Coating your concrete garage floor with garage floor epoxy can be an excellent investment in both aesthetics and functionality. However, you may be debating whether to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional. Epoxy flooring is a complex process, but a lot of people tackle complex home improvement projects on their own, right? Let’s dive into the key factors to help you make an informed decision and determine: Can you do it yourself?
DIY Garage Floor Coatings: Considerations and Challenges
DIY epoxy kits are often attractive because of their low initial cost, but they come with considerable drawbacks. First of all, a quality garage floor coating starts with thorough concrete preparation. Many DIY kits suggest only basic etching, which isn’t enough to properly prepare the concrete. Without industrial-grade grinding, the coating may fail, resulting in peeling or delamination as temperature fluctuates and the concrete expands or contracts.
Additionally, DIY kits typically contain lower-quality resins, which means the coating may not be able to withstand heavy vehicle traffic, chemicals, or changes in temperature. These coatings are more susceptible to fading, yellowing, or scratches, compromising the garage’s appearance over time. Professional-grade epoxy and polyaspartic coatings, on the other hand, are designed for greater durability and resistance.
Advantages of Hiring a Professional
Professional installers have extensive experience and use specialized tools, like industrial-grade grinders, to ensure the concrete is properly prepared. Their expertise and wide range of quality products allows them to address moisture issues, cracks, and imperfections, ensuring a high-quality and long-lasting bond.
Those professionals are also able to ensure that the coatings they install are built to last, offering resistance to UV rays, chemicals, and wear-and-tear over many years. Many professionals also provide warranties, giving you the peace of mind that your investment is protected. This is especially important when you consider the time and money that might be wasted on a failed DIY project.
DIY Risks vs. Professional Assurance
The cost savings of a DIY kit can quickly evaporate if problems like bubbling or peeling occur. Removing a failed DIY coating and redoing the process can end up costing more than hiring a professional initially. With a professional epoxy floor installation, you benefit from superior materials, expert installation, and long-term results.
