How to Fix a Pitted Garage Floor
Even the smoothest of concrete surfaces can eventually succumb to wear. A pitted garage floor can yield more than a jagged appearance. If left alone, these small holes can grow in size and number. Fortunately, a concrete garage floor can be cleaned and resurfaced in a day; most of the time, it can even be a fun DIY project. In the end you can count on a smoother, more durable floor by taking the following steps. Steps to Fixing a Pitted Garage Floor 1. Thoroughly Clean the Garage Floor As mottled as the floor may look, your first step should be to clean it. Any refinishing solution requires a clean surface to bond to. If it’s dusty, moldy, or otherwise dirty, the finish won’t adhere. Apply the solution following the instructions provided by the manufacturer; let it sit and then power wash the floor with a pressure washer. Let the surface dry for at least 24 hours before proceeding with the next steps. 2. Check the Integrity of the Concrete Remove any broken or loose concrete (using a hammer and chisel if necessary). Also, try tapping areas around damaged spots with the hammer, listening for hollow sounds that can indicate loose material. This indicates there is damage, so hit it harder with the hammer to expose it. Sweep the area clean and make sure all damaged areas are visible and ready to be fixed. Sometimes, this step requires professional work such as grinding or shot blasting. 3. Prep Your Garage Floor Pitting on concrete garage floors usually doesn’t extend more than ½ inch deep. After removing any broken or loose concrete, remove any oil stains, sealers, wax, or any bond-breaking material. Fill any holes with a dab of caulking or foam backer rod (best for single pits). Caulking or a crack sealer can be used to fill any cracks in the surface. Place tape on each side of a crack before inserting filler material, so excess doesn’t spread onto the rest of the floor, and use a putty knife or trowel to smooth it out. The tape can be removed when you complete this part. 4. Apply the Finish Different floor solutions require different procedures. Some require a coat of primer before the main finish, while others require the floor to be pre-soaked with water first. Each product will come with instructions specific to its formulation. Mix the resurfacing solution and then pour it directly onto the concrete. If working in a small area, use a metal trowel, but for a larger floor, a floor squeegee is best. Make sure all pits are completely filled with multiple passes from different angles. There are generally two types of repair products you can use: Epoxy: An epoxy is best for minor pitting. Depending on the size of the area, you can use a 2-part epoxy or a 100% epoxy concrete patch. An epoxy patch with sand aggregate that acts as a filler is better for larger areas. Use pressure when troweling because it forces the material into pits and crevasses while pushing out trapped air. Then use a cement float to smooth out the mix, and leave it to cure before painting or applying a final finish. Polymer-Modified Cement: A mixture of Portland cement, polymers, and sand aggregate, this product just needs water and you can apply the mix to patch concrete or resurface your garage floor. Polymer-modified cements adhere well and can be mixed thicker or thinner depending on the type of damage. Some manufacturers have products for deeper pitting and may need a priming liquid for preparation. 5. Finish the Job After applying the material, check the surface often as concrete tends to shrink during the curing and drying process. A metal trowel or squeegee helps smooth out the floor. For non-slip floors, use a broom and pull it across the surface, gently, before the surface is dry. The indented lines will add some roughness, so the floor is less slippery. Epoxy paints or other finishes can be added on top of the underlying epoxy. Contact Precision Door Service of Las Vegas As garage professionals, we know how important the quality of your garage flooring is. We hope you benefit from the above tips. If you need help with garage door installation, repair, or maintenance, you can trust Precision Garage Door of Las Vegas. Our certified technicians can address any issue and are available 24/7; and our trucks are fully stocked so repairs are made quickly. Learn more about our services, special offers, and products by calling 702-637-2700 today!
7 Easy Garage Organization Ideas
A lack of garage organization can drastically reduce your its’ usefulness. Besides, no one is proud of their garage if it’s a cluttered mess. But rather than neglecting your garage, there are easy organization ideas that will turn it into the functional space it can be. When carefully planned, a garage organization project can be completed in a few days. Here are 7 ideas to start with, so you can maximize your garage’s utility relatively quickly: 7 Easy Garage Organization Ideas 1. Organize It Into Zones Categorizing everything you store in the garage can help identify individual zones to divide your space into. Things you use less frequently should be further and higher up from the door, while items you use often should be stored at eye level so they’re easy to access. To achieve this, it helps to map out your garage for: Sports Equipment: Sports gear is best stored on hanging rails, while plastic bins are best for accessories such as baseballs, pool supplies, and athletic clothing. Specialized hooks, racks, and hoists can be used for bikes. Lawn/Garden Tools: Should be stored off the floor, using a storage rail or wall panel system. Shelves and cabinets will also do, while larger equipment, such as mowers, can be placed on the floor. Household Items: Frequently used items can be stored on open wire shelves, at eye level. For stuff you don’t use often, use the highest and lowest areas of the garage. Ceiling storage is best for seasonal items. 2. Wall Storage The clearest path to garage organization is to keep things off the floor and on the wall. Wall-mounted racks serve this purpose and can be used for bikes, skis, and other sporting equipment. Pegboards can be customized to create a layout of tools that works best for you. But a simple wall-mounted tool organizer can do depending on your needs. Other ideas include magnetic shelves for smaller items, and slat walls you can arrange hooks on and place items horizontally or vertically. 3. Overhead Storage Attaching to the ceiling joists, overhead storage racks can hold clear plastic bins, so you can easily identify what’s inside. You can therefore know where infrequently used items are and gain access when you need them. Ceiling storage is also ideal for long flat items such as surfboards, skis, and ladders. 4. Mobile Storage Rolling shelves afford flexibility, as the entire unit can be relocated as needed. You can continue to reorganize your garage or make additional room while keeping all the stored boxes, bins, and loose items where they are. There are even mobile storage units for garden items, which allow you to prepare potted plants and store tools, soil bags, or seeds in small shelves. 5. Open Shelving Open shelving units are extremely versatile and easy to organize. You have a full view of your storage, while items are easier to keep track of and are accessible. Many solutions provide ample storage above for seasonal items. In addition to tiered storage, this type of organization helps to maximize use of your garage’s wall space. 6. Weather-tight Bins If seasonal temperature and humidity where you live fluctuates dramatically, delicate items can be damaged if not stored properly. Weathertight bins can tolerate temperature extremes and provide a cool, dark place to store clothing, linens, and shoes. You can essentially create a new bedroom closet and not worry about items getting ruined. 7. Labels Label every drawer, bin, or container so you can immediately identify what’s there. Many of the items you store in the garage aren’t used often or may be seasonal. It’s possible you won’t remember where you put something six months before! Labels can be created with a label maker or by writing the name on a paper strip you stick to a bin with clear tape. Need Help with Your Garage Door? Call Precision Door Service of Las Vegas We offer a wide range high-quality garage doors and garage door openers. Our garage door professionals in Las Vegas can even help find a configuration that is in line with your storage needs, so you can make use of extra space. Replacement parts are available, and we offer repair services as well as financing. Learn more about our services, specials, and choices by calling 702-637-2700 today!