If you’re planning to install an epoxy floor coating in your Western Colorado garage, the condition of the concrete beneath it plays a major role in how well that coating performs. Cracks, surface wear, and moisture-related issues can all shorten the lifespan of a coating if they aren’t addressed correctly before installation. Here are the most common types of garage concrete damage that should be repaired before moving forward with an epoxy floor coating.
Cracks Caused by Concrete Movement
There are two types of concrete: concrete that’s cracked, and concrete that’s going to crack. In Western Colorado, temperature swings and seasonal changes make expansion and contraction unavoidable, regardless of the slab’s age.
Because concrete moves, cracks should never be repaired with rigid materials. Before installing a garage floor coating, cracks must be repaired using a flexible elastomeric filler. This allows the repair to move with the slab, helping mitigate inevitable shifting that could otherwise show through the finished coating over time.
Surface Wear That Interferes With Epoxy Floor Coating Adhesion
Garage floors often show signs of surface deterioration such as pitting, flaking, or weakened concrete. While these issues may appear cosmetic, they can prevent epoxy from bonding properly.
Professional installers address this type of damage through diamond grinding. Grinding removes compromised concrete and creates the proper surface profile so the epoxy floor coating can form a strong mechanical bond. Without this step, the risk of peeling or delamination increases significantly.
Moisture Issues Beneath the Concrete Surface
All concrete contains moisture. Before applying epoxy coatings, installers should test moisture levels using calibrated meters. If moisture readings are elevated, a moisture-mitigating epoxy primer is required as the base coat (not a thin, quick cure polyurea or polyaspartic). The thick epoxy primer acts as a moisture vapor barrier protecting the entire coating system from future moisture-related issues.
The use of the slower-curing epoxy base coat is one reason higher-quality systems often require a 2-day installation instead of a rushed 1-day approach. Moisture mitigation protects the coating where most failures actually begin, below the surface.
See What an Epoxy Floor Coating Could Look Like in Your Garage
If you’re considering an epoxy floor coating for your Western Colorado garage, proper concrete repair and preparation should always come first. Garage Floor Coating Western Colorado specializes in professional surface prep, flexible crack repair, and moisture-mitigating systems designed for long-term performance.
You can also explore the Live Coatings Visualizer to preview how different epoxy floor coating options could look in your actual garage before making a decision. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward a garage floor built to last.