A couple of comments:
One other thing that must be mentioned is that no matter how well a concrete surface is abraded for texture, if it is allowing vapor emission from moisture under the slab, very few coatings will adhere, especially not the do-it-yourself water based epoxy coatings found at local hardware stores. A moisture test is imperative, and if ANY moisture is present, forget about epoxy coatings.
If your concrete is old enough that there has been excessive
oil stains or grease imbedded into the concrete, no amount of acid washing will remove the
oil and your only solution to preparing the surface is by mechanical means. Shot blasting in Calif. runs anywhere from $.75/ft. for very large jobs to $2.00/ft for smaller jobs, such as a 2 car garage. Most have a $700-$800 minimum charge. Shot blast units can be rented for about $300 + per day for the small units.
The gouges in the RaceDeck tiles that were mentioned previously were caused by objects that would have left marks in any other types of floor coverings also. Sharp jack stands can leave marks in epoxy also, but the advantage to RaceDeck is that if one is ever damaged by sharp objects, it is a very simple process to repair it in just a few minutes; you don't have to call out a contractor to re-do the area for you.
Regarding the lifting under direct sunlight; because RaceDeck is a floating floor tile it will expand slightly in direct sunlight (especially the dark colors like black or Graphite) it is recommended that a small 3/8" gap be left at the outside edges for expansion. The best method of installation is to open all doors and expose the floor to direct sunlight, then trim the edges of the floor when the floor is at full expansion. The tiles expand very little when hot, but when you have a floor that is upwards of 30' wide, you may experience expansion of as much as 1/2". This is easily corrected by properly fitting the floor in the garage. Call me if you have any questions.
The new generation of RaceDeck floors were engineered specifically to roll tool boxes and caster-wheeled items across the floor easily. Every floor, including epoxy, requires some sort of slip-resistent texture, and RaceDeck incorporates that along with easy cleanability such as moping.
I cannot give you a specific quote on the pricing of RaceDeck here, but I will tell you that it is comparable to that of a professionally-installed epoxy floor coating, plus it carries a 10 year warranty. You will need to call your local RaceDeck rep for their particular pricing in your area. RaceDeck can be reached at 800-457-0174, or 866-789-5927 in California.
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