Frequently Asked Questions

Concrete must be clean, dry, and properly profiled or epoxy won't bond—leading to peeling and delamination within months. Surface contaminants, moisture vapor, and weak concrete all cause failure. Proper prep removes these issues before coating, which is why FlorDek includes assessment and prep in every job rather than skipping steps.

Concrete expands when moisture freezes inside it, then contracts during thaw—this cycle creates surface cracks and spalling that compromise coatings. Garage floors face road salt, temperature swings, and moisture intrusion from vehicles. Quality epoxy with proper substrate prep resists this stress better than paint or DIY kits.

Spray application covers large areas faster and creates seamless, uniform thickness without roller marks or lap lines. Rolled epoxy works well for detailed edges but takes longer on open warehouse or garage floors. For jobs over 900 square feet, spraying reduces labor time while maintaining even coverage and consistent texture.

Wet environments—pool decks, commercial kitchens, warehouse loading zones—need textured grip to prevent slips. The additive type and grit size get matched to the specific hazard: fine texture for barefoot areas, coarser for oily or constantly wet floors. Smooth epoxy becomes dangerously slick when moisture is present.

Moisture vapor rising through concrete, oil or chemical contamination on the surface, and inadequate mechanical profiling all prevent proper adhesion. If the installer skips vapor testing or surface prep, the coating floats over the concrete instead of bonding. Once delamination starts, it spreads and requires complete removal and reapplication.

Metallic pigments create depth and movement—the finish looks three-dimensional with color shifts depending on viewing angle. Solid colors provide uniform appearance across the floor. Metallics require artistic application technique to control the pattern, which is why they're priced higher and used for showrooms, retail spaces, and premium residential garages.

Cracks, spalling, and structural damage must be repaired first—epoxy coatings aren't gap-fillers or structural fixes. Epoxy crack injection stabilizes active cracks, and spall repair rebuilds deteriorated areas before coating. Coating over damaged concrete transfers the failure to the new surface, causing visible defects and premature breakdown.

Moisture vapor testing, surface contamination check, concrete strength evaluation, and crack pattern analysis identify issues that affect coating performance. The assessment determines which prep methods to use—grinding depth, crack repair approach, sealing requirements. Skipping this step means guessing whether the concrete will hold the coating long-term.

Forklift traffic, heavy machinery, chemical spills, and constant loading create wear patterns that residential epoxy can't handle. Industrial coatings use thicker mil builds, chemical-resistant resins, and impact-rated formulations. Load type and frequency determine which system to specify—a garage coating would fail quickly under warehouse conditions.

Polished concrete delivers granite-like gloss with zero topical coating to wear off—you're polishing the concrete itself to a dense, reflective surface. Epoxy adds a resin layer on top that can scratch or dull in high-traffic areas. Polished concrete resists scuffing better and maintains its finish longer in storefronts and showrooms.

The warranty covers installation workmanship—proper surface prep, correct application technique, and adherence to manufacturer specifications. It's held strong across 20 years and countless projects because the work is done right the first time. Material performance is covered separately by manufacturer warranties, while labor quality is guaranteed for the life of the properly maintained floor.

Temperature and humidity affect cure time and bond strength—most epoxies require substrate temperatures above 50°F and controlled moisture levels. Unheated garages and outdoor concrete drop below this threshold in winter. Spring through fall provides stable conditions, though heated spaces can accommodate winter application if temperatures stay consistent throughout curing.