Weather, Wear, and Why Prep Matters
Dry summers, snowy winters, and sudden shifts in temperature put a lot of stress on garage floors. Coatings have to withstand not just what’s parked on top of them but also what’s happening under the surface. That’s why concrete prep isn’t optional. It’s the foundation of a durable garage floor coating, and it can mean the difference between a floor that lasts for months or a floor that lasts for a decade or two.
Defining the CSP Scale
The Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) tells us how textured the concrete is. It’s a scale contractors use to measure readiness for coating.
- CSP 1 = smooth as glass, bad for adhesion
- CSP 10 = rough and uneven, not suited for garages
- CSP 3–4 = the target range for garage floor coatings
This “Goldilocks zone” ensures the concrete coating system locks into the surface securely, without being so rough that the finish suffers.
Why Propane Grinders Are the Tool of Choice
Grinding is the most reliable way to hit that CSP 3–4. Propane grinders, in particular, deliver:
- Power: Stronger and faster than electric models
- Mobility: No cords, easier to move around a workspace
- Safety: Propane grinders emit near-zero exhaust and operate within a very narrow flammability range. Nothing like the gas in your car!
This combination of strength and safety makes them ideal for residential garages and larger commercial spaces alike.
Tools We Avoid
Contractors avoid methods that can’t achieve a proper CSP.
- Acid etching and water jetting leave the surface too smooth.
- Sandblasting and rotomilling leave it overly rough.
- Electric grinders take too long and don’t deliver the same consistent results.
The tools used for any job are just as important as the people wielding them. Good tools run by professionals are how you get quality work.
The Risks of Cutting Corners
Skip the right CSP, and your home’s garage floor coating won’t hold up. Peeling, cracking, and bubbling are common signs of a floor that wasn’t prepped correctly. In the Front Range, where freeze-thaw cycles and road debris already push coatings to the limit, skipping proper prep only speeds up failure. That’s where DIY installations often fail (on top of their inability to mitigate moisture).
Wrap-Up
We prepare floors the right way before getting to the installation. Concrete prep ensures the coating bonds properly and performs through years of heavy use and changing weather. Call or email us today to learn how proper prep leads to a garage floor coating that’s made to last.
Remember: Quality takes time.