Garage floors have to support heavy machinery and trucks. They also resist contaminants like salty water, gasoline, motor oil, dirt or de-icers. Moreover, most garages go through freeze/thaw conditions. As a result, they take much abuse daily.
However, if the installation is properly planned and cured, a garage floor will remain crack-free in any condition. All concrete contractors must pay attention to the quality and detail of the concrete to achieve a robust garage floor.
And if you are making a garage floor for your home, constructing a high-quality and neatly finished garage will not last long but also add value to your home. It will also work as a storage space for your home.
Why is Concrete Used for Garage Floors?
Compared to other materials, concrete is relatively easier to lay. It is durable and robust for garage floors which can withstand heavy vehicles, petrol, contaminants and freezing temperatures.
Concrete comprises cement, aggregates and water; when mixed together, the water and cement interact, called hydration. As they are poured, they keep getting stronger for nearly a month.
Benefits of a Concrete Garage floor:
- Concrete floors are highly durable and robust that can last for decades.
- And if they are properly coated, they can easily withstand freezing weather conditions.
- Concrete garage floors require low maintenance even after they take many tolls.
- Concrete is not even durable but affordable and can be used by everyone.
- Concrete can mimic any design, such as highly expensive building blocks.
- With concrete stamping, concrete can be dyed to any colour.
- All concrete garage floor needs is regular sweeping.
Here are some carefully calculated options to achieve various degrees of concrete strength for laying a perfect garage floor.
Type C30 / ST3
- This type of concrete is commonly used in domestic constructional projects that require light duty.
- For instance, it can be used for house foundations, floors and unreinforced foundations for garages.
Type C35 / ST4
- This type of concrete mixture provides greater strength and durability.
- It is used in unreinforced foundations for garage floors, providing more wearing and sturdy options.
Type C40 / ST5
- Among ST concrete options, this is the strongest type of concrete.
- It is used for domestic applications and is highly suitable for garage ground floor slab.
- It is also suitable for those who require suspended, reinforced or ground-bearing flooring.
C20 / Gen3 / ST1
- This type of concrete can also be used for domestic applications like garage floors.
- It can also be used for permanent flooring finish like carpet.
Other Types of Concrete Mixes Include:
C10
- This concrete is popular in commercial and domestic constructional projects.
- It is most commonly used for non-structural constructional projects such as pathways and patio slabs.
C15
- This type of concrete mix is ideal for kerb mix and floor blinding.
C20
- C20 is used to lay domestic foundations and floors where lighter-duty weight is required.
- This is ideal for garage bases, domestic workshops, internal floor slabs and driveways.
C25
- C25 is a multipurpose mix used for commercial and domestic constructional projects.
- It is commonly used when pouring footings.
- This is the best option for constructing slab foundations for bungalows and house floors.
C30
- A C30 is highly durable and used for roadways and pathways where vehicles drive regularly.
- Besides robustness, it can withstand and resist severe weather and climate changes.
C35
- This concrete mix is only used for commercial sites to withstand heavy vehicles and machinery.
- It is normally used to create external walls, slabs, and piling.
- Other industries that use C35 includes agriculture and construction industry such as barns and yards.
C40
- The C40 concrete type is used in construction projects, such as creating foundations and beams for roads and support.
The type of concrete you choose for your garage floor depends on various factors such as the use of the garage, the foundation of the garage, whether you want it to be exposed, sealed, polished and most importantly, your budget.