Lifetime Epoxy Floors of Alabama

Lifetime Epoxy Floors of Alabama
Lifetime Epoxy Floors install top quality epoxy floors in Birmingham Alabama.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Garage Floor Covering Options - The Hottest Trends

If you are looking for Garage Fllor Covering Options, make sure to consider the epoxy andpolyurea floor covering that are installed by Garage Shapeups of Birmingham. The trained and experience floor techicians of Garage Shapeups repair all cracks and prep all floors with high speed diamond plated floorgrinders equipped with dust control systems. The floor that Garage Shapeups floor crew installs are the best money can buy with a variety of colors availbale. The floors carry a 10 yea warrnty. Garage Shapeups is the Birmingham Area dealer for Monkey Bar Garage Storage
================================.

 

Article Title: Garage Floor Covering Options - The Hottest Trends

There is one area of every house that is constantly exposed to elements - dirt, snow, oil, mud etc. and that is garage floor. If you are a professional in that area you will not need to read this, but if you are thinking about renovating or updating the look of your garage it would be wise to update your knowledge and find out about the latest new technologies available to any home owner and do it yourself amateur. The most popular way of changing the look of any garage floor is the use of either epoxy or rustoleum paints, which are available as kits in all home improvement stores. Both options are great for covering the concrete and you will find that keeping your floor clean becomes a breeze. However you will need to prepare the floor before you start painting and we have provided a simple step by step how to guide for you on our website. The key point is to paint your floor at optimal temperature so make sure you check that first.

Epoxy garage floor coverings come in many colors and they are suitable not only for garage floors but also patios, driveways, pool areas and they help repel staining and damage to the floor itself. Behr offers a drylok that, when applied properly creates a water resistant surface. Also if you would like a shiny surface you can look into polishing options to add an even more decorative and luxurious look to your floors.

If you would like a concrete paint that can imitate marble, stone, tile or even leather you should look into stained concrete method. Using colored concrete for decorative effects has become quite a popular solution and there are many different kinds of stains available on the market today, including resurfacing agents, concrete acid stain and even dye that is added to the concrete itself. Concrete acid stain method is probably the easiest out of all options and can be quite easily managed even by not very experienced renovator. This option is used inside as well as outside of the house.

If you are after more permanent solution garage floor tiles should be your choice. Gone are the days where ceramic tiles were the only option available. New flexi PVC tiles are the latest trend, they bend but at the same time can withstand enormous pressure without breaking. They come in a variety of designs - wood, bold colors or patterns. Floor Junkies specialize in making those. Another trend that gained in popularity in the last few years is the use of adhesive interlocking vinyl flooring. Those tiles are incredibly easy to install and you could have a brand new floor in a matter of a day or two. Cork is also quite popular due to its rubber like properties.

One thing to remember is that whichever option you choose, whether you prefer epoxy paint, floor tiles or stained cement the old concrete will need to be patched up first. Repairing concrete is not that difficult if you follow few simple rules and it does not matter if it is just a crack repair or more complicated job, the same rules apply. But if you really do not want to go through a major renovation there is always another option that does not require any effort on your part - garage floor mats. They certainly protect your floor. There is one area of every house that is constantly exposed to elements - dirt, snow, oil, mud etc. and that is garage floor.

If you are a professional in that area you will not need to read this, but if you are thinking about renovating or updating the look of your garage it would be wise to update your knowledge and find out about the latest new technologies available to any home owner and do it yourself amateur. The most popular way of changing the look of any garage floor is the use of either epoxy or rustoleum paints, which are available as kits in all home improvement stores. Both options are great for covering the concrete and you will find that keeping your floor clean becomes a breeze. However you will need to prepare the floor before you start painting and we have provided a simple step by step how to guide for you on our website. The key point is to paint your floor at optimal temperature so make sure you check that first.

Epoxy garage floor coverings come in many colors and they are suitable not only for garage floors but also patios, driveways, pool areas and they help repel staining and damage to the floor itself. Behr offers a drylok that, when applied properly creates a water resistant surface. Also if you would like a shiny surface you can look into polishing options to add an even more decorative and luxurious look to your floors.

If you would like a concrete paint that can imitate marble, stone, tile or even leather you should look into stained concrete method. Using colored concrete for decorative effects has become quite a popular solution and there are many different kinds of stains available on the market today, including resurfacing agents, concrete acid stain and even dye that is added to the concrete itself. Concrete acid stain method is probably the easiest out of all options and can be quite easily managed even by not very experienced renovator. This option is used inside as well as outside of the house.

