When something is in disarray, as garages tend to get over time, it can be difficult to see when it’s time for a change. You can grow accustomed to seeing it a certain way, possibly forgetting the way it used to be, or that it can always get worse. If you’ve ever felt this way, here is a guide to help you figure out if it’s time to replace the flooring in your garage or auto shop.
Should I Get New Floors for a Car Garage?
Is the Floor Safe for Walking?
This might seem like stupid thing to check for, but many garages become a place for storing things, or for working on cars. Dirt, oil, and grime can accumulate on the surface of the floor for a very long time. This is never a good thing. For example, if you have a hardwood floor, the wood is likely soaked all the way through with oil in places where it was heavily concentrated. Factor in a couple brutal Nashville summers on top of it, and you have a floor that might support your weight … or totally crumble the second you step on it.
The same is true for other common flooring options as well. If left alone, vinyl and laminate floors tend to warp. Carpet will smell and hold onto to many allergens. Even if you and your household do not spend much time in the garage, it’s important to bear these safety factors in mind and prepare for the unexpected.
What About Concrete Flooring?
Many flooring materials cannot handle the rigors of the elements and seasonal changes. This is why most people use concrete floors for their garages – and especially in auto shops. Nevertheless, even though it’s the toughest material around, even the mightiest mountains can eventually crumble. The best way to figure out if your concrete floor needs to be replaced is to look for cracks. The more cracks, and the deeper they go, the more likely it is that you will need to replace the whole floor instead of simply filling them in. Eventually the cracking and breakdown of the floor will lead to internal cracking, making it unsafe. Don’t be caught off guard! Check your floor for cracks on a regular basis.
Are There Other Options for Garage Flooring?
While concrete flooring is the best option for your garage or auto shop, it’s not the only one that works well. When properly maintained, vinyl flooring is a great option. Since the material is made up of a series of flattened layers, it makes it much more difficult for anything like water or oil to make it to the subfloor. Stone flooring also has all of the benefits that concrete offers, but sacrifices a bit of durability and style. Rubber flooring is another option and works especially well if you use your garage as a gym.
Garage flooring is often ignored since many garages are places where old stuff gets forgotten. Make sure your floors aren’t crumbling and ready to give way at any moment by checking their sturdiness regularly. When it is time to make the switch, be sure to talk to the professionals here at Ozburn-Hessey. We are happy to chat with you at any time!
