Looking for ways to seal your concrete floors? There are plenty of options to choose from, but some of the least expensive options may cost you more money in repairs as time goes on. Sealed concrete and epoxy finishes may seem like a good option at first when you look at the price tag, but you’ll notice wear and tear and likely need touch-ups frequently.
Sealed Concrete Garage Floors
Sealed concrete is one of the cheapest finishes for concrete floors and isn’t too difficult to DIY if you have the time and patience. It’s kind of like paint, but with acrylic. After the concrete is swept and cleaned, the sealant goes on like paint.
When the sealant dries, the sealed concrete will look shiny. The clear layer of acrylic also fills in all the pores of the concrete, making it nice and smooth. Depending on the sealant used, it will prevent moisture from getting to the surface of the concrete. It is beneficial for humid environments that can take a toll on concrete.
The biggest downside to sealed concrete is that it erodes very easily, and it is not meant for high-traffic areas. It’s probably not the best choice for garages with heavy foot traffic and may erode quickly under a vehicle. It will need to be resealed regularly. These acrylic sealants, which are essentially plastic, contain high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so they’re not great for the environment– and you don’t want to inhale any fumes. Over time, sealed concrete will require much more materials and maintenance in the long run. You can expect sealed concrete to last around 1-3 years.
Epoxy Garage Floors
Epoxy floor coverings are another cost-effective solution for covering concrete floors. Epoxy flooring uses a resin and a chemical hardening agent that makes the floors durable. It’s a popular flooring option for schools, hospitals, and industrial spaces because it is liquid and stain-resistant and allows for easy cleanup. Depending on the type of epoxy, it can take days to cure. If you have the time to wait for it, then epoxy may be a decent solution. It becomes a hassle when it comes time to repair it.
Epoxy isn’t as durable as other materials like polyaspartic and polyurethane. It isn’t UV stable, so it can yellow and degrade over time when exposed to sunlight. Because of this, you may find your floors warping, chipping, and cracking after a few years.
Certain concrete profiles are required for the best adherence. Epoxy floors will not hold to concretes that aren’t CSP1 or CSP2. If you don’t know what profile your concrete floor is, you can always ask a flooring specialist like Titan Flooring.
Titan’s Revolutionary Flooring System
Titan Flooring is committed to providing durable floors that won’t crack or warp over time. We use a mixture of polyurea and polyaspartic materials for our product. Our mix is foolproof. In 24 hours, your Titan garage floors will be fully cured and usable—you can even park your car on them.
Our garage flooring lasts much longer than simple epoxy or sealed concrete. We guarantee your Titan Garage Floors will last a lifetime without cracking or warping. That’s why we offer a lifetime warranty that transfers even if the homeownership does. Call today for a quote!