If you are after more permanent solution garage floor tiles should be your choice. Gone are the days where ceramic tiles were the only option available. New flexi PVC tiles are the latest trend, they bend but at the same time can withstand enormous pressure without breaking. They come in a variety of designs - wood, bold colors or patterns. Floor Junkies specialize in making those. Another trend that gained in popularity in the last few years is the use of adhesive interlocking vinyl flooring. Those tiles are incredibly easy to install and you could have a brand new floor in a matter of a day or two. Cork is also quite popular due to its rubber like properties.

One thing to remember is that whichever option you choose, whether you prefer epoxy paint, floor tiles or stained cement the old concrete will need to be patched up first. Repairing concrete is not that difficult if you follow few simple rules and it does not matter if it is just a crack repair or more complicated job, the same rules apply. But if you really do not want to go through a major renovation there is always another option that does not require any effort on your part - garage floor mats. They certainly protect your floors from spills and dirt and also come in a variety of styles, heavy duty with extra edge around it for heavy use, more stylish - diamond, coin-grade or ribbed patterns. There are even heated designs available and all of them will guard your floor against spillages.

Once you have your garage floors all sorted out and looking great it is time to get your garage into shape and use your garage organizer skills to get rid of all unwanted junk and put away the rest of your stuff so everything is well organized and sorted. There are different garage storage systems available, ranging from hanging shelves, wall and overhead cabinets to lockers, bins and ceiling racks. They all come in different lengths, widths and depths so finding the best garage storage system for your garage should not be a problem.rs from spills and dirt and also come in a variety of styles, heavy duty with extra edge around it for heavy use, more stylish - diamond, coin-grade or ribbed patterns. There are even heated designs available and all of them will guard your floor against spillages.

Once you have your garage floors all sorted out and looking great it is time to get your garage into shape and use your garage organizer skills to get rid of all unwanted junk and put away the rest of your stuff so everything is well organized and sorted. There are different garage storage systems available, ranging from hanging shelves, wall and overhead cabinets to lockers, bins and ceiling racks. They all come in different lengths, widths and depths so finding the best garage storage system for your garage should not be a problem.
Chris Tolski writes about various Garage Floor Coating [http://www.garagefloorcoveringinfo.com/garage-floor-coating.htm] options at [http://www.garagefloorcoveringinfo.com]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Tolski

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Epoxy Garage Floor - Epoxy Vs Polyurea, Adhesion

Garage Shapeups installs epoxy and polyurea garage flooring in the Birmingham Area. The company features Monkey Bar Storage Products.

Epoxy Garage Floor - Epoxy Vs Polyurea, Adhesion

There are two competing products in the garage floor coating industry: the traditional applied epoxy/polyurethane coatings, and the relatively newer polyurea coatings. First, the coatings are chemically related; they share a common chemistry.

Both coatings have remarkable adhesion properties, and are very durable, at least compared to typical paint products. Another introductory point is that although advertised as "polyureas", garage floor polyurea products are really hybrids. A pure polyurea cures in 15 seconds or so--obviously not very easy to apply unless it is sprayed. Pure polyureas are sprayed, and used in industrial applications.

Strenghth and Adhesion

Adhesion is important because garage floors take a beating. If the adhesion between coating and cement floor fails, then the project fails. Both polyureas and epoxies adhere tenaciously to the surfaces to which they are applied-but only when the underlying surface is prepared well.

The problem with polyureas is that the reduced drying time may not sufficiently "wet" the concrete surface to which it is applied. This wetting of a surface means absorption, which means adhesion. We know that Premier Garage uses some form of hybrid, and the recent lawsuit brought by some of its franchisees involved, as one of its claims, allegations that PremierGarage's hybrid products lack adhesion.

It's only an allegation though, and I would suspect that the problem may lie in the surface preparation, rather than the coating properties. Here in Austin, the one Premier Garage installation I observed was prepared with an acid solution, and not with a physical grinder. That's a recipe for disaster--the best preparation is always surface grinding.

