The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining Your Garage Flooring (and Solving the Problems That Shorten Its Life)

The right garage flooring can completely transform your space, but only if it stands up to daily wear and the harsh realities of Ohio weather. At Forte Garage Floor Coating, we know that long-lasting floors don’t just happen. They’re the result of great materials, smart installation, and simple, effective maintenance.

Here’s how to handle the most common garage flooring problems before they turn into permanent damage.

Problem: Dirt, Salt, and Tire Residue Build Up Fast

Ohio’s roads throw everything at your garage floor: dirt, rock salt, road grime, and moisture. These contaminants can build up quickly, dulling the finish and making your space feel neglected.

Solution: Start with the basics. Regularly sweep or blow out debris. For a more thorough clean, mop with a solution of warm water and 1 oz of automotive Wash & Wax per gallon. This blend lifts dirt without leaving residue or film. No rinse required—just mop and let dry. Finish with a microfiber mop for a clean, streak-free shine.

Problem: Spills and Stains Leave Permanent Damage

Oil, grease, and sticky residues like gum or tar can permanently stain inferior coatings—or worse, seep into the concrete itself.

Solution: Garage flooring installed by Forte is designed to be spill-proof and stain-resistant. It’s tough on messes but easy on maintenance. Oil? Mud? Wine? Just wipe it up and move on. For tougher spots like tar, use WD-40, wait five minutes, and wipe with a soft cloth.

Problem: Coatings That Peel, Crack, or Discolor

Many 1-day systems skip a crucial moisture-mitigating layer, leading to peeling or delamination—especially in Ohio’s humid climate.

Solution: At Forte, we use a 2-day, industrial-grade Moisture Mitigation Epoxy Polyaspartic system, including a 100% solids epoxy vapor barrier primer, full-broadcast chip layer, and dual polyaspartic topcoats. Our coatings last decades, and we back them with a lifetime warranty against peeling, even from moisture.