Nov. 4/11 2013; Volume 27/number 14
By Nial Toner
When it comes to installing flooring in a garage, most people think the process ends once the concrete is poured onto the foundations. The majority of homeowners tend to stick with concrete as the top choice for their garage floors as it means no additional expense. As a flooring option, concrete is extremely strong and hard wearing. It can, however, chip away over time and attracts dust and dirt with relative ease. Concrete floors can also stain quite easily with oils that are particularly hard to remove.
One alternative to concrete flooring that is becoming increasingly popular in garages throughout the country is vinyl floor tiles. This type of flooring can be fitted to an existing concrete garage floor and can often add some color and style to the space. While aesthetics are not always a priority for a garage, having a floor that looks good is never a bad thing.
So, why should consumers consider vinyl tiles for their garage floors? Here are some top reasons:
1. Durability
One major reason to consider using vinyl floor tiles in a garage is their strength and durability. Like concrete, vinyl tiles are an extremely hardwearing product that can cope with almost anything that is thrown at it. Unlike concrete, vinyl is a softer product, which will be much kinder to objects that are dropped on it.
2. Ease of maintenance
The garage is a place that can often be hard to keep clean. It is an area that we use to store our car or other equipment and is also regularly used for a wide range of DIY jobs. Garage use often results in the area becoming dirty, with the floor getting the brunt of it. Vinyl tiles are easy to wipe clean and are resistant to most chemicals. The upper wear layer of vinyl tiles prevents dirt buildup, reducing the amount of dust and grime that can start to cover a garage floor.
3. No-fuss installation
Vinyl floor tiles are easy to fit; tiles can be slotted into place with relative ease. Manufacturers such as Flexi-Tile produce interlocking floor tiles, which join together like a jigsaw puzzle and only need to be hammered into place with a mallet. They can also be fitted to an existing garage floor and take very little time to install. The new floor will be ready to use in no time.
4. Slip resistance
Garages can often propose the risk of hazards, particularly from slipping on chemicals, liquids or water. A concrete garage floor can become increasingly dangerous in colder weather when there is a chance of frost and wet leaves working their way onto the floor. Vinyl tiles can help reduce weather-related hazards as they come with a studded or textured finish, which provides extra grip underfoot, reducing the risk of falls.
5. Durability
The final reason to consider vinyl floor tiles is their resistance to punctures and abrasions. Concrete flooring can chip over time but PVC tiles are hardwearing, staying strong in the face of breaks and holes. Most people tend to use garages as storage areas, storing anything from household furniture and appliances to sporting goods and bikes. These types of equipment are heavy and can damage garage floors if handled the wrong way. Vinyl tiles provide a little more flexibility in how stored items are maneuvered and organized.
It’s time for consumers to start thinking of their garages as extensions of their homes. Like in other rooms, the floor in a garage can often make a statement. Help your customers consider the options available and the long-term benefits vinyl floor tiles can bring to their garages.