5 Myths That Put Your Garage Floor Coating at Risk in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania garages endure humid summers, snowy winters, and plenty of road salt. A properly installed garage floor coating should last decades, but too many homeowners believe myths that lead to premature failure. Here’s the truth you need to know.

Myth #1: Any Epoxy Will Stop Moisture

Reality: Concrete is porous and moisture vapor constantly wicks up through it. Without a moisture-mitigating epoxy direct-to-concrete primer, coatings bubble, peel, or delaminate. A professional garage floor coating always begins with this crucial first layer.

Myth #2: Tire Marks Are Just Dirt and Grime

Reality: Those dark stains are caused by hot tire transfer. When hot tires sit on weak coatings, plasticizers migrate into the surface, leaving tacky spots and black marks. 100%-solids (nothing less) polyaspartic topcoats are designed to resist this problem.

Myth #3: Sunlight Doesn’t Matter in a Northern Climate

Reality: Even in Pennsylvania, sunlight streaming through open garage doors can fade or yellow coatings. Standard epoxies break down quickly, while UV-stable polyaspartic topcoats preserve color and gloss.

Myth #4: Thin Coatings Can Handle Daily Wear

Reality: From snow shovels to dropped tools, PA garages see heavy use. Thin, single-layer coatings chip and crack under stress. A thick moisture-mitigating primer coat, a full-flake broadcast, all sealed with dual 100%-solids, UV-stable polyaspartic topcoats creates a durable surface that lasts.

Myth #5: All Coatings Resist Salt and Chemicals

Reality: Road salt, oil, and cleaning products destroy weak coatings fast. Professional-grade systems are engineered for chemical resistance, so spills and winter messes can be wiped away without lasting damage.