How to Protect a Garage Floor From Salt

In areas where salt is used to melt winter ice, some drivers find that garage floors start to flake as salt seeps into the concrete. Here's how you can use protective sealant to keep your garage floor in tip-top shape.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brooms
• Degreasers
• Pressure Washers

1. Check the outside temperature. It should be between 55 and 90 degrees to allow the sealant to dry.

2. Scrub oil and grease stains with a degreaser.

3. Repair any areas that are already damaged.

4. Pressure wash the entire garage floor, making sure to get the corners clean.

5. Wait until the floor is completely dry.

6. Pick up bucket of semipermeable, siloxane-based sealant from a place that sells concrete supplies.

7. Apply a liberal coat of sealant with a broom or large roller. You don't want puddles, but you do want the sealant to soak into the concrete.

8. Allow the sealant to dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid waterproof sealant, which can trap moisture from beneath the slab, eventually leading to cracking or popping. This sealant also tends to be slippery.
• Keep the garage door open when using degreaser and sealant. The fumes can be toxic.