Dusty garage floor in new build property

Garage floor : Dusty surface problems ?

A common complaint from new home owners is that the their garage floor has a rough, uneven finish and has a constant chalky, dusty surface, with pitting in places.

This is very hard to maintain, virtually impossible to fully remove the dust – No matter how much they brush or vacuum the dust away, they can never quite get rid of it. Some also complain of cracking.

Possible causes

A dusty floor in a new build garage is typically caused by unsealed concrete or poor finishing.

• Sloppy concrete – Contractors have made the concrete too wet in order to level it more easily
• Concrete drying out prematurely
• Low levels of cement in the original mix
• Concrete drying out prematurely

Aggregate will sink to the bottom of the concrete and the rising water will carry cement particles with it weakening the concrete and causing the dust. ‘Over working’ the concrete has a similar effect.

This breaks down the surface, creating an ongoing cycle of cement powder.

Typical epoxy garage floor costs in the UK

For most domestic garages the price is largely determined by the floor area and the level of preparation required. Professional installation includes mechanical preparation of the concrete floor, crack repairs where necessary and the application of a high quality two pack epoxy resin coating system.

As a general guide…

These figures represent a typical professional installation using a durable epoxy coating system applied to a structurally sound concrete base. Decorative epoxy flake installations are typically approximately 35% on top of a standard epoxy system.

For larger commercial garages, workshops or industrial buildings the pricing structure usually changes to a square metre rate.

Larger commercial installations can range from £40 – £80 per square metre depending on specification and preparation requirements.

Is an epoxy garage floor worth the investment?

For many homeowners the answer is yes. A professionally installed epoxy floor can last well over a decade with minimal maintenance. The seamless surface is resistant to oil stains, tyre marks and everyday wear from vehicles or tools.

Epoxy floors also reflect light well, which can make garages feel brighter and cleaner. Many homeowners choose decorative flake finishes which add color and texture while also improving slip resistance.

Compared with repeatedly repainting a garage floor every few years, a professionally installed epoxy system often proves more cost effective over the long term.