If you’re thinking about installing an epoxy floor coating in your garage, the condition of the concrete underneath matters more than most homeowners expect. Cracks, surface deterioration, and moisture issues can all compromise how well a coating bonds and how long it lasts. When these problems aren’t addressed properly, even a great-looking floor can fail early. Below are the most common types of garage concrete damage that must be repaired before an epoxy floor coating is installed.
Cracks and Concrete Movement That Can’t Be Ignored
Every experienced installer knows the truth about concrete. There are two types of concrete: concrete that’s cracked, and concrete that’s going to crack. Whether your slab is relatively new or decades old, expansion and contraction are unavoidable.
Because concrete moves, cracks should never be repaired with rigid materials. Before installing an epoxy floor coating, cracks must be repaired using a flexible elastomeric filler. This allows the repair to move with the slab, helping mitigate inevitable shifting that could otherwise lead to visible crack lines or coating failure over time.
Surface Wear That Prevents an Epoxy Floor Coating From Bonding
Many garage floors show signs of surface damage such as pitting, flaking, or weakened concrete. While this damage may seem minor, it directly interferes with adhesion.
Professional installers correct these issues through diamond grinding. Grinding removes compromised concrete and creates the proper surface profile needed for an epoxy floor coating to bond mechanically. Without this step, coatings are far more likely to peel or delaminate prematurely.
Moisture Issues Beneath the Concrete Surface
All concrete contains moisture. Before applying epoxy coatings, installers should test moisture levels using calibrated meters. If moisture readings are elevated, a slower-curing, moisture-mitigating primer is required to protect the bond between the slab and the coating. (It acts as a thick moisture vapor barrier).
The use of the slower-curing base coat is one reason higher-quality systems often require a 2-day installation instead of a rushed 1-day approach. Moisture mitigation protects the coating at the point where most failures actually begin, below the surface.
See What an Epoxy Floor Coating Could Look Like in Your Garage
If you’re considering an epoxy floor coating for your Maryland garage, proper concrete repair and preparation should always come first. Garage Floor Coatings of Maryland specializes in professional surface prep, flexible crack repair, and moisture-mitigating systems designed for long-term performance.
You can also explore the Live Coatings Visualizer to see how different epoxy floor coating options could look in your actual garage before making a decision. Contact Garage Floor Coatings of Maryland today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward a garage floor built to last.
