The Best Ways To Prevent Slips in Your Garage
Garages naturally face spills—whether water, oil, or other substances, spills are bound to happen. But you don’t want those spills turning your garage into a slippery safety hazard for you or your family. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to keep your garage safe, and concrete coatings might be your best bet. Let’s break it down.
Why You Need a Slip-Proof Garage Floor in Minnesota
Your garage floor can turn into a slippery, dangerous surface for many reasons. Water from rain, oil leaks from your car, or plain old smooth concrete can all lead to slippery spots that can lead to falls. That’s why it’s crucial to consider slip-proofing your garage.
What’s Making My Garage Floor Slippery?
Water and Moisture: Rain and snow can easily get tracked into the garage, creating puddles and slick areas. In the winter, water on your garage floor can easily freeze into thin, slippery ice.
Oil and Grease: Cars and other vehicles can leak fluids, leaving slippery spots on the floor.
Smooth Concrete: If your garage floor is made of bare concrete, it can naturally be quite slick, especially when wet.
Dust and Dirt: A layer of dust or small debris on your floor can cause an unexpected slip.
The Best Ways to Make Your Garage Slip-Proof
There are a few ways you can slip-proof your garage, ranging from quick fixes to more permanent solutions. Here’s a look at some of the most popular methods:
1. Textured Mats and Rugs
Throwing down some textured mats or rugs is a quick and easy way to add traction to your garage floor. You can put these where water and oil are most likely to collect. The downside? They’re not a permanent solution and might need regular cleaning or replacing.
2. Anti-Slip Tape
Anti-slip tape can be applied to those areas that tend to get slippery. It’s a simple fix that provides immediate traction, but it might not hold up over time, especially in high-traffic areas.
3. Concrete Sealers with Grit
Concrete sealers mixed with non-slip additives like sand or grit can give your floor a rougher texture. This semi-permanent solution can make the floor safer and more durable. However, it does require proper application and some upkeep to stay effective.
Why Concrete Coatings Are the Best Way to Slip-Proof Your Garage
Out of all the methods, concrete coatings stand out as the most reliable and long-lasting option. Here’s why:
1. They’re Built to Last
Concrete coatings are tough. They’re made to handle heavy use, which is perfect for a garage. Unlike mats or tape, which might wear out or need replacing, a concrete coating becomes a permanent part of your floor. It’s built to last, even with cars rolling over it day in and day out.
2. They Can Be Customized for Extra Grip
You can choose the texture that works best for your concrete coating. Want a super gritty surface for maximum traction? No problem. Prefer something a bit smoother but still slip-proof? That works too. You can customize the finish to get the level of grip you’re comfortable with.
3. They’re Chemical Resistant
Your garage floor goes through a lot—oil, gasoline, cleaning products, you name it. Concrete coatings are chemical-resistant, so spills won’t soak through your concrete and damage it.
4. They’re Waterproof and Weather-Ready
A good concrete coating seals your floor, keeping water from seeping in and creating slippery spots. This is especially important if you live in a place with lots of rain or snow. Moisture is one of the main culprits of slippery floors, so keeping it out is key.
5. They Look Great Too
Concrete coatings can keep you from slipping and improve the appearance of your garage floor. You can pick from many colors and finishes, so your garage stays safe and polished.
How to Apply a Concrete Coating for a Slip Proof Garage
If you’ve decided you want to install a concrete coating in your garage, here’s how you can get it done:
1. Clean the Floor
First things first: You’ve got to clean your garage floor. Get rid of all the dirt, grease, or old sealants. A degreaser and a pressure washer will work wonders. If there are any cracks or holes, patch them up with concrete filler.
2. Etch the Concrete
Etching the concrete helps the coating stick better. You can use a concrete etcher or an acid wash to help your coating last for years.
3. Mix in Grit
When ready to apply the coating, mix in a non-slip additive like silica sand or aluminum oxide. This will give your floor the texture it needs to prevent slips. Just follow the instructions on the product for the right ratio.
4. Apply the Base Coat
Start with a base coat. Use a roller or brush to apply it evenly across the floor. Make sure it’s dry before moving on to the next step. This coat forms the foundation of your slip-proof surface.
5. Add the Top Coat
Now it’s time for the top coat. This is where you’ll add that non-slip grit you mixed in earlier. Work in small sections to make sure the grit is evenly spread. The top coat adds traction and an extra layer of protection.
6. Let It Cure and Seal
After applying the top coat, give it time to cure—usually about 24-48 hours. Once fully cured, you might want to add a clear sealer for extra protection and to give the floor a nice finish.
Or Just Call a Professional—Concrete Coatings of Minnesota
If you want to make your garage slip proof, sometimes it’s best to leave it to the pros. Concrete Coatings of Minnesota is the Twin Cities’ go-to choice for all your concrete coating needs. Locally owned and operated in Minneapolis, we’re a family-run business that takes pride in treating our customers like neighbors. Our experienced technicians are factory-trained and certified, so you can trust that your floor will be done right the first time—no shortcuts, no compromises.
We offer year-round indoor installations, and your new floor will be ready to walk on within just 24 hours. When you’re ready to slip-proof your garage, we’re here to help! Give us a call or contact us online!
