Installing a high-quality floor coating is half the battle to ensure your garage, basement, or commercial space always looks its best. You also have to take proper steps to clean your floor coating to prevent debris buildup and coating deterioration. After installation, you may find yourself wondering whether you can pressure wash your floor coating.
While this might seem like a quick and easy way to remove harsh debris from your floors, it may do far more damage than you anticipate. In this blog, we’ll explore why it may not be a good idea to pressure wash your floor coatings and what steps you can take to keep them looking their best throughout regular use.
Understanding Different Types of Floor Coatings Before Pressure Washing
Before you decide to pressure wash your floor coating, it is important to determine which floor coating product is installed on your property. If you weren’t involved in the installation process, understanding what product is in your space will help you determine whether pressure washing is the right choice for your floors.
Most homeowners and businesses will have one of two products installed in their spaces. The most common floor coating products are epoxy and Polyaspartic coatings. Determining which you have can be difficult, but there are a few telltale signs to look out for. Epoxy coatings, especially older coatings, tend to yellow after prolonged UV exposure.
If you notice that your floor coating is turning yellow after exposure to sunlight, it is likely that you have an epoxy coating in your space. However, if your floor coating is resistant to yellowing, you may have a Polyaspartic coating in your space. If you’re unsure which is installed on your property, you may want to reach out to a floor coating professional for support.
Can You Pressure Wash Your Floor Coating Without Causing Damage?
Determining whether you can pressure wash your floor coating will depend on the current state of your floor coating and your pressure washing experience. While you may be able to pressure wash your floor coating, it is important that you do so incredibly carefully. Although floor coatings are durable, they are still susceptible to damage if treated improperly.
If you choose to pressure wash your floor coating, it is essential that you use an incredibly low pressure to do so. Lower pressures, no stronger than 1,000 PSI, can remove surface buildup without causing damage to your coating. However, you may not want to pressure wash your floor coating if you’re currently dealing with coating damage.
For residential and commercial property owners who are experiencing peeling, cracking, or delamination, it is best to avoid pulling out the pressure washer for your upcoming cleaning. Instead, you may need to perform much gentler cleaning methods, including using a soft bristle brush and mop, to address any buildup on your floors.
The Risks of High-Pressure Cleaning on Coated Concrete Surfaces
Although it can be tempting to pressure wash your floor coating, there are a few significant risks to improper pressure washing practices. Some of the most significant risks associated with improper pressure washing include:
- Peeling the Coating: Choosing to use high pressures when you pressure wash your floor coating can break down the bonds between the concrete and coating, leading to peeling and chipping, even to newer coating products.
- Significant Surface Damage: If you are using a pressure washing device on your floor coating, the aggressive strength of the system can erode the top layer of your coating, leaving you with permanent marks, scratches, and texture.
- Long-Term Moisture Problems: When you pressure wash your floor coating, you can accidentally strip the protective seal, which can result in your concrete becoming more porous, faster moisture absorption, and accelerated surface cracking.
- Major Surface Discoloration: If you choose to use a pressure washing device on your floor coating, it is important to understand that the high pressure can remove the dye or stain in your coating, leading to a patchy, discolored floor.
A Guide to Cleaning Your New Floor Coating
While it can be tempting to pressure wash your floor coating for quick, convenient cleaning, there are far more reliable, less risky cleaning solutions. In most cases, your floor coating only needs regular sweeping and gentle mopping to look and perform its best. In high traffic areas, it is best to sweep daily, removing any lingering dust and dirt that may scratch the surface.
When sweeping, use a nylon brush, as this is the gentlest option for your floors. These high traffic spaces may also benefit from daily mopping. When mopping, it is best to avoid using overly aggressive cleaning solutions and techniques. Instead, use a soft mop head and a PH neutral cleaning solution to remove debris.
If you’re dealing with a tough-to-remove stain, you can use acetone on the coating. However, it is essential that you do so carefully. Only apply the acetone directly to the stain, allow it to sit for two hours maximum, and wipe it away with a sponge before rinsing with water. With this care, your floors should perform as expected for years to come.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Old Floor Coating
If you’ve cleaned your floor coating and it still looks a little dull, this might be a sign that it’s time to consider a replacement. While this can be frustrating, choosing to replace your floor coating as soon as possible can help you ensure your space always looks its best. If you are experiencing any of the following, it may be time to reach out to your floor coating professional:
- Visible peeling, bubbling, or delamination
- Small, expanding cracks across the coating
- Persistent staining and discoloration problems
- Rough or uneven surfaces across the floor
- Tire-shaped peeling from your vehicle
- Consistent moisture absorption problems
- Changing in the coating color
As soon as these signs emerge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your floor coating professional for an inspection. They can help you determine whether the coating would benefit from repairs or if a replacement is best for your space.
Let Us Transform Your Space with High-Quality Floor Coatings
Whether you need to replace an old floor coating or want to protect a new concrete slab, our team at Solid Garage Floor Coatings of Utah is here and ready to help. For years, we’ve helped homeowners and businesses across Northern Utah find the ideal floor coatings for their spaces. With our extensive experience and commitment to quality installation, we’re confident that we can do the same for you.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with our team to begin your new floor coating installation project, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
