Key takeaways
- Poor surface prep is the most common cause
- Moisture vapor pushes coatings off from below
- Hot tires can lift weak bonds
- A failed coating must be removed before a new one is applied
Prep problems
If the concrete was only swept, or was acid-etched unevenly, the coating has nothing to grip. Old sealers, oil and dust also stop a coating from bonding.
Grinding the slab to a clean, even profile is the best protection against peeling.
Moisture and heat
Water vapor moving up through a slab can build up under a coating and push it up in bubbles. A moisture test and a vapor barrier primer reduce that risk.
Hot tires can soften weak coatings and pull them up, especially at the driver's side. A well-bonded, tough topcoat resists this.
What to do now
A peeling floor cannot be coated over. The failed coating needs to be ground or stripped, the slab repaired and the cause addressed before a new system goes down.
A visit can tell you whether it is prep, moisture or product that failed, and what to do about it.
Related services
Quick answers
Can I patch a peeling spot?
Small spots can be patched, but peeling often spreads. If the cause is moisture or poor prep, a patch will not last.
How long should a coating last?
It depends on prep, moisture and use. A properly prepared floor can last many years.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-431-3789.