Post Garage Floor Installation Expectations
You’ve probably been looking forward to your new garage floor installation for a while now, and the time is finally here. But have you thought about what comes afterward?
In the post-installation phase, you’ll want to ensure you understand how to treat your new floor and care for it so it looks its best and lasts for a long time.
While these kinds of floors are very durable, proper care goes a long way. That’s especially true in the first few days and weeks after installation. Here’s what you need to know.
How Long Will It Be Until You Can Use Your Garage Again?
Using your garage is important, but you also want to protect it properly. Fortunately, you won’t have to wait long to use your garage again.
The actual work of preparing and coating the floor takes two days, with one day to make repairs and preparations and a second day to install the coating itself.
After that’s done, and depending on the weather conditions, you’ll be able to get back to putting your vehicle in the garage within 24 to 36 hours.
While some companies advertise that they can do the entire thing in a day, we don’t advise that. It can rush the job and reduce the effectiveness of the coating, which doesn’t have time to cure properly.
How Long Does the Smell of the New Floor Linger?
The smell of the new coating won’t last long and will be minimal in strength. Since the coating is free of any kind of solvents, there’s nothing in the odor that will cause a health risk.
The coating and any light smell from it is completely safe for pets, people, and the environment. You shouldn’t notice any smell after a few days or weeks.
What’s the Best Way to Maintain and Care for Your Garage Floor?
The maintenance and care of your garage floor is what will keep it looking great and working well for as long as possible. The best way to clean your new garage floor is with a solution of eight parts water to one part ammonia.
You can also use a soft towel for drying the floor after you’re done. After cleaning, close the doors and windows to keep dirt and debris from getting in.
Before you start cleaning, though, make sure you test the solution you mixed or one you purchased. Test it out on a small patch of floor and ensure that it doesn’t cause damage or leave a residue.
You definitely don’t want to use any kind of cleaner that’s abrasive or will leave scratches, and you also want to avoid using bleach. That includes cleaners that come with bleach in them, even if they’re diluted.
So, What’s the Bottom Line?
Your new garage floor is strong and durable, but it still needs good care. When you’re careful with the cleaners you use and how you maintain your floor, it’ll look its best and hold up well for a very long time.
