02 Dec, 2023
Your garage is more than just a place to park your car; it’s an extension of your home. And if there are two things that are sure to transform it, it’s a well maintained, durable floor and a quality storage system. But not all garage solutions are created equal, so it’s important to do the homework before investing in either one of these projects. Wondering where to start? You’ve come to the right place! Let's dive in. Polyurea Concrete Coating: The Premium Choice There are many kinds of concrete coating options out there: from epoxy to acrylic to DIY low-grade sealers. However, when it comes to an attractive, quick, and long-lasting option, polyurea is well-recognized as the best option. Why? Take a look: Durability and Toughness Polyurea is extremely durable and resistant to abrasions, impacts, and chemical spills. Flexibility Unlike many other coatings, polyurea remains flexible even after it cures. This flexibility allows it to absorb impact and adapt to the expansion and contraction of the substrate, reducing the likelihood of cracks and peeling. UV Tolerance This top-of-the-line concrete coating is also extremely resistant to fading or yellowing, so you wont need to worry about that fresh finish going away anytime soon. Seamless and Waterproof Finish When applied, polyurea creates a seamless surface that is also waterproof. This makes any spills or marks very easy to clean. Understanding How Polyurea Concrete Coating Works Polyurea is a type of elastomer that is derived from a reaction between a diisocyanate and a polyamine. Before we get TOO nerdy on you, we can boil it down to this: it’s NOT just another epoxy coating, and the unique chemical structure gives it remarkable physical properties, including flexibility, toughness, and resistance to various environmental factors. Another key difference? How it’s applied: Professional Surface Preparation: Before applying polyurea, the concrete surface must be properly prepared. This usually involves cleaning the floor to remove any dirt, grease, or existing coatings, and then mechanically profiling or etching the concrete to ensure good adhesion. That’s where our heavy-duty concrete grinding machines come into play. Applying the Base Coat: After surface prep, a base coat is applied which penetrates the concrete pores and creates a strong bond between the floor and polyurea. Flakes: Before the base coat dries, vinyl chips (the color choice is yours!) are spread evenly across the garage floor, creating a durable and well-protected layer. Plus, it looks great. Polyurea Top-coat: once the base coat dries and the chips are in place, the excess is removed and the final polyurea top-coat is applied. Cabinets: The Best Garage Storage Solution The floor isn’t the only thing that significantly affects the overall functionality and style of your garage. Without an organized storage system, a garage can quickly fall into a chaotic state. We’re speaking from direct experience here (we’re homeowners too, after all!). So what should you look for in a good garage storage cabinet? Durability Strength Customization Every garage is different. Customizable cabinets allow you to have more say in size, shape, and design as opposed to plastic or metal stock shelving. But a cabinet that fits well isn't worth much if it doesn’t age well. For garage cabinet systems especially, durability is key. If a cabinet is constructed well and finished with a high quality powder coat (as opposed to traditional painting methods) you can be sure it will stand the test of time. For more detailed information, take a look at this blog: What’s the Best Kind of Garage Storage Cabinet in the Central Valley? What’s Your Takeaway? Let’s recap. Transforming your garage is a significant step towards enhancing your home's functionality, appeal, and value. By choosing professional concrete coating services and custom storage installation, you're investing in quality, safety, and enduring value. For any more questions or inquiries, our team at Lancaster Painting is just a call away. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Are custom garage storage solutions really worth the investment? A: Absolutely! Custom garage storage solutions are designed to fit your specific needs and space, making your garage more organized and efficient. They can help maximize space, reduce clutter, and make finding and accessing tools and equipment easier. This level of customization and efficiency is difficult to achieve with off-the-shelf storage products. Q: Can polyurea coatings be applied to any concrete surface? A: Polyurea can be applied to most concrete surfaces. However, the concrete needs to be properly prepared, which includes cleaning, repairing any cracks or damages, and ensuring the surface is level for optimal adhesion and finish. Q: How do custom storage solutions compare to pre-made options in terms of cost? A: Custom storage solutions may initially cost more than pre-made options due to their personalized design and high-quality materials, but they offer better durability, functionality, and are tailored to fit your specific space, providing better value in the long term. Q: How long does a polyurea floor coating last compared to traditional coatings? A: Polyurea floor coatings typically have a longer lifespan than traditional coatings like epoxy. With proper maintenance, a polyurea coated floor can last for decades, whereas others might require reapplication or repair within a few years.
