Garage floors take a beating year-round. They are weighted down by the pressure of vehicles driving in and out and parked overnight or longer. They are subject to extremes of temperature and oil, salt from winter road treatment, and general dirt. If you see them start to crack, crumble or shift, it is time to call a professional to see if you are ready for a new garage floor.
There can be other causes for this type of damage on your garage floor. It is possible it was improperly prepared or installed with a lack of appropriate reinforcement. Sometimes the concrete mix is wrong or they used a low-quality aggregate. If the drainage was not correct, you can have water damage or even moisture rising through the cracks. Over time the under soil will shift and so will the garage floor.
Cost – The cost for a garage floor replacement will vary. In addition to the price per square foot, the contractor will take into consideration various other items.
- Accessibility – You may be perfectly able to drive your car in to park, but if the area is not large enough for a concrete truck, the concrete will need to be hand-mixed and transported by wheelbarrow.
- Current Condition – If your garage floor is in really bad shape, they may need to completely demolish what is there, dispose of the debris, and repour.
- Soil – If the underlying soil needs leveling, this will typically be an additional charge.
- Details – It will also depend on the thickness of the floor that is poured and the amount and type of reinforcement used.
- Building Codes – Local building authorities probably have some requirements to be met for safety and regulations.
- Extras – If you add heating, especially underfloor heating, this will include a higher cost.
If you are starting to see signs of significant wear, don’t wait too long before having your garage floor assessed for repair or replacement.
