Garage flooring - surface options and their characteristics
The load on the flooring in the garage significantly exceeds the load in the living quarters. In addition, the floor is constantly in contact with oils, gasoline and other chemicals. Quite often, in addition to a car, garden tools and other tools and equipment are stored in the garage. Therefore, the floor covering for the garage must be strong and wear-resistant.
Varieties of garage flooring
Usually a garage is built on a concrete base. It is poured on top of compacted sand and gravel using metal reinforcement. The top of the concrete base without additional processing is not durable. To give it sufficient strength and durability, there are several ways:
- base treatment with hardening compounds;
- laying ceramic tiles;
- cement-based bulk floors;
- bulk polymer floors;
- modular flooring.
Concrete base treatment with hardening compounds
Surface treatment of concrete base with special compounds is the cheapest type of floor device in garages. In addition to painting the base, there are other methods to increase the strength of the floors in the garage.
One option is to add reinforcing compositions immediately after pouring the concrete screed before the mortar hardens.
The sealant is rubbed into the top layer, which increases the wear resistance of the surface several times.
Characteristics:
- reduction of dusting of concrete screed;
- strengthening the strength of the base;
- requires periodic updates.
Ceramic tiles have only one drawback: expensive laying. However, a novice master can cope with it, armed with patience and reading the manual for installing tiles on the floor: https://floor.expertexpro.com/en/pol-pokritiya/plitka/rukovodstvo-po-ukladke-kafelya-na-pol.html.
Ceramic tile
maybe garage floor equipment ceramic tiles. Only for these purposes use industrial technical tiles with a high degree of wear resistance of class ΙV—V. For non-heated garages, it should also be frost-resistant.
In new buildings, tiles cannot be laid on the floor. Due to the low coefficient of expansion, when the building shrinks, the tiles crack.
For better adhesion, the base is primed before laying the tiles. Be sure to leave seams between tiles 2-12 mm. The composition with which the joints are coated should be stable enough so that gasoline and chemicals do not destroy it. Otherwise, the coating will become unusable very quickly.
Characteristics:
- readiness for operation 14 days after installation;
- the durability of such a coating depends on the quality of the tiles and seams;
- ease of maintenance.
Cement-based bulk floors
It used to be cement bulk floors were not designed for industrial loads. Modern formulations include Portland cement, high aluminate cement and a number of additives and fillers. They are produced in the form of dry mixtures, which are diluted with water before use.
The concrete composition is diluted strictly according to the instructions. Too thick a solution will spread poorly, too rare will reduce the quality of the finished coating.
Semi-liquid solution is poured with a thin layer on a cleaned base and leveled. Optimum layer thickness for the garage: 1.5 cm. Use such a coating only after complete drying.Bulk floors in the garage align the base well, have excellent adhesion to the base and high strength.
Characteristics:
- readiness for operation no earlier than 7 days;
- compressive strength - 40 MPa;
- aligns the base.
Liquid floors in liquid form are “poured” onto the base and, solidifying, independently form an even horizontal surface. The composition of such mixtures may vary and the question arises which of the bulk floors is better. Our material will help to make a choice:https://floor.expertexpro.com/en/pol-pokritiya/nalivnoi/kakoj-nalivnoj-pol-luchshe.html.
Polymer floors
Polymer floors are divided according to the compositions used into:
- polyurethane;
- epoxy;
- polymethylmethacrylate.
Polymeric compositions after application to the floor form a continuous waterproof layer. One or two component materials are applied to the substrate with a moisture content not exceeding 4-5%. Work is carried out at positive temperatures. Be sure to apply two coats of primer. Epoxy compounds are easier to apply than polyurethane, but have less wear resistance.
The starting polymers are transparent. But in the manufacture of them add various fillers (tinting, granite chips, quartz sand).
In addition to the attractiveness of the top layer, fillers give the coating anti-slip properties. If, when laying polymers, put it on the wall by 10 centimeters, the floors can be washed from the hose.
Characteristics:
- operational readiness after 15 days;
- compressive strength - 70-90 MPa;
- service life up to 45 years.
Bulk polymer floors are also called “liquid linoleum” - they are so comfortable to use. Minimal shrinkage, high elasticity and modern aesthetics - these are the qualities due to which polymer floors are gaining popularity. You can read more about such coverage in the article: https://floor.expertexpro.com/en/pol-pokritiya/nalivnoi/polimernye-poly-svoimi-rukami.html.
Modular flooring
The easiest flooring to install is modular PVC tiles for industrial use. This rubber flooring for the garage is designed specifically for floors subject to heavy loads. Heat-resistant PVC used in the manufacture of the product is resistant to most chemicals.
Laying tiles is carried out without the use of adhesives, and due to special “locks”.
Characteristics:
- ready for use immediately after installation;
- quick installation even on inclined planes;
- anti-slip effect even on wet surfaces;
- high resistance to wear and stress;
- noise and vibration absorption;
- resistance to burning, as well as acids and alkalis.
In custody
As you can see, the options for flooring for the garage are enough to make a choice. It depends on the financial capabilities and the desire of the car owner. When choosing, it should be borne in mind that inexpensive coatings have to be changed more often. Dear ones will last longer. Decide for yourself to be squandered right away and lay a reliable cover or save now, but return to this issue in speed.
