, or inefficient drainage. It’s imperative to catch this right away because it can lower home value or cause settling. Be sure to have the soil assessed to resolve the problem fully.

Cost for Piering or Basement Underpinning

The average cost is $1,000 to $3,000 per pier. It tends to be a more expensive job because it involves excavation and raising the entire foundation.

This works by installing the piers directly beneath the foundation to support the concrete and lift it to where it needs to be. They will need to go several feet deep into the ground, place the pier underneath, and use hydraulics to lift and stabilize the foundation back into place.

Multiple piers in different places are required, which adds to the cost.

Cost of Foundation Jacking or House Leveling

Foundation jacking costs $500 to $1,300 on average. Other words for it are mudjacking or slabjacking. It’s done by pumping a grout mixture underneath the foundation, which floats it back to its original position.

It’s a much simpler job and much more affordable than underpinning. However, it can’t solve every type of foundation issue. A professional foundation contractor can assess which method is most suitable for your specific case.

Cost to Stabilize Foundation

On average, you’ll need about 12 strips of reinforcement which will cost between $4,000 and $12,000.

Your options for material are either steel or carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is good if the bowing in the walls is minimal. You’ll need to use steel if it’s more significant. Your contractor can help you decide what is best.

Although it’s more expensive, steel is often a worthy investment due to its effectiveness. In addition to the reinforcement strips, you will also need to factor in the cost of repairing the walls and easing the pressure that caused the issue.

Sealing

The average cost to seal a foundation is between $2,000 and $7,000. As previously mentioned, it is a waterproofing method that helps prevent moisture problems and drainage issues. This is a multifaceted process; you don’t necessarily need every service done.

To avoid paying for unnecessary services, you should have a structural engineer inspect to determine the extent of the repair needs. Sometimes all you need is a sealant and barrier. Other times, you’ll also need to have drainage issues addressed.

That’s why it’s always helpful to know as much as possible. Understanding the process of these repairs can save you a lot of money long-term.

Foundation Repair Albany NY

Nothing is worse than purchasing a building only to find out that the foundation is failing. For some unknown reason we missed this in all of our inspections and we are now left with footing the bill ourselves. My cousin actually lives in the Capital region and she pointed us towards Albany Concrete and Excavation.

With a failing foundation, we didn’t have much options other than to fix it right away. We needed the best foundation contractors Albany NY had to offer and boy did my cousins recommendation deliver. When it comes to foundation repair Albany NY has some stringed guidelines, with such shallow frost lines and new building codes the concrete repair had to be just right. On top of that our stamped concrete came out amazing!

Always look before you buy! lol. Sometimes these buildings are not as great as they may seem, always make sure that the building is up to code and that everything is where it needs to be. Repairing sidewalks and concrete steps can be just as costly as repairing concrete.

New Haven Masonry and Concrete Contractors

When we built our new facility in New Haven we had to go out and find some competitive bids to help us not only builder out a functional space, but build out a beautiful space as well. It always a bit of a gambling when hiring out for these positions but we lucked out when we met CT Concrete Contractors.

As a New Haven Masonry contractor, CT Concrete Contractors performed all of our masonry contractor needs. Some of the best stamped concrete ct has to offer. Not only that; they were also able to fix our crumbling foundation. And let me tell you, nothing is harder to find than a good foundation contractor. We highly recommend them for concrete repair and all other concrete work, looking to get a hold of the Concrete Contractor Pros? Stop in at 21 Vernon Street Apt 101 New Haven CT 6519. or their phone number is 203-456-2555

We recognize that it is through these small contracting firms and these local superstars that we are able to open on time. It always seems in the middle of a big renovation that we will never get it through, but we always seem to find a way with the help of groups like CT Concrete Contractors!

Welcome to Fleur de-lis flowers

From humbling beginnings in Colorado, we have grown out our business from a small shop to a national brand. Our website along with out warehouses have change to help usher in the network we need to deliver you the best flowers, on time and under budget.

We have recently added some stores in the great North East, notably Albany NY and New Haven Connecticut! Let us take you on a short journey of how we grew and who we had to lean on in order for us to become what we are today!