#1 Garage Coatings in Chicagoland
Concrete Coatings
Concrete garage coatings in chicagoland
Do you want to rejuvenate your garage? Looking for a tough floor coating solution? Level 10 offers a range of floor coating options that not only enhance the appearance of your garage but also improve its durability. Our solutions, including solid color systems and vibrant metallic coatings, breathe new life into spaces in need of a sturdy and easy-to-maintain floor. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an older one, we’re here to provide top-notch service.
Your garage’s concrete floor endures a lot of wear and tear from vehicles, heavy equipment, foot traffic, and weather, resulting in stains and damage. Beyond detracting from your garage’s aesthetics, a damaged and stained floor can also be harmful to your vehicle’s tires. Additionally, pits, cracks, and stains can pose safety risks to you and your family.
OUR GALLERY
SOME RECENT garage PROJECTS
PREMIER CUSTOMER SERVICE
Level 10 Coatings proudly provides Crown Point, IN, homeowners with lasting, impact and slip-resistant floor coating options that help improve their garage floor’s looks and functionality.
Our garage floor solutions help increase the strength of your concrete floors, enabling them to stand the test of time, regardless of the amount of abuse they experience.
WHY CHOOSE US
WHAT MAKES US THE BEST
TOP-NOTCH CUSTOMER SERVICE
We take pride in delivering top-notch customer service, going above and beyond to ensure your experience is smooth and satisfactory from start to finish.
LIFETIME WRITTEN WARRANTY
When you choose Level 10 Coatings, you're not just getting a product; you're investing in peace of mind. Our coatings come with a lifetime warranty, a testament to their exceptional quality and long-lasting performance.
TRUSTED BY THE COMMUNITY
With countless happy customers and positive reviews, Level 10 Coatings has earned the trust of the community. We believe in transparent and honest relationships with our clients.
QUALIFIED INSTALLERS
Our coatings are only as good as the installers who apply them, which is why we handpick and extensively train our installation team. Our qualified installers are experienced professionals.
PROPRIETARY MATERIALS
Level 10 Coatings stands at the forefront of innovation, utilizing proprietary materials that have been developed through rigorous research and development.
1 DAY INSTALLS
We understand that time is valuable, which is why our efficient team can complete the installation of our coatings in just one day. Despite the speed, we never compromise on quality.
QUALITY GARAGE FLOOR COATING
Level 10 Coatings proudly provides Crown Point, IN, homeowners with lasting, impact and slip-resistant floor coating options that help improve their garage floor’s looks and functionality. Our garage floor sealer solutions help increase the strength of your concrete floors, enabling them to stand the test of time, regardless of the amount of abuse they experience.
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OUR FOUR STEP PROCESS MAKES IT EASY FROM THE START!
Reach out for a FREE quote
Approve your estimate
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REVIEWS
Our Customers Love Us
Level 10 did an amazing job with my garage floor. The crew was very professional and took the time to explain, answer any questions. Product is fantastic, but the crew made the experience. Thank you!
From start to finish, Level 10 Coatings was top notch. They responded to my request for an estimate immediately, worked with my schedule, and were at my house the same day. The sales associate who came out was super friendly and informative.
Tim, Ian, and Micah were professional and efficient. They kept us informed through the process. We understood what they were doing when and they completed our garage floor in one day, as scheduled.
Everything You Need to Know about Epoxy Garage Floors
If you’re looking to upgrade your garage with an epoxy garage floor, understanding the installation and upkeep is key for achieving long-lasting and visually pleasing results. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the essentials of selecting, applying, and maintaining an epoxy coating that stands the test of time against the rigorous conditions of your garage.
Key Takeaways
- Epoxy garage floor coatings, composed of epoxy resins and hardeners, provide a durable and visually appealing surface with the added benefits of chemical resistance and slip-free characteristics when properly applied with a UV-stable topcoat.
- Proper floor preparation, including cleaning, moisture testing, and repairing cracks, is essential to ensure successful epoxy coating adhesion. DIY installation can be complex, and professional services like Level 10 Coatings can ensure a flawless finish.
- Long-term maintenance of an epoxy coated floor, like regular cleaning and prompt repair of wear and tear, can preserve its aesthetics and durability. Professional installation, while generally more costly than DIY, can offer better longevity and customization options for your garage.
