When someone gets a coated garage or basement floor, the last thing they expect is peeling or bubbling. But it happens - and most of the time, it comes down to just a few simple reasons.
Almost every concrete slab has some level of moisture inside it — especially older floors, softer concrete, or homes built on hills or in areas that naturally hold water. You may not see moisture on the surface, but it can still be present.
The challenge is that moisture often becomes noticeable after the floor is sealed. Once a coating is applied, the vapor has nowhere to escape, which can lead to peeling.
How we prevent it:
In our most commonly recommended system, we use epoxy primers that penetrate deeper into the slab and help manage moisture vapor. This creates a stronger foundation for the entire system.
Every slab behaves differently. Some need more moisture support, while others don’t. Some are brand-new, while others are decades old. A coating system should be chosen based on the concrete itself — not a product name or a one-size-fits-all approach.
How we prevent it:
During your quote, we take a close look at your slab and explain which system best fits your environment and concrete conditions.
Proper prep is one of the biggest factors in whether a floor lasts. The concrete has to be:
If dust is left behind — even a thin layer — the coating won’t bond correctly.
How we prevent it:
We grind the entire floor, repair cracks, and vacuum thoroughly to make sure the surface is completely clean before we install anything.
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Some systems are designed to move fast, but speed doesn’t always mean the concrete was ready. Skipping steps or rushing the process can create long-term issues.
How we prevent it:
We follow a step-by-step process based on what your concrete actually needs, not how quickly the job can be finished.
Temperature, humidity, and even the location of your home all influence how a coating cures. Cold floors cure slower (sometimes turning a one-day system into two), while heat and humidity can speed things up too much. Shaded areas, moisture-heavy spots, and older concrete also impact how well a coating bonds. If timing or conditions aren’t adjusted, the coating may not cure the way it should.
How we prevent it:
We always check the environment, temperature, and slab conditions before starting, then adjust our timing and product choices so the coating cures properly. This ensures the floor bonds and hardens the way it’s designed to.
Floor coatings rely on two parts being mixed together correctly so they can cure and bond the way they’re supposed to. If the ratios are off, if the product isn’t mixed thoroughly, or if it sits too long before being applied, the coating may not harden properly — which can lead to soft spots, weak areas, or peeling later on.
How we prevent it:
We follow exact mixing ratios, scrape the sides and bottom of the bucket so everything blends evenly, and only mix what can be used within the proper working time. This ensures the product cures the way it was designed to.
Before we recommend any system, we don’t just look at a color chart and guess. We walk you through the whole process so you understand exactly what your floor needs and why.
Here’s what that looks like:
Step 1: Reach Out
You call us or submit a quote request, and we gather some basic information about your space and what you’re hoping to do with it.
Step 2: Schedule a Walkthrough
We set up a day and time to come out, see the space in person, and make sure we’re giving you accurate recommendations — not just ballpark guesses.
Step 3: On-Site Visit
During the walkthrough, we:
Step 4: Go Over Options Together
We explain:
You’ll know exactly what we’re planning to install, how it works with your concrete, and why it’s the right fit for your space — not just a system pulled off the shelf.
This way, you’re not just getting a price; you’re getting a plan that’s built around your concrete, your goals, and how you actually use the space.
If you’d like us to take a look at your floor and walk you through the best options, we’re always here to help.
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