All in all, polyurea hybrids and epoxy coatings, when applied over well-prepared surfaces, have more than adequate adhesion properties to adhere to even imperfect concrete for at least a decade.
Mike Spadaccini is a master epoxy flooring installer with Garage and Storage Plus - Floors & Garage Storage Racks, an Austin-based Garage Improvement company.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Spadaccini

Monday, July 16, 2012

Garage and Basement Flooring: All About Polyurea Floor Coating

Garage and basement epoxy and polyurea flooring is now installed in the Birmingham Aea and North Alabama by Garage Shapeups. Garage Shapeups is your full service extreme garage makeover compnay and garage flooring company. They are the exclusive dealer in your area for Monkey Bar Storage Products.
========================================================

Garage and Basement Flooring: All About Polyurea Floor Coating

You can have the most organized garage or basement in the world, but an unattractive concrete floor can keep you from having your perfect dream garage. There are a number of options on the market for covering your garage or basement floor, including an epoxy coating or a roll-out rubber mat, but the most durable and one of the most attractive is a polyurea coating. Considering the seasonal conditions, you want garage and basement flooring that will be resistant to harsh temperatures as well as chemicals. Polyurea is considerably more durable than an epoxy floor covering (about four times more durable), and is flexible, which makes it more natural and comfortable.

Using polyurea as a floor covering is a newer idea, but polyurea has been around for the past couple of decades as pipe coating, sewer lining coating, and in any other place that demands the most durable coverage. It is the perfect choice for garage floors especially, because it is resistant to temperature damage, chemical erosion, staining, chipping, and tire indentations. The environment can be extremely damaging to any flooring, particularly flooring that is not protected from the elements as well, such as basement and garage flooring.

Polyurea is also great for the basement also because of the high moisture content that basements usually have. Concrete floors are usually unattractive, but paint is usually only a temporary fix, because paint will fade and peel due to time and moisture. Tiling or carpeting will also not last long because of moisture; carpeting also invites dangerous mold. Applying a polyurea coating will keep you from having to re-carpet, retile or repaint your basement floor every few years. Often, when a company applies a polyurea coating to your floor, it is accompanied by a lifetime guarantee. If a company does not offer a lifetime guarantee with polyurea flooring, then you may want to consider going with a different company.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a key factor in a polyurea floor coating is safety. Vinyl or acrylic chips are mixed in with the coating to provide a non-slippery surface. Even when it is wet, your polyurea garage or basement floor will not be slick, nor will moisture sink into the flooring. Additionally, polyurea is versatile; it comes in, or can be ordered in many different colors to match any décor. In many cases, you'll also have a choice about the color of chips, and the amount of chips in the coating. You may have never thought you'd be able to put so much thought in the coloring and decoration of your garage, but polyurea flooring lets you do just that! Your basement and/or garage will be transformed from dirty catch-all rooms to places that you can feel proud of, and comfortable in.

You can apply polyurea coating yourself, but you can also hire professionals to do the job. There are plenty of companies that will do garage and basement flooring, and many of them will do free consultations. Polyurea floor covering is just what you need to have the exact garage and basement you've always wanted!
Richard Schulman started White Rabbit Garage Organizers in 1988, because hed had a passion for organizing and there was a need for such a company in Chicago. Since then, White Rabbit has grown into a versatile, highly reputable business that has gained an A+ from the Better Business Bureau, received an Angie's List Super Service Award, was selected for EBSCO Research's Best Picks. Additionally, White Rabbit has appeared in major Chicago newspapers: Chicago Tribune, Sun Times, Daily Herald, and Pioneer Press and has been featured on NBC and HGTV. Richard does not expect his enthusiasm for organizing to ebb, and plans to continue writing about his company, and helping his clients obtain their dream garages, basements, and offices! You can read more about organization and about White Rabbit by visiting White Rabbit's website: http://www.whiterabbitinc.com/ and blog: http://whiterabbitinc.blogspot.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Schulman

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Epoxy Garage Floor - Epoxy Vs Polyurea, Adhesion


By Guest Author: By

There are two competing products in the garage floor coating industry: the traditional applied epoxy/polyurethane coatings, and the relatively newer polyurea coatings. First, the coatings are chemically related; they share a common chemistry.
Both coatings have remarkable adhesion properties, and are very durable, at least compared to typical paint products. Another introductory point is that although advertised as "polyureas", garage floor polyurea products are really hybrids. A pure polyurea cures in 15 seconds or so--obviously not very easy to apply unless it is sprayed. Pure polyureas are sprayed, and used in industrial applications.
Strenghth and Adhesion
Adhesion is important because garage floors take a beating. If the adhesion between coating and cement floor fails, then the project fails. Both polyureas and epoxies adhere tenaciously to the surfaces to which they are applied-but only when the underlying surface is prepared well.
The problem with polyureas is that the reduced drying time may not sufficiently "wet" the concrete surface to which it is applied. This wetting of a surface means absorption, which means adhesion. We know that Premier Garage uses some form of hybrid, and the recent lawsuit brought by some of its franchisees involved, as one of its claims, allegations that PremierGarage's hybrid products lack adhesion.
It's only an allegation though, and I would suspect that the problem may lie in the surface preparation, rather than the coating properties. Here in Austin, the one Premier Garage installation I observed was prepared with an acid solution, and not with a physical grinder. That's a recipe for disaster--the best preparation is always surface grinding.
All in all, polyurea hybrids and epoxy coatings, when applied over well-prepared surfaces, have more than adequate adhesion properties to adhere to even imperfect concrete for at least a decade.
Mike Spadaccini is a master epoxy flooring installer with Garage and Storage Plus - Floors & Garage Storage Racks, an Austin-based Garage Improvement company.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Spadaccini


