Montana’s climate can be harsh, and if you are considering a garage floor epoxy coating, you may be deciding between a DIY kit or a professional installation. Each approach has distinct advantages and drawbacks. In this blog, we’ll answer the question “Can’t I just DIY my garage floor epoxy coating?”.
DIY Garage Floor Coatings: What to Expect
Con: Surface Preparation Limitations
Surface preparation is one of the most critical factors in the success of a garage floor coating. In Montana, where winter temperatures can drop significantly, concrete is subjected to frequent freeze-thaw cycles. DIY kits typically recommend acid etching, which does not create a sufficient concrete “profile” (roughness) to ensure proper adhesion of the primer coat. Inadequate concrete preparation can lead to peeling, cracking, or bubbling of the coating when exposed to temperature variations.
Con: Quality of Materials
The materials in DIY kits are typically lower quality, which means the coatings are thinner, less resilient, and more prone to fading. In Montana’s climate, where road salt, moisture, and UV exposure are prevalent, these low-grade coatings often do not perform well over time.
Pro: Affordability and Convenience
DIY epoxy floor installation kits are often marketed as an easy and affordable way to upgrade your garage flooring. For homeowners seeking a budget-friendly project, these kits might seem like the perfect solution. However, the trade-off is often in the quality of the finish and its ability to handle Montana’s weather.
Pro: Working with Your Hands
The one saving grace of DIY kits is that you get to work with your hands to improve your home. We understand the power of that. However, installing an epoxy floor in your home is more akin to an in-depth plumbing repair job, it’s not like you’re just installing an RO system or painting a room.
Advantages of Professional Installation
Pro: Specialized Preparation Techniques
Professional installers use mechanical grinders to prepare the concrete surface thoroughly. This ensures the epoxy primer coat penetrates and effectively bonds with the concrete, reducing the risk of failure even in extreme conditions. (We use a quality, 100%-solids, moisture-mitigating epoxy as a moisture vapor barrier). The attention to surface preparation is crucial for maintaining a strong and durable bond.
Pro: High-Performance Coatings
The polyaspartic coatings used by professionals as color and clear tp coats are specifically designed to provide superior resistance to UV rays and chemicals, These high-performance coatings maintain their integrity even in the harsh Montana climate, ensuring a long-lasting, attractive garage floor.
Pro: Professional Assurance
When you hire GFC professionals, you also benefit from a warranty that protects your investment. For us, that includes moisture-related issues which are the number one reason why coatings fail. Our customer service is also a part of this, so you’ll not only get the best floor possible, but it will be the least disruptive and you’ll know exactly what’s happening every step of the way.
Conclusion: Make the Smart Choice for Montana
While DIY kits may appear economical, the risks of improper surface preparation and low-quality materials make them a less reliable option. Professional, residential epoxy floor installation provides the expertise, quality materials, and warranty protection necessary to ensure a durable and visually appealing garage floor in Montana’s challenging climate.
