Are Typical Garage Floors Concrete?

Garage Floors

• Garage floors are typically made of concrete. To be up to code, garage flooring must be constructed from a nonflammable substance. They also have to be sloped so they drain away from the main building of your house. Because people spend relatively little time in the garage compared to the rest of the house, often less care is taken with both the appearance and the moisture proofing of the floor. Garage floors are subjected to exposure to wet substances, chemicals and dirt more than other floors in the house.

Concrete

• Concrete is nonflammable and stands up well to both moisture and dirt. Easily cared for, most concrete garage floors just need sweeping for maintenance. These qualities make it the most common flooring material for garages. Over time, exposure to oil or road salt can stain and pit a concrete floor. Exposure to persistent moisture or earth shifting can lead to cracking, which is both unsightly and a potential trip hazard. Concrete can be repaired through the use of patching material and sealants.

Upgrades

• If you spend time in your garage, working on your car or on other projects, you may prefer a better looking or more comfortable floor. For a simple upgrade, paint the garage floor. Etch it with acid to remove all dirt, then paint it with a two-part epoxy coating. Even without sealing, the paint resists automotive chemicals including oil. Rolled PVC flooring doesn’t need to be permanently bonded to the concrete floor and comes in a variety of colors. Interlocking vinyl tiles provide cushioning and can be installed in a variety of patterns.

Considerations

• No matter what you choose to do with your garage floor, moisture will always be a concern. Painting and sealing a concrete floor can interfere with its ability to breathe, which may lead to moisture buildup beneath and within the concrete. Floor coverings sit on top of concrete, with space beneath for the concrete to breathe and for moisture to build up. Keeping your concrete garage floor clean and monitoring it for standing water can help prolong its life.