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1069122

Garage Shapeups installs polyurea flooring in Birmingham, Alabama, Huntsville, Alabama and Chattanooga Tennessee. Visit these site for more information:
Birmingham
http://birminghamstorageandflooring.weebly.com/
Huntsville
http://huntsvillestorageandflooring.weebly.com/garage-shelving.html
Chattanooga
http://chattanoogastoragesolutions.weebly.com/

Monday, July 9, 2012

The Best Garage Flooring Choice

If you are looking for a new garage flooring option that is durable, protective, long lasting, and looks amazing, then you should look into epoxy paint. Epoxy looks exceptional after the job is finished, and it even prevents chemical stains and cracks from forming on your concrete. The main problem with this garage flooring option is that there is a lot of preparation that must go into the installation process. There are a number of issues that may cause epoxy to not bond with your floor and if the paint fails to bond, your garage will look much worse then with just plain concrete.

If you are planning on installing your floor yourself, then it is important to know that most of the preparation required has to deal with cleaning your floor. There can't be any dirt, dust, chemicals, or sealants on your floor when you paint it. When you are cleaning your floor a power washer is recommended because it is known to give your floor a deep clean and it should be able to get up the toughest stains. The other part of the preparation work only has to do with people with sealants on their floor. Before you start to any cleaning you must check for sealants because epoxy will not bond to a sealant. The way to check if your floor is sealed is to pour some water on your floor and see if it gets absorbed. If you notice that the water beads out across your floor, then you do have a sealant and you must take proper steps to remove it.

Whether you have a sealer or not, it may be best for you to consider hiring a professional. A professional company can make sure that your garage flooring comes out the way you want it. They will also save you hours of preparation work. If you have a sealant to remove and you need to clean your floor, then you are looking at several hours of preparation, so hiring may be your best option. If you are highly considering epoxy but don't want to hire anyone, then feel free to try the job yourself. Just keep in mind that there are many other garage flooring options out there so you don't have to settle for an epoxy cover.

Epoxy garage flooring paint is considered to be the top of the line when it comes to floor covers. It also requires the most work to install and it can be the most expensive. If you want the top of the line, then this is the choice for you. If you are looking for a cheaper solution then you should look at interlocking tiles, garage mats, and rugs. These options are much more affordable and they are easy to install. It all comes down to your personal preference and your budget. All of these options will improve your floor, you just need to find the one that's perfect for you.
Written by Ted Garacci, an expert in home remodeling. For more great information on Garage Flooring, be sure to visit http://bestgarageflooring.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ted_Garacci

Check Out These Garage Shapeups Website & Blogs

Birmingham Alabama Garage Makeover Websites & Blogs


Huntsville Alabama Garage Makeover Websites & Blogs

Chattanooga Tennessee Garage Makeover Websites & Blogs

Garage Shapeups of Alabama

Other Monkey Bar Storage Websites:

Friday, July 6, 2012

Does your garage floor need refinishing? Would you like your garage to be a better organized, neater in appearance, and a more livable space?

A total "Extreme Garage Makeover" is just a phone call away. Garage Shapeups is a compnay that does it all! They consult with the homeowner to determine what items need to be organized and stored, what space can be committed to a storage system, and how much storage shelving and racks are needed to accomplish the visions and goals of the homeowner.



The company installs the patented MONKEY BAR STORAGE shelving systems, STRONG BUILT overhead storage racks, ULTI-MATE garage storage cabinets and POLYUREA floor coatings to give your garage a totally new look that is clean, neat, organized and larger in appearance.



The company's website is http://www.GarageShapeups.com . They have dealers working the following areas, Birmingham, Huntsville, Madison, Chattanooga, Auburn, Opelika, and Tuscaloosa. Their toll free number is 1-800-214-4311.