FAQ
Epoxy Flooring Questions, Answered
Answers to the questions we hear most often about garage floor coatings, polyaspartic systems, prep work, cost, and what separates a quality installation from one that peels in two years.
Prep & Installation
Why do you diamond grind instead of acid washing?
Diamond grinding creates a mechanical profile in the concrete surface — physical grooves that give the coating something to grip. Acid washing etches the surface chemically, but it doesn't create the same degree of profile, and it leaves behind residue that can interfere with adhesion. Every professional-grade epoxy and polyaspartic manufacturer recommends mechanical prep. We don't cut corners on prep because it's the single most important factor in how long a coating lasts.
How long does a garage floor coating take?
Most jobs span 2–4 days. We take the time needed to ensure the best possible product — rushing a coating installation is one of the main reasons floors fail early. Each phase (prep, base coat, flake broadcast, topcoat) requires proper cure time before the next layer goes down.
When can I walk or drive on my new floor?
You should stay off the floor for at least 24 hours after the final topcoat. Vehicle traffic should wait a minimum of 72 hours for full cure. Heavy vehicles and equipment should wait the full 72 hours as well. We'll confirm the exact timeline for your specific system before we leave.
Does the weather affect installation?
Yes. Temperature and humidity affect how epoxy and polyaspartic cure. We monitor conditions before every job and adjust our installation timing and material selection accordingly. Polyaspartic has a much wider application temperature range than standard epoxy, which is one reason we use it as our topcoat.
Materials & Systems
What is the difference between epoxy and polyaspartic?
Epoxy is the base system — it provides adhesion, build thickness, and color. Polyaspartic is an aliphatic urethane coating used as the topcoat. Polyaspartic is UV-stable (it won't yellow from sunlight), cures faster, and has higher abrasion resistance than standard epoxy. The best floor systems use both: epoxy or polyaspartic primer/base coat, and polyaspartic as the final wear layer. That's what we install on every project.
Will my floor yellow from Alabama's sun?
Not with our system. Standard epoxy topcoats are aromatic — they yellow and chalk when exposed to UV light. We use a UV-stable aliphatic polyaspartic topcoat specifically because it resists yellowing in Alabama's intense summer sun. Garages with south or west exposure, windows, or skylights need a UV-stable topcoat to maintain their appearance.
What is a full-broadcast vs partial-flake system?
Full-broadcast means vinyl flake chips are thrown into the wet base coat until the surface is completely covered — 100% chip coverage before the topcoat goes down. This creates maximum texture and completely hides the concrete below. Partial broadcast leaves some of the base color visible, creating a lighter, speckled appearance. Full-broadcast is more durable for high-use garage floors; partial is often preferred for finished basements and lighter-use spaces.
How is metallic epoxy different from other floor coatings?
Metallic epoxy uses pearl and metallic pigments suspended in a clear epoxy resin. As it's applied and manipulated, it creates flowing, three-dimensional patterns. No two metallic floors are identical. The system is finished with a UV-stable polyaspartic topcoat and is suitable for both garages and interior residential spaces.
Cost & Warranty
How much does epoxy flooring cost in Alabama?
Residential garage floor coatings typically range from $8–$12 per square foot depending on concrete condition, square footage, and the system selected. Metallic epoxy systems start at a higher price point. Commercial and industrial projects are quoted on a per-project basis. Contact us for a free on-site estimate — pricing is always transparent with no surprises.
What does the lifetime coating warranty cover?
For qualifying installations, our written lifetime coating warranty covers delamination, peeling, and coating failure caused by covered material defects or our installation/workmanship. It does not cover damage from abuse, chemical spills beyond the coating system’s specified use, or structural concrete issues identified and disclosed during the estimate. The written warranty supplied with your estimate or contract controls, including maintenance requirements and the process for reporting a claim.
Do you charge for estimates?
No. On-site estimates are always free. We visit your space, assess the concrete, walk through your options, and provide a detailed written quote at no cost or obligation.
Service Area & Logistics
What counties do you serve in Alabama?
We primarily serve Walker County, Jefferson County, Cullman County, and Tuscaloosa County. We serve Jasper, Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Trussville, Cullman, Tuscaloosa, and dozens of surrounding communities. Call us if you're unsure whether we serve your location.
Is Summit Surface owner-operated?
Yes. Summit Surface is owned and operated by Garrett Caldwell and Garrett Busby. As a small owner-operated company, quality control is personal — every job matters to us directly.
How far out are you booked?
Booking lead times vary by season. Spring and fall are peak seasons — we typically book 2–4 weeks out for residential projects. Call (205) 388-2815 for current availability.
Do you work on commercial projects?
Yes. We serve commercial clients including retail spaces, restaurants, warehouses, automotive facilities, and light industrial environments across North Central Alabama. Commercial projects often have scheduling flexibility requirements — call us to discuss your project.
Still Have Questions?
Call us directly — Garrett Caldwell and Garrett Busby answer their own phones.