Understanding Epoxy Garage Floors
Garage floors have traditionally been the uncelebrated workhorses of homes, bearing the brunt of vehicle traffic, oil drips, and more. However, with advancements in flooring technology, garage floors can now be as visually appealing as they are hardworking. This transformation is largely thanks to epoxy floor coatings. These coatings, made from a blend of resins and hardeners, form a solid, rigid plastic material when mixed and hardened.
The result is a surface that is not just pleasing to the eye but also robust enough for the demanding conditions of garage environments. This combination of durability and aesthetic appeal has made epoxy coatings a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance their garage floors.
Preparing Your Garage for Epoxy Coating
Before you can start transforming your garage with an epoxy coating, there are some crucial steps to take to prepare your garage floor. Here’s what you need to do:
- Ensure the garage is completely empty before beginning the preparation process for epoxy coating application.
- Test the concrete slab for moisture; excessive moisture can prevent the epoxy from bonding properly.
- Assess the concrete’s current condition to determine if there are any previous coatings that need to be removed.
Once these steps are taken, it’s time to thoroughly clean the floor to remove all debris and dirt. This step also involves making the concrete rougher through sanding or etching to ensure that the surface is ready for epoxy application. While these steps might seem daunting, they are crucial for ensuring a successful and long-lasting epoxy coating installation.
Cleaning the Concrete Slab
Cleaning the concrete slab is a crucial step in the preparation process. Before the application of epoxy, follow these steps:
- Sweep the floor thoroughly to remove all loose dust and debris.
- For a more thorough clean, power washing can be effective in eliminating surface-level dirt and debris from the concrete slab.
- After making any necessary repairs, vacuum the floor to ensure the complete removal of any remaining dust particles.
Tackling oil stains on the floor requires the use of a suitable concrete cleaner or degreaser. For general cleaning, a mixture of water and ammonia can be used to scrub the concrete surface thoroughly. After the cleaning procedures, rinse the floor completely with water to get rid of any leftover cleaning agents.
The final crucial step is to ensure the concrete slab is fully dried after cleaning before moving on to the epoxy application. If all this sounds too complicated, consider leaving it to a professional like Level 10 Coatings.
Repairing Cracks and Pitting
Addressing any existing flaws in the concrete is an essential aspect of preparation before applying epoxy to ensure the coating adheres properly and remains durable. Here are some solutions for common flaws:
- Hairline cracks can be filled using a primer epoxy.
- Larger cracks require a more robust solution such as a 100% solids epoxy crack filler or polyurethane sealants.
- For surface pitting, concrete patching compounds are suitable to fill the pits before epoxy application.
Expansion joints should be treated with a self-leveling sealant to accommodate concrete movement and prevent future cracking. After patching, the concrete surface should be ground or sanded to ensure it is seamless and level before epoxy coating. If you don’t want to risk messing it up, leave it to a professional like Level 10 Coatings.
Applying Your Epoxy Garage Floor Coating
Now that your garage floor is prepared, it’s time to start the exciting part – applying your epoxy garage floor coating. The process of applying garage floor epoxy involves a primer, a color base coat, and two surface coatings of polyurethane. The application is usually facilitated with an extended paint roller. The first epoxy coating should be applied smoothly and allowed to dry for around 16 hours before applying the second coat.
After applying the base coat, the following steps should be taken:
- Add a second layer of epoxy with non-skid granules if desired.
- Give it up to a week to fully cure before driving cars across the surface.
- Apply a durable topcoat with a low abrasion loss rating.
- Allow up to 16 hours for drying to handle foot traffic.
Remember that inadequate adhesion of the epoxy coating can lead to a lack of long-term durability, possibly necessitating a reapplication within a few years.
Again, if this all sounds too complicated and you don’t want to risk messing it up, leave it to a professional like Level 10 Coatings.
Mixing and Applying the Base Coat
The base coat is the first layer of the epoxy application, and it’s important to get it right. Here’s how to begin coating:
- Before application, it is essential to stir the epoxy paint thoroughly to ensure a consistent mixture.
- Apply a thin, even layer of epoxy using a 3/8” nap roller cover, pad applicator, or nylon-polyester brush.
- For full coverage, the perimeter of the floor area adjacent to walls should be cut in with a brush.
- To avoid creating lap lines, epoxy should be applied in one direction.
- If necessary, a second coat can be applied in a criss-cross direction to ensure uniformity.
The first coat of epoxy should be allowed to dry for at least 4-6 hours before a second coat is considered. It’s recommended that a maximum of two coats be applied to the garage floor.
Adding Flakes and Color Chips for Full Coverage
Adding flakes and color chips to your epoxy garage floor doesn’t just add beauty, but it also increases the floor’s functionality. Here’s how to do it:
- Color flakes should be generously broadcast onto the wet epoxy directly after the base coat is applied to ensure full coverage.
- Using spiked shoes can help achieve an even distribution.
- Color flakes can be tossed by hand for a desired look, either randomly for an organic feel or with intention for a custom design.
Once the base coat and flakes have cured, excess flakes are scraped off, and the surface is vacuumed to clear any loose material before applying the top coat. Flake systems offer a range of sizes from fine to large, enabling customization of floor texture and slip resistance to meet different preferences and requirements.
Sealing with the Top Coat
The final step in applying your epoxy garage floor coating is sealing the floor with a protective top coat. Here’s how to do it:
- Apply a clear epoxy or polyurethane top coat over the color flakes to encapsulate them.
- This will enhance durability and provide a gloss finish.
- The top coat will protect the color coat and color flakes from wear and chemicals.
- It will also create a smooth surface.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your epoxy garage floor coating is long-lasting and looks great.
It’s important to maintain a wet edge while applying the top coat to ensure a smooth, glossy finish without lap lines or roller marks. The top coat usually needs to cure for 24 hours before light foot traffic is allowed and up to 72 hours before placing heavy items or vehicles on the surface. This final step ensures that your epoxy floor is well-protected and ready to withstand anything you throw at it.
Customizing Your Epoxy Garage Floor
Beyond its durability and protective features, one of the greatest appeals of epoxy flooring is its customizability. It can be personalized with a range of textures and colors, contributing to its widespread use due to its aesthetic flexibility. Customization of an epoxy garage floor includes:
- Selecting from different sizes and color palettes of broadcast flake to match the desired appearance
- Preselected epoxy and flake color combinations are typically a reliable choice
- Custom colors can be requested to ensure the floor matches homeowners’ preferences
The texture of an epoxy floor is influenced by the style and quantity of flake broadcast, such as using Armor Granite for a more substantial, granite-like finish. Finishes for epoxy floors range from high-gloss to matte, enabled by topcoats like polyurethane that enhance the overall aesthetic of the floor. Customers have the option to personalize their epoxy and flake colors, which can be specified when placing an order. If you are in the Chicagoland area, contact Level 10 Coatings to hear about their customization options.
Tips for Selecting Color Schemes
Choosing the right color scheme for your epoxy floor can make all the difference in achieving the look you want. Here are some popular options to consider:
- Neutral palette: medium gray basecoat with an autumn brown blend. This is versatile and effectively hides dirt.
- Classic and warm aesthetic: tile red basecoat with an autumn brown blend or a taupe basecoat with a wine barrel heavy broadcast.
- Subtle texture: beige basecoat with a desert sand blend. This suits arid or coastal regions.
- Emulating natural stone: charcoal basecoat paired with a black marble blend.
For a sophisticated and contemporary finish, combine a charcoal basecoat with dark gray, white, and rose flakes. If you’re looking for a dramatic and luxurious look, a black basecoat with the same flakes is a great choice. For a brighter ambiance that enhances the sense of space, a light gray basecoat paired with white, black, and blue flakes is recommended. Keep in mind that the color you choose should not only reflect your personal style but also complement the overall decor of your home.
Creating Texture with Flake Systems
Adding texture to your epoxy floor isn’t just about aesthetics – it also increases the floor’s slip resistance, which is particularly beneficial when the surface is wet. Epoxy flake sizes vary and can influence both the floor’s slip resistance and overall aesthetic. Mixing different colors and sizes of flakes allows for the creation of a customized look, according to individual design preferences or themes.
The use of flake systems can mimic the look of terrazzo, providing an upscale and decorative appearance for garage floors. By combining different flakes, unique personalization can be achieved, catering to specific design themes or preferences. Moreover, the application thickness of flakes can be varied, ranging from a light dusting to full coverage, to achieve various visual and textural outcomes.
Maintaining Your Epoxy Coated Garage Floor
Having an epoxy coated garage floor is just the start – maintaining it to ensure its long-lasting durability is the next step. Epoxy garage floors are a durable and chemical-resistant flooring solution that can withstand motor oil, gasoline, bleach, acids, and many solvents without staining. However, it’s important to regularly remove sand and dirt as even though epoxy floors are tough, they can show damage from multiple scratches over time.
To clean your epoxy floor, follow these steps:
- Use a shop vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove loose dirt and debris. This will prevent scratches and embedding of dirt and grit.
- Mix a mild detergent with warm water and mop the floor. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the epoxy coating.
- Rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue from the detergent.
- Dry the floor with a clean microfiber mop or towel to prevent water spots.
By following these cleaning steps regularly, you can maintain the beauty and durability of your epoxy garage floor.
For regular and spot cleaning, avoid using soap-based cleaners as they leave a haze and instead use warm water and a mop or brush. For heavier soil, sweep and vacuum before mopping with warm or hot water, and a clear ammonia/water mix can be used for extra cleanliness. Regular maintenance not only keeps your epoxy floor looking its best but also extends its lifespan, giving you more value for your investment.
Regular Cleaning Practices
Regular cleaning practices can go a long way in maintaining the beauty and longevity of your epoxy coated garage floor. Epoxy floor coatings are easy to clean with warm soapy water or a degreaser, as they seal the underlying concrete. The preferred cleaning process for epoxy floors involves:
- Sweeping or vacuuming
- Mopping with a soap and hot water mixture
- Scrubbing
- Rinsing
It’s important to use a non-enzymatic, neutral-PH soap for daily cleaning of epoxy floors to prevent damage from chemical breakdown. For tough stains, tools such as a deck brush, steam cleaner, or pressure washer are recommended. A bi-weekly deep cleaning schedule using mechanical aids like power washers or rotary scrubbers is advisable for long-term maintenance. Avoid using vinegar, ammonia, citrus cleaners, or bleach on epoxy floors as they can cause surface damage.
For cleaning off rust or similar stains, use a kitchen sponge or soft deck brush with warm water, avoiding steel wool and harsh chemicals.
Dealing with Wear and Tear
Despite the durability of epoxy floors, they’re not immune to wear and tear. Minor scratches on epoxy surfaces can be repaired by following these steps:
- Use fine-grit sandpaper or a specialized epoxy scratch repair kit to gently sand the scratch in a circular motion.
- Blend the scratch with the surrounding surface for a seamless appearance.
- After sanding, apply a polishing compound to restore the shine of the epoxy floor.
It’s also important to be mindful when moving heavy machinery across the floor. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Ensure the surface is free from all the dust and grit to prevent scratches and wear.
- Maintain the protective topcoat of the epoxy floor regularly to prevent the underlying layers from being exposed and suffering from repeat wear.
- Clean spills quickly and use appropriate cleaning tools, such as deck brushes or pressure washers for stubborn stains, to address scuffs and scratches caused by foot traffic and machinery.
Remember, the hardness and thickness of the epoxy coating contribute to its resistance to abrasion from metal-wheeled toolboxes and heavy equipment.
Cost Considerations for Epoxy Garage Flooring
While epoxy garage flooring offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider the associated costs. When considering epoxy garage floor installations, several factors must be evaluated for their impact on the overall cost. The mil thickness of the epoxy coating is a critical parameter, with thicker coatings typically requiring more materials and possibly increasing labor costs. The chosen epoxy’s adhesion level is paramount for ensuring longevity and reducing the likelihood of future expenditure on floor maintenance or re-coating.
Durability factors such as the coating’s resistance to the garage’s operational environment and the ease with which the product can be applied directly relate to both upfront and long-term maintenance costs.
Average Costs per Square Foot
To give you a clearer picture, epoxy garage flooring costs on average between $3 and $12 per square foot, with the type of epoxy used varying from $0.50 to $3 per square foot. Here are some examples of the cost for different sizes of garages:
- For a standard one-car garage around 200 square feet, the cost can range from $700 to $2,900.
- A 500 square foot garage may cost $1,500–$6,000 professionally or $1,000–$2,500 DIY.
- A three-car garage at about 700 square feet can range from $2,200 to $9,500.
Professional epoxy application costs between $3 and $12 per square foot, while DIY application costs between $2 and $5 per square foot. Site preparation for epoxy flooring, including power washing, acid etching, or sandblasting, tends to cost between $1 and $5 per square foot. High-quality epoxy floors typically range from $4,000 to $5,500 for a two-car garage, utilizing materials such as 100% solids epoxy, polyurethane, and polyaspartic coatings.
As always, it’s best to contact a local professional for an in-person inspection and quote. If you are in the Chicagoland area, contact Level 10 Coatings for a free consultation and quote.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
The choice between DIY and professional installation is another crucial consideration. Professional installation can ensure a longer-lasting and more decorative epoxy floor that often requires advanced expertise. Labor costs for professional installation can range from $4 to $12 per square foot, making up to 65% of the total cost.
On the other hand, DIY installation poses challenges such as achieving an even and smooth surface, and fixing mistakes can be costly. DIY kits require additional equipment not included, such as power washers and drills, potentially adding to the overall cost.
Ultimately, the choice between DIY and professional installation depends on your comfort level, budget, and the desired outcome. If you’re unsure, remember that professional services like Level 10 Coatings are always available to ensure a flawless finish.
Level 10 Coatings’ Expertise in Epoxy Flooring for Garages
If you’re convinced that epoxy flooring is the way to go for your garage, Level 10 Coatings is the perfect partner for you. Providing a comprehensive range of concrete coating services in the Chicagoland area, Level 10 Coatings offers durable, impact, and slip-resistant floor coating options for garages. Their solutions are designed to withstand wear and tear from vehicles, heavy equipment, foot traffic, and weather.
Level 10 Coatings offers the following services:
- Polished concrete
- Poly flake systems
- Solid epoxy
- Metallic epoxy
- Grind & seal treatments
These various coatings are tailored to various uses and known for their durability, easy maintenance, and quick installation. Epoxy flooring by Level 10 Coatings is highly durable, making it an excellent choice for commercial and industrial applications, especially when using epoxy floor coating.
They also help to create an environmentally friendly space by reducing harmful substances and enhancing brightness, leading to energy savings.
Epoxy Garage Floors in Industrial and Warehouse Applications
Level 10 Coatings isn’t just for residential garages. They also have years of experience and expertise in coating industrial and warehouse floors for various industries. Some benefits of their epoxy coatings include:
- Creating a smooth and hard-wearing floor resistant to wear and tear
- Suitable for areas with heavy machinery and foot traffic
- Capable of withstanding heavy loads and severe impacts
- Resistant to chemicals, beneficial for pharmaceutical manufacturing, warehouses, and industrial plants.
In addition to standard epoxy formulations, urethane cement provides high chemical resistance and extreme resistance to thermal shock in demanding industrial applications. Specialized ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) epoxy floors are utilized to create a conductive surface to prevent static electricity accumulation, which is vital for areas with sensitive electronic equipment. The installation process for epoxy flooring is efficient, avoiding a prolonged shutdown of operations, thus minimizing downtimes for businesses.
If you are in the Chicagoland area, contact Level 10 Coatings for a free consultation and quote.
Epoxy garage flooring is a game-changer for transforming your garage into a functional, aesthetically pleasing space. Its durability, protective characteristics, and customizability make it a popular choice for homeowners. However, the process of preparation, application, and maintenance is crucial for the longevity and beauty of your epoxy floor. While DIY installation may seem attractive, professional services like Level 10 Coatings provide expertise and quality that can save you time, effort, and potential mistakes. Whether it’s for your home garage or industrial warehouse, epoxy flooring is an investment that pays off in durability, beauty, and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is epoxy garage flooring?
Epoxy garage flooring is a highly durable coating made from a mix of resins and hardeners, creating a tough plastic material suited for garage conditions. It provides a strong and long-lasting surface for garage floors.
Is it worth putting epoxy on a garage floor?
Yes, putting epoxy on your garage floor is worth it because it creates a smooth, seamless, and durable surface that is easy to clean and maintain, providing resistance to stains, chemicals, and abrasions.
How long will an epoxy garage floor last?
Epoxy garage floors can last from 10 to more than 20 years with proper maintenance. So, it’s a durable option for your garage flooring.
Can I epoxy my garage floor myself?
Yes, you can epoxy your garage floor yourself. However, it can be difficult as a beginner DIY project. Professional installation crews will also have access to industrial-grade equipment and in most cases, will be able to finish the job in one day.
What is the downside to an epoxy garage?
The downside to using epoxy in a garage is its poor flexibility in areas with extreme temperature changes, potentially leading to chipping or peeling. This can result in a shorter lifespan for the garage flooring in such environments.
