Why Does Your Garage Floor Split When It Gets Cold Outside?

It's winter time again. There's snow all over the place, icicles in the trees, and the garage floor is beginning to crack. It's not just your garage, either; concrete of all types begin to show lines and crack when the freezing temperatures hit.

Your Concrete Garage Floor Will Happily Absorb Any Liquid

Just like anything else concrete, a concrete garage floor is porous. Therefore, any type of liquid gets soaked right up. I am sure you have seen this yourself if you have ever changed your own oil without a garage floor covering of some sort, and noticed that even a drop of oil will turn in to a nice, permanent stain. You can take some comfort in the fact that everyone's concrete garage floors have the same issue. Garage flooring that is uncovered will also absorb water. This doesn't sound bad, since water doesn't stain. However, during the winter months, water can have an unexpected effect…

Water Is A Frigid Concrete Assassin

In most parts of the world, it will get cold enough for water to freeze at some point in the year. Materials contract when they get cold, but water becomes solid. Although ice is no match for concrete when it comes to durability, tiny bits of solidified water added to your concrete will definitely create an unwanted solidity. As the concrete begins to contract, this solidity can become quite destructive.

Moisture Is Incredibly Tenacious

The first thing that comes to mind, I'm sure, is making sure you're keeping your garage door down. That will help to a degree, but not always. Keep in mind, there is generally some moisture in the air as well, and it will find ways to get into your garage and your garage floor. Every garage floor can and will be affected by moisture to some degree, unless someone starts making waterproof garages. Water can also get to your concrete through the soil itself, from both the sides and the bottom, but that may or may not be a significant factor depending on the area you live in, if water stands against your garage when it rains, how often it rains, and where your area's water table sits.

A Garage Floor Covering Could Have Prevented This Problem!

Garage floor coverings, like tiles and mats, will help to protect the concrete, keeping cracks away. There really isn't anything that can be done about moisture coming from the bottom and sides of the concrete slab, but generally that's only a very small part of what needs to be addressed. For the most part, the moisture will come from above. If there's not too much moisture coming from underneath, you can use an epoxy garage floor coating to seal the garage floor from moisture, which will almost completely keep it out. Although not as effective, a garage floor covering like tiles or a mat will also help since they can absorb a lot of moisture as well.

Will A Garage Floor Covering Help If I Know Moisture Wasn't To Blame?

You will still see benefits, yes. With the exception of the big fireball in the sky, which has little effect on a covered garage, the majority of your garage floor's warmth is going to come from the ground. Using a covering or coating can help contain this warmth, which will make the garage floor stay warmer, and hopefully not crack.

Need more information before you choose your garage floor? Check out Sweet Garage Floor.