Peeling garage floor coating: what to check before recoating

Photograph the pattern of damage

Take a wide photograph from the garage door and another facing back toward it. Add close views of peeling edges, worn areas, cracks and visible stains. Note whether the damage is concentrated near tyres, the entrance, a wall or a particular piece of equipment.

Record when you first noticed the problem and whether it appears to be spreading. Mention any change in how the garage is used. These observations help frame an inspection, but the pattern alone should not be treated as a confirmed diagnosis.

Gather what you know about the previous finish

Look for the old invoice, product label, care instructions or installation photos. Share the approximate installation date if you know it. Tell the contractor about later paint, patching materials, degreasers or other treatments applied to the floor.

If those records are unavailable, say so. An estimator can plan around missing information more effectively than around an assumed product name. Avoid describing every old finish as epoxy unless you have a reliable reason to identify it that way.

Ask how the old coating affects preparation

Manufacturer preparation guidance addresses existing surface condition and contamination before resin-floor installation. Ask the contractor what needs to be removed, how the exposed concrete will be evaluated and which repair work can be specified after inspection.

Clarify how the quote handles areas that cannot yet be inspected, such as beneath cabinets or remaining coating. Ask how additional work would be explained and approved. An estimate should make those uncertainties visible rather than leave you to discover them after scheduling.

Discuss water and cracks before the replacement finish

Include any history of water entering the garage, recurring damp patches or previous crack repairs. Ask which concerns belong in the flooring scope and whether any need separate assessment. A decorative replacement should not be treated as a repair for an unresolved structural or water-entry issue.

For an SMA enquiry, send your city, approximate area and the photographs you collected. Explain whether you want a similar appearance or a different finish. Ask for the proposal to distinguish removal, preparation, repairs, the new system and return-to-use instructions.

• Wide photos and close views of the affected areas.
• Known products, dates and previous repair information.
• Water history and areas hidden beneath stored items.
• Removal, assessment and repair allowances in the new